HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRSC 08-08-17 - approved 08-22-17Design Review Subcommittee
of the Elgin Heritage Commission
August 8, 2017
Minutes
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers (Located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) by Chairman Wiedmeyer.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Roberson, Scott Savel (6:02), Rebecca Hunter, Bill Ristow, and John Wiedmeyer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dennis Roxworthy and Lynne Diamond
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
No minutes were presented for consideration.
RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT:
None
PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION:
Old Business
132 Hill Avenue – Reconstruction of front and side porch handrails
New Business
803 N. Spring Street – Removal of single front door and sidelights and install double doors at
front entrance
1013 Douglas Avenue – Replace concrete stoop with brick pavers
419-421 N Spring Street – Restoration of original siding
163 Hill Avenue – Fence installation
456 Douglas Avenue – Window and door replacement (rear)
384 St. Charles Street – Rear egress stair replacement and construction of addition over rear
basement entrance.
ITEMS TABLED:
Due to nonrepresentation, 163 Hill Avenue was tabled.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 2 of 18
OLD BUSINESS:
132 Hill Avenue – Reconstruction of front and side porch handrails
**This item was tabled due to the request for a new design of wood handrails at the front
and side porch to match the style of the home and not the style of the 1959 stoops.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to un-table items E1 for discussion (representatives
for the properties in attendance for tonight’s meeting).
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ristow.
The motion passed unanimously.
The applicant has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriat eness to reconstruct
the front porch handrails. The COA application has been filed as a corrective action to the
following violations:
1. Removal of existing metal handrails and installation of wood handrails without a COA
and Building Permit.
The front porch has been altered several times since the building was constructed, however,
originally when the building was built there was a front stoop at the general location of where
the current front stoop is located.
The stoop roof at the front and side porch were installed in 1959 along with the metal
handrails. The applicant is proposing to install wood handrails at the front and side porches to
match the style of the home and not the style of the stoops.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Porches
A. Should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing
B. Should be repaired or replaced to match the original in design, materials, scale and
placement
C. Should be screened only if the structural framework for the screen panels is minimal
and the open appearance of the porch is maintained. Screen panels should be
placed behind the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide
decorative details or result in the removal of original porch materials.
D. Should have steps of the same material as the porch floor (e.g. porches with wood
floors should also have steps made of wood, not concrete or brick)
E. Should have poured concrete steps if the porch, patio or terrace floor is made of
concrete (see section on Porch Steps).
F. Should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the façade,
if the porch floor is made of wood.
G. Should have trellises made of wood, if trellises are appropriate.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
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H. Should be filled in as traditional for the type and style of the house or with
decorative wood framed skirting, vertical slats, or lattice panels, if open areas in the
foundation exist.
I. Should not be removed if original to the dwelling
J. Should not be enclosed with wood, glass, or other materials which would alter the
porch’s open appearance.
Porch Columns and Railing
A. Should be preserved and maintained. Where repair is required, use materials to
match the original in dimensions and detailing.
B. Should be rebuilt in historic designs if the original columns and railings have been
removed or replaced
C. Should have new balusters for the railing, if required. Porch balusters (also called
spindles) should be appropriate for the building’s style and period. The height of the
railing should be in line with the window sill level, if present, and no greater than 30
inches in height.
Porch Staircases and Steps
A. Should be retained in their original location and configuration , if original to the
property. Wood and concrete steps should be repaired with materials to match the
original.
B. Should be replaced with wood rather than brick or concrete, if the porch floor is
made of wood.
C. Should have their tread constructed in either 5/4x12 or 2x12 lumber. The ends of
the treads should be bull-nosed and overhang the riser by no less than 1 inch.
D. Should have newel posts and balusters, treads and risers, to match original porch
construction.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following
recommendations:
1. The handrail shall have a 2x4 top rail with chamfered edges, ¾” cove, 2x2 square
balusters, with a maximum spacing of 2.5”. That the bottom rail is a 2x4 with chamfered
edges, installed 2” above finished floor.
2. That the newel posts are added to the bottom of the stairs and shall be a 6x6 newel post
with a 1x base wrap, topped with a post cap and ball.
3. All front and side porch details shall match the attached rendering.
4. All front and side porch details shall be primed and painted.
5. That all other details meet the Design Review Subcommittee’s recommendations.
*****
Viviana Luna (owner’s daughter) was present for tonight’s COA discussion:
The Commission stated that the owner should be given an option to use either the 5” ball cap
or a square hipped cap to place on top of the newel posts.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 4 of 18
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with staff recommendations and the
following amendments: A 5” ball cap or a square hipped cap shall be installed on top of newel
posts.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ristow.
The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
803 N. Spring Street – Removal of single front door and sidelights and install double doors at
front entrance
The applicant has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to
request approval for the removal of the existing front door, sidelights and transom (no glass in
transom nor sidelights, only a panel that exists) and installation of a salvaged, wood double -
door at this location.
