Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - May 14, 2026
Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - May 14, 2026
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, to consider six evidentiary hearings and other business. The commission approved the minutes of the April 9 meeting, approved two applications with conditions, continued one application, and saw one application withdrawn.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes – April 9, 2026: Motion to approve passed 6-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Anthony Demings (812 Macumber Alley) spoke in opposition to the proposed new house at 814 Macumber Alley, citing concerns about its two-story height being out of scale with the one-story neighborhood, parking issues (cars sticking into the alley), and potential for overflow parking from short-term rentals. He requested the house be moved back and that a single-story design be considered.
Discussion Items
- 230 McRae Street (Old Business): This item was withdrawn at the applicant’s request prior to the hearing.
- 509 Orange Street – Rear Porch Enclosure: The applicant, James Seaver (owner), proposed enclosing a portion of the second-floor rear porch. Commissioners noted the use of wood siding and trim matching the existing house. A condition was added to retain a vertical trim board marking the original porch edge, and a backup condition allowing a new wood window if the relocated window cannot meet current code. Motion to approve with conditions passed unanimously (6-0).
- 814 Macumber Alley – New House Construction: Staff presented a proposal for a two-story, front-gable house with a stacked front porch and gravel parking area. Public comment from Anthony Demings raised concerns about scale, parking, and impacts on the alley’s character. Commission discussion focused on the building’s height, the stacked porch, and the lack of side windows. The applicant offered to remove the upper front porch or change the roof to a hip to soften the appearance. After debate, the commission voted to continue the item to the June 11, 2026 meeting to allow for a revised design. Motion to continue passed 6-0.
- 511 Grace Street – Rear Double Porch Construction: The applicant, Matt Ronnie (owner), proposed a stucco rear porch with arched openings, concrete balusters, and a French door replacing two vinyl windows. Commissioners praised the stewardship of the house and the design’s sensitivity to the French chateau style. Motion to approve with conditions passed unanimously (6-0).
- 218 McRae Street – Window Replacement with Composite Windows: The agent, David King, sought approval to replace six rear wood windows with composite (FiberX) windows due to water damage and inoperability. Commissioners expressed concern about lack of evidence of failed repairs, and encouraged restoration of original windows. After discussion, the applicant withdrew the application, indicating they would pursue wood-for-wood replacement via the administrative bypass process or seek a historic window specialist.
- 214 McRae Street – After-the-Fact Approval of Accessory Building Location: David King explained that an accessory building approved under a previous Certificate of Appropriateness (MJW-26-2511) had been built slightly outside the approved footprint into a common area. The HOA had voted to allow the extension. Commissioners noted the unusual situation and added a condition referencing the prior COA. Motion to approve with conditions passed unanimously (6-0).
Key Outcomes
- Approved (with conditions): 509 Orange Street, 511 Grace Street, 214 McRae Street (all 6-0).
- Continued: 814 Macumber Alley to June 11, 2026 (6-0).
- Withdrawn: 218 McRae Street (no vote needed).
- Other Business: Commissioner inquired about the status of the Bridgers Mansion (Greystone). Staff indicated no recent updates and committed to follow up with the property owner before the next meeting.
- Meeting adjourned after completion of all agenda items.
Meeting Transcript
Yeah, I'm sure. Welcome to the Historic Preservation Commission meeting on this Thursday, May 14th, 2026. Hearings before the Historic Preservation Commission are quasi-judicial in nature. This is a design review process to determine if the proposed project is congruous with the special character of the historic district or landmark. Decisions of the commission are based on the record of these proceedings. I'm sorry, historic districts and landmarks, and the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Evidence submitted to the Commission for review becomes a part of the record. Appeals of commission decisions are made to the Wilmington Board of Adjustment and then the Superior Court and are based on the record. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the date of the Commission's action. Evidence is received during the evidentiary hearing portion of an agenda item. Those who want to address the commission are sworn as a witnesses to present material and substantial evidence to the commission. The chair recognizes those who want to submit such evidence during the evidentiary hearing. Evidence should be directed to the commission. To ensure that evidence is properly recorded, please come to the podium, address the commission, state your name and address, and speak clearly. Members of the Historic Preservation Commission are appointed by the city council and serve it as discretion. Our responsibility is to protect and preserve properties within the city's historic designated city's designated historic districts. We adhere to their Wilmington design standards for historic districts and landmarks, as well as applicable North Carolina state law to assess whether exterior changes align with the unique character of the city's historic districts. Please remember that our deliberation should center on how a project meets the design standards and whether the proposed change is congruous or not. Commissioners, if you have received or been made aware of any outside evidence related to any of the matters, please recuse yourself. And if you would also please everyone turn off your cell phones or set them to silent mode, and thank you for that. And if the commissioners would please introduce themselves over to my left. Beth Rutledge, Alison Watts. Christopher Yermal. Ashley Wilson. Stephen Sulkey. Ross Thomas Ellie. And uh Amy over here will swear in any witnesses who wish to speak this evening. If I could have all staff, applicants, and members of the public, anybody who wishes to speak this evening will need to stand up and raise your right hand. Please note that you must stand up and be sworn in in order to speak this evening. Thank you. Um first item of business. Uh in regards to the meeting minutes from our last meeting on April 9th, 2026. Any uh changes needed, questions, comments, or would someone like to make a motion to approve. I'll make a motion to approve. Is there a second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That passes. Thank you. Um then uh 230 McCray Street that has been withdrawn. So new business, 509 uh 509 Orange Street. Good evening. Hearing two is for the proposal to enclose a portion of the rear second story porch at 509 Orange Street. The property is located on the north side of Orange Street, three parcels east of the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Orange Street. The subject houses a contributing resource to the historic district residential neighborhood. And in this district, all facades of the building and site are subject to design review. The following property description is adapted from the Wilmington Historic District boundary report. The Taylor House constructed 1904 is a two-story residence featuring a hipped roof with projecting pediment gables.
openpublica.com