Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - July 14, 2022

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Vice-Chair Christopher Yermal presided, with six commissioners present. The meeting included five evidentiary hearings on proposed exterior alterations to properties within historic districts, followed by discussion on future commission priorities. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Travis Gilbert (Historic Wilmington Foundation) supported allowing six months for the applicant at 411 Nun Street to find a suitable door, suggesting the Cape Fear Community College construction class (starting August 16) could use it as a restoration project.
• Eileen Ashton (16 South 7th Street) opposed the fence and driveway proposal at 101 S 7th Street, citing concerns about cutting the brick wall, removing trees, and harming a large tree on the property.
• Nicole Hampton (621 Dock Street) opposed the fence style (wood on concrete) and the addition of a driveway, and asked about an old well/cistern and a temporary construction fence on site.

Discussion Items

• 411 Nun Street – After-the-fact door replacement: The applicant, Kevin Doyle and Monica Jenks, acknowledged the new mahogany door was not congruous with the Italianate-style house (built circa 1891, contributing) and agreed to replace it. They noted difficulty finding an appropriate door. Commissioners suggested sources and discussed timing. Vice-Chair Yermal clarified that a new door could be approved via the bypass process once selected. After a public comment from Travis Gilbert requesting more time, the commission deliberated on a six-month compliance window.
• 101 S 7th Street – Corner lot fence and driveway: Applicant Matthew Hon sought a wood picket fence atop an existing concrete knee wall, a six-foot privacy fence in the rear, a driveway, and a brick patio. Commissioners expressed concerns about the aesthetic compatibility of wood on a brick house, the integrity of attaching to the wall, the height jump from 4 to 6 feet on a corner, and the lack of detailed drawings. Public commenters opposed the project, raising issues about the wall removal, tree loss, and the temporary construction fence. After discussion, the commission agreed to continue the item to August 11, 2022, to allow the applicant to provide scaled site plans, details of fence materials (with a preference for metal), and information on tree preservation and the cistern.
• 19 N 7th Street – Roof material replacement: Applicant Nancy Lee Frydland requested replacing historic slate with architectural shingles on the main house and standing seam metal on the porch. Staff noted a trend of slate replacement. Commissioners suggested using a slate-style asphalt shingle rather than standard architectural shingles. The applicant agreed. There was some discussion about providing evidence of water intrusion. The commission conditionally approved the roof replacement, requiring the applicant to submit a bypass application for the specific slate-style shingle, preserve salvageable slate, and maintain existing chimneys and vents.
• 103 Ann Street – Siding replacement and window: Contractor Jeff Serens, on behalf of homeowner Janet Wheeler, proposed replacing existing wood windows with vinyl windows and installing HardyPlank siding and new shutters. The property is a non-contributing townhouse built in 1970. Staff recommended wood windows per design standards. After debate, commissioners voted 4-2 to allow vinyl windows with conditions requiring simulated divided lites, a spacer bar, clear glass, and a six-over-six pattern. The siding and paint color (Benjamin Moore Simply White) were approved. Two commissioners voted against, preferring wood windows.
• 1902 Market Street – Corner lot fence modification: Applicant Adrian Monte requested changing an already-approved fence from 4-foot picket to 6-foot privacy fence in the rear yard for noise and privacy from an alley. Commissioners sought clarification on setback and potential damage from alley traffic. The motion to approve passed 6-0 with conditions limiting the fence to six feet, requiring inward-swinging gates, and setting the fence within property lines.
• Items from the Commission: Commissioner Michael Smith raised the need for a special meeting to discuss congruency guidelines, particularly fence height and location. Assistant City Attorney Melissa Huffman stated staff is compiling issues and expects to have discussions in the fall once the new Planning Director is settled.
• Items from Staff: Planner Jessica Baldwin reported that staff is working on a Request for Proposals for a historic property study and review of existing historic districts.

Key Outcomes

• 411 Nun Street: Approved 6-0 with conditions, including six months to replace the door with a historically appropriate style via bypass application.
• 101 S 7th Street: Continued 6-0 to August 11, 2022, for additional plans and details.
• 19 N 7th Street: Approved 6-0 with conditions requiring a slate-style shingle (bypass approval), preservation of existing chimneys and vents, and salvage of usable slate.
• 103 Ann Street: Approved 4-2 with conditions allowing vinyl windows (with simulated divided lites, spacer bar, clear glass, six-over-six pattern); final shutter design must be submitted before COA issuance.
• 1902 Market Street: Approved 6-0 with conditions regarding fence height, gates, and placement within property lines.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 11, 2022.