Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Chairman Christopher Yermal presided; Commissioners Joan Keston, Beth Rutledge, Stephen Sulkey, Alison Watts, and Ashley Wilson were present, and Ross Tomaselli was absent. The quasi-judicial hearing included sworn testimony, staff reports, design-standard review, and votes on eight evidentiary matters. All votes were 6-0.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes of the March 12, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously (6-0) as presented.

Evidentiary Hearings – Decisions

• 230 McRae Street – New house construction: Continued to May 14, 2026, because staff said additional applicant information was needed.
• 226 South Front Street – Major renovation and rear addition: Approved with staff conditions and use of Rear Porch Proposal Option 3.
• 503 Grace Street – After-the-fact carport: Denied.
• 16 North 16th Street – Front awning on St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Approved with staff conditions.
• 107 South 5th Avenue – Window alterations and foundation infill: Approved with conditions, including brick selection and mortar review at the administrative bypass level, softer mortar (Type N or softer, not Type S) for repointing, and retention of window trim while infilling the former opening.
• 214 North 7th Street – New double porch: Approved with staff conditions.
• 211 Polvogt Alley – Replacing fence gates with interior doors: Denied.
• 109 South 7th Street – Garage roof modification: Withdrawn before the hearing; no vote.
• 410 North 15th Street – Side patio to deck construction: Approved with staff conditions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Molly Simon (308 South Front Street) expressed concern about the increase in square footage at 226 South Front Street and the possibility of future development on the adjacent parcel. Staff clarified the conditioned square footage would grow from approximately 4,430 square feet to 6,304 square feet.
• Anthony Demings (812 Macumber Alley) spoke against the 503 Grace Street carport, saying it looked inconsistent with the historic district and preferred an attached structure with a roof matching the house.
• Greg Thompson (109 South Fifth Avenue), the neighboring property owner, supported the 107 South 5th Avenue project but raised concerns about deteriorated brick piers, structural integrity, and appropriate brick and mortar selection. He submitted additional photographs.
• Tim Schombert, property owner at 211 Polvogt Alley, spoke in favor of the door-gate proposal and offered to reduce the door height.
• Lindsey Richards, owner of the adjacent 213 Polvogt Alley property, expressed concerns about fence height, access, maintenance, and the fence’s proposed location.
• No public comment was offered on the 214 North 7th Street or 410 North 15th Street applications.

Discussion Items

• 226 South Front Street: Staff reported the project included front porch reconstruction, a second-story front balcony, window and siding restoration, a rear addition and covered rear porch, brick foundation repair/painting, and new garage carriage doors; the roof color was changed from black to gray. Applicant Brooks Addis said the owners preferred the first rear porch option, but the commission selected Option 3 because its scale was more compatible.
• 503 Grace Street: The carport was a 10-foot by 15-foot galvanized steel structure, about 8 feet high at the center and 6 feet 3 inches on the sides, and not permanently affixed. The applicant’s representative said it was at the end of the driveway, did not create a false sense of history, and submitted a neighborhood petition. Commissioners cited appearance, precedent, and storm-safety concerns, but indicated a redesigned, more compatible structure could be considered in the future.
• 16 North 16th Street: Applicant Maitland DuBois said existing church doors had sun and water damage and the awning would protect planned $25,000 mahogany replacement doors; the copper and black metal elements were intended to complement the church. Caleb Lee, the church rector/director, reiterated that new doors were planned and the awning was meant to protect them.
• 107 South 5th Avenue: Applicant representative Brian Saunders, the general contractor, said the bathroom window would be reused at the kitchen to improve the layout, with matching wood siding and brick curtain walls inset about three inches. Commissioners discussed historically appropriate mortar, brick selection, and preserving evidence of the original window opening.
• 214 North 7th Street: Applicant Kate Holliday said balusters would be custom-made to resemble the front porch and the rear railings would meet current code. The commission discussed whether gutters should be copper or stainless steel because of theft concerns.
• 211 Polvogt Alley: The request involved two reclaimed six-panel interior wood doors, 80 inches tall plus an optional four-inch header, used as fence gates in place of a 36-inch-wide gate and a 32-inch-wide gate. Applicant Phillip Hickson requested the interior doors for a more artistic appearance and privacy related to neighboring Airbnb activity. Staff confirmed no prior approval existed for using interior doors as fence gates, and the fence itself had already been approved through the administrative bypass process. Commissioners considered the door material inappropriate and a poor precedent.
• 410 North 15th Street: Applicant Greg Vasser proposed an 18-foot by 24-foot Trex composite deck in “Malted Barley,” with permanently affixed countertops and a grill, partially visible from the public right-of-way; he had no additional comments.

Key Outcomes

• All motions passed 6-0.
• The commission continued 230 McRae Street to May 14, 2026.
• Approved: 226 South Front Street, 16 North 16th Street, 107 South 5th Avenue, 214 North 7th Street, and 410 North 15th Street.
• Denied: 503 Grace Street and 211 Polvogt Alley.
• Withdrawn: 109 South 7th Street.
• Staff reported that the local landmark designation for the Marietta William House will be considered by City Council on April 21, 2026.
• Staff reported that a tree inspection identified 12 trees at 125, 202, and 210 South Third Street as at the end of their lifespan; they will be removed and replaced. Commissioners requested more information on species and replacement plans; staff indicated most were likely laurel oaks.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.