Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – August 14, 2025

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 7:25 p.m. and covered nine agenda items, including one continuation and eight decisions on exterior alterations in historic districts.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from July 10, 2025, were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• For 1619 Chestnut Street, applicant Sean Winders stated the wall project is for making the house a livable home, not a flip or rental, and emphasized the need for privacy and security for his two large dogs.
• For 1705 Chestnut Street, representative David Lisle testified that the house requires lifting to address moisture issues and that windows are beyond repair; he was open to using all-wood windows.
• For 304 North 15th Street, applicant Alyssa Thompson said the deck and screened porch will enhance the backyard and increase property value, with little visibility from the street.
• For 1419 Market Street, applicant Erica Schierholz expressed no preference on drainpipe location but wanted the dryer vent on the rear porch for ease of cleaning.
• For 112 South 7th Street, applicant Meagan Bond detailed extensive restoration efforts and explained that chimney removal is necessary due to water intrusion and mold, citing a $12,000 cost to rebuild vs. $1,000 to remove.
• For 1403 Market Street, landscape architect Amanda MacLeod and architect Matt Spiba clarified that pavers cannot extend into the right-of-way; Pastor Brock Meyer expressed strong support for the project to improve accessibility and welcome.
• For 23 North Front Street, applicant Laurie Jackson thanked staff for historic photographs and noted that the project will seek historic tax credits.

Discussion Items

• 501 South 5th Avenue (Continued): No additional information was received; the item was continued unanimously to the September 11, 2025, meeting.
• 1619 Chestnut Street (Wall installation): Commissioners approved a 6-foot red brick lattice wall and a 6-foot by 9-foot black wood gate on a corner lot after confirming the wall would replace an unstable existing wall.
• 1705 Chestnut Street (Major restoration): Following extensive discussion about window restoration vs. replacement, commissioners approved lifting the house onto an elevated slab, replacing doors and most windows, removing a secondary stucco chimney, and restoring siding and trim. The seven windows facing Chestnut Street must be attempted repair; if repair proves infeasible, additional evidence of deterioration is required. The motion included a condition for all-wood replacement windows.
• 20 South 3rd Street (Fence installation): Approved a white wood picket fence matching the existing property line fence on a corner lot. The applicant was not present.
• 304 North 15th Street (Rear deck with screen porch): Approved a 528-square-foot L-shaped deck with a 14x22-foot screened porch, using composite decking and Hardie siding for new construction. Commissioners accepted the use of Hardie board for new construction.
• 1419 Market Street (Dryer vent and drainpipe): Approved relocation of the dryer vent to the rear porch and installation of a drainpipe along the white trim on the rear porch's edge (Option B for vent, Option 2 for pipe) after discussion about minimizing visibility. Chairman Yermal voted no.
• 112 South 7th Street (Chimney removal): Approved removal of two non-functional, deteriorated chimneys above the roofline due to water intrusion and safety concerns. Chairman Yermal voted no, preferring rebuilding.
• 1403 Market Street (Trinity United Methodist Church site redesign): Approved with 17 conditions a comprehensive site redesign including a new canopy, entry porch, ADA ramp, permeable pavers, fence, monument sign, and parking reconfiguration. Commissioners praised the design quality.
• 23 North Front Street (Storefront replacement): Approved replacement of non-original storefront with a new system consistent with historic photographs, using clear glazing and a steel system that will not damage existing iron pilasters.

Key Outcomes

• All items except the continuation were approved. Votes were 7-0 for most items; two items had a single dissenting vote (Chairman Yermal voted no on 1419 Market Street and 112 South 7th Street).
• Continuation: 501 South 5th Avenue continued to September 11, 2025.
• Next Meeting: The commission will meet on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the new City Council Chambers at 929 North Front Street. Vice Chair Keston reminded staff to note the venue change on public hearing signs.