Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 12, 2026

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, to consider three agenda items: approval of minutes, two evidentiary hearings for property alterations, and a local landmark designation. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – January 8, 2026: The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting with a motion passed 7-0. No changes or discussion were noted.

Evidentiary Hearings

Item 1: 409 North 15th Street – New Side Elevation Portico

• Applicant: Ben Riggle, Historic Preservation Manager, presented the request to construct a wood-frame gable portico over a side entrance previously approved in 2024. The property is a contributing Cape Cod style dwelling (c. 1931) in the Carolina Heights Historic District. Staff recommended three conditions (e.g., portico to match front entrance style, compliance with code). No public testimony. The commission approved unanimously 7-0 with conditions.

Item 2: 708 Market Street – Rear Addition and New Carriage House

• Applicant/Property Owner: Jack Calderon, 708 Market Street, presented plans for a rear addition and a four-bay carriage house (similar to a 2021 approval that was never executed). The Gilcrest House (c. 1894) is a Queen Anne dwelling in the Wilmington Historic District. Key discussion points included:
  • Removal of a 14-inch gum tree (protected if >15 inches, but applicant agreed to replace with a native tree of appropriate size, to be coordinated with staff).
  • Modification to eliminate a second-floor Juliet balcony on the west exposure, replacing it with solid siding.
  • Fencing: applicant agreed to use wrought iron instead of chain link; a six-foot gate on the South 7th Street frontage was debated (front yard fences typically limited to 4 feet). The gate will be set back 15–20 feet and taper from 6 to 4.5 feet; applicant agreed to 4 feet if required.
  • Parking: eight spaces provided (four in garage, four on gravel), meeting code requirements for a four-unit condominium.
  • Trash: residents will bring individual city bins to the street; no communal dumpster planned.
• Public Testimony:
  • Jenna Alt Holcomb (17 South 7th Street, adjacent neighbor) spoke in favor of improvements but raised concerns about parking strain on South 7th Street (narrow street, existing on-street parking issues), the single 12-foot driveway causing trash truck maneuverability problems, and uncertainty about grading/fencing plans. She requested clarity on the South 7th Street frontage plan before approval.
  • Eileen Ashton (14 & 16 South 7th Street) supported parking concerns, noting difficulty finding street parking.
• Commission Deliberation: Concerns focused on tree replacement, fence material (no new chain link), gate height, and the Juliet balcony removal. The applicant expressed willingness to cooperate.
• Motion: Approved 7-0 with conditions 1–9 from staff report, plus condition 10 (solid siding wall on west exposure in lieu of balcony) and condition 11 (replace gum tree per staff coordination).

Other Business

Item 3: Mary Etta Williams House Local Landmark Designation – 709 North 8th Street

• Staff: Alden Finholm, Preservation Planner I, presented the application for local landmark designation. The 1941 bungalow (contributing to the National Register Wilmington Historic District) has been owned by the same African American family since 1885. It is associated with educator Sadie Williams Joseph, who taught at the Rosenwald-funded Kane Tuck School. The current owner, Tammy Graham (granddaughter), has continued the family’s educational legacy. Staff noted the property’s significance for post-emancipation landownership and resilience through the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and Jim Crow era.
• Commission Question: Commissioner noted the roof has been replaced (modern striated metal vs. original 5V tin) and requested that the designation not claim the roof as historic. Staff agreed to note this in the record.
• Applicant Testimony: Tammy Graham (709 North 8th Street) spoke emotionally about discovering the property’s history, including family oral accounts of the 1898 riot. She expressed gratitude for the designation.
• Public Testimony: None additional beyond the applicant.
• Commission Deliberation: Applauded the thorough research and recognized the property’s significance. No opposition.
• Motion: Approved 7-0 with conditions (property becomes subject to design review by the HPC for any exterior changes).

Key Outcomes

• All three agenda items passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 1 (409 N 15th St): Approved with staff conditions for portico construction.
• Item 2 (708 Market St): Approved with 11 conditions, including tree replacement, solid wall instead of balcony, and use of wrought iron (not chain link) for new fencing. The gate height will be resolved per zoning requirements (likely 4 feet on the 7th Street frontage). Parking and trash arrangements are per code and applicant’s plan.
• Item 3 (709 N 8th St): Local landmark designation approved, making future exterior changes subject to HPC review. The property’s roof replacement will be noted as non-historic.
• No items from commission or staff were raised.
• Meeting adjourned after unanimous vote.