Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – September 14, 2023

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. and adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Commissioners present: Chair Kathleen Egan, Stephen Sulkey, Ross Tomaselli, Ashley Wilson, Alison Watts. Members absent: Ron Wilson and Vice-Chair Christopher Yermal. The commission considered three evidentiary hearings, approved minutes, received updates on tree removal, and discussed commission business.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – August 10, 2023: The minutes were approved by a 5-0 vote (motion by Stephen Sulkey, second by Ashley Wilson).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 217 McRae Street (Item 2): Travis Gilbert, representing the Historic Wilmington Foundation (211 Orange Street), spoke in support of the project overall but expressed concern that the proposed brick patio in the front yard could become a parking area, which would be inappropriate under design standards. He suggested that the commission require dimensions or a binding condition to prevent vehicle parking. Commissioners noted his concern and incorporated a landscaping condition into the approval.
• No public comments were made on Items 1 or 3.

Discussion Items

Item 1: 111 N 15th Street – New Accessory Structure (Garage)

• Staff (Megan Bacik) presented the proposal to construct a new garage on the existing foundation of a fire-destroyed garage at 111 North 15th Street (Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace Historic District Overlay). The garage would be 508 sq. ft., approximately 12 feet tall, with standing seam metal roof, engineered wood siding, and specific trim and window details. The existing garage was previously approved for demolition.
• The applicant, Jeffery Litzinger, answered questions and confirmed that siding would have smooth side facing outward (condition 6).
• No opposition or public testimony.
• Outcome: Motion to approve with conditions (1-8 from staff report) passed 5-0.

Item 2: 217 McRae Street – New Residential Infill Construction

• Staff (Jessica Baldwin) presented a proposal for a new two-story dwelling (1,704 sq. ft., 31’5.5” height) on a 3,642 sq. ft. lot. The design includes vertical board-and-batten siding, a front porch with columns, brick pavers in front, and a shared driveway. The property is non-contributing but within the Historic District – Residential, so all facades are subject to design review.
• The applicants (architect Sam Guidry and owner Alberto Diaz) explained the design intent, including preserving the existing brick boundary wall and using pavers for a courtyard with potted plants. They agreed to revisit the paver extent.
• Commissioner questions focused on the brick pavers, the shared driveway, and the removal of a pecan tree (stop-work order issued). Commissioner Watts expressed preference for a lower front porch and less paver area.
• Public comment (Travis Gilbert) reiterated concerns about the paver area becoming parking.
• During deliberation, commissioners agreed to require a landscaping plan through administrative bypass to ensure the front yard remains planted and not used for parking.
• Outcome: Motion to approve with conditions (1-8 from staff report) plus additional direction on landscaping to prevent driveway use, passed 5-0.

Item 3: 518 South 3rd Street – Installation of Vinyl Windows

• Staff (Megan Bacik) presented a request to replace three wood single-pane windows on the second story with Window World 4000 vinyl double-hung windows. The property is a contributing resource (Ross Chadburn House, c. 1898). Staff noted that vinyl windows were previously installed without a COA and that the design standards prohibit vinyl.
• Applicant Margaret Alto, owner, stated the windows do not open, creating a safety egress issue, and that a contractor said they could not be repaired. She noted the existing vinyl windows on the second floor were installed by a previous owner.
• Commissioners discussed that vinyl is not allowed by design standards and suggested seeking wood replacements from architectural salvage or lumber suppliers. Commissioner Wilson noted that ropes and pulleys could fix the windows if they were original, but they were likely replaced in the late 1990s.
• Outcome: Motion to deny the request passed 5-0.

Items from Commission

• Commissioner Stephen Sulkey commended the commission’s infill approvals, noting that several recently approved projects are well-executed and enhance the historic district.

Items from Staff – Tree Removal on Market Street

• Staff (Jessica Baldwin) informed the commission that the City of Wilmington plans to remove 19 trees along Market Street (between 12th and 21st Streets) due to disease and public safety hazards. 17 trees are confirmed for removal; two require further evaluation.
• City Arborist Aaron Reese presented the replanting plan: 17 trees will be replaced (mostly live oaks, 3-inch caliper) under a contract with a one-year maintenance warranty. The remaining two trees will be evaluated. Stump grinding across the city is also being contracted (approx. 400 stumps).
• Commissioner Ashley Wilson expressed resident concerns about previous tree removals and maintenance. Mr. Reese confirmed that signage will be posted before work begins and that tree crews will sequence removal block by block with partial lane closures.
• Chair Egan asked about community meetings; Mr. Reese stated that presentations had been made to City Council.

Key Outcomes

• 111 N 15th Street: Approved 5-0 with conditions.
• 217 McRae Street: Approved 5-0 with conditions, including administrative bypass for landscaping to prevent parking.
• 518 South 3rd Street: Denied 5-0; vinyl windows not permitted.
• Tree Removal: Staff provided an update; no formal vote required. The project will proceed with public notification and contracted replanting.
• Next meeting scheduled: Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.