The applicant stated that originally the home had double-doors at this location and would like
to install two solid cherry doors with simple arched raised molding with Eastlake designed
hardware. The doors were salvaged from ReStore. The homeowner noted that there are hinge
marks on both sides of the door frame and they were shown an older photograph from a
neighbor that showed double-doors at this location. However, they no longer have that
photograph.
The transom and sidelights will be removed to accommodate the salvaged doors. The double -
doors that were found do not fill the opening completely as they are 3 inches short of the door
frame. The applicant is proposing to infill the 3 inch gap with a painted piece of wood with
decorative edging.
The applicant is also proposing to replace the bases of two columns on the front porch due to
deterioration to match in kind to the existing bases as well as paint the home in are as of
faded/peeling paint. To note, the last requests can be approved by staff over -the-counter.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Doors and Door Features
A. should be replaced with new doors appropriate for the style and period of the dwelling.
Replacement doors should be similar in design to the original in style, glazing (type of
glass and area) and lights (pane configuration). Wood or solid core fiberglass are
acceptable materials for use in replacement doors.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 5 of 18
B. should be constructed of solid wood panels, such as the four-panel Homestead or
Italianate design may be used on the front if appropriate to the style of the house.
C. should involve glazing in clear etched or beveled glass as appropriate to the style of the
house, if applicable.
D. should only involve artificial materials such as “lexan” or other acrylic based materials, if
applicable.
E. should not be removed or altered. The original size of the door opening should not be
enlarged, reduced, or shortened in height.
F. should not be replaced by doors with new designs, especially those at the front
entrance or at side entrances which are readily visible from the street.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval with the following specifications:
1. The existing single front door shall be salvaged or kept on property for possible reuse in
the future.
*****
Jennifer Van Duyn (owner) was present for tonight’s COA discussion:
The Commissioners stated that the 3” trim piece shall be connected/tied into the existing trim
and not to the doors. The owner stated that they still have not decided a final design for the
trim piece. The Commissioners stated that staff can have final approval of design for trim piece.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with staff recommendations and the
following amendments of: 3” trim piece shall tie into the existing trim and not the doors and
that a final design of the trim piece shall be presented and approved by staff prior to
installation.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ristow.
The motion passed unanimously.
1013 Douglas Avenue – Replace concrete stoop with brick pavers
The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to replace the concrete
stoop with natural stone veneer and sidewalk with brick pavers.
The sidewalk exhibits several areas of cracked and heaved concrete of which the owners are
proposing to remove and replace with brick pavers.
The applicant’s also noted that the stoop exhibits a spall, though, currently is cosmetic. Staff
explained to the applicant that original materials must be retained and restored if they are not
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 6 of 18
beyond repair. The applicant noted that the contractors they spoke to stated that they could
repair the area but would not guarantee the work.
The applicant’s also stated that the adjacent homes are similar in style and have brick paver
sidewalks. In addition, the home adjacent to it, located at 1007 Douglas Avenue, has brick
pavers for its steps and landing at the front stoop.
The applicant also noted that the first step is connected to the existing sidewalk as one piece
and if they install a new sidewalk, the concrete step may not be able to be retained without
pieces of it being broken. It is also not level and has sunk/settled at the north corner by 4
inches. The natural stone veneer will be placed on top of the landing with the first step replaced
with a limestone slab. The applicant’s noted that they were trying to tie in the limestone on the
home by installing it on the stoop.
The applicant is also proposing stamped concrete as a secondary option for the stoop. The
stamped concrete will still have the look of the limestone found on the home and done in a
neutral color.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Porch Staircases and Steps
A. Should be retained in their original location and configuration, if original to the
property. Wood and concrete steps should be repaired with materials to match the
original.
B. Should be replaced with wood rather than brick or concrete, if the porch floor is made
of wood.
C. Should have their tread constructed in either 5/4x12 or 2x12 lumber. The ends of the
treads should be bull-nosed and overhang the riser no less than 1 inch.
D. Should have newel posts and balusters, treads and risers, to match original porch
construction.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff cannot recommend approval for the replacement of the original concrete porch with an
alternate material as this does not meet the Historic District Design Guidelines.
Staff would recommend the approval of the COA as submitted with the following conditions:
1. The concrete stoop shall be retained and repaired as it is an original f eature to the home
and is in overall good condition. If replaced, the new stoop shall match the existing in
material, texture, size, and design.
2. The first step shall be re-poured in concrete and re-leveled to match the existing step in
design/size/texture, etc.
3. The concrete sidewalk shall be replaced with brick pavers up to the porch stoop.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 7 of 18
However, there is evidence of differing material at the stoops at adjacent properties and there
is evidence of limestone on the home. If the Design Review Subcommittee approves the
request as proposed, staff would then recommend the following:
4. The proposed work shall match the submitted specifications not to exceed the footprint
of the existing stoop.
5. All other details to follow Design Review Subcommittee’s recommendations.
*****
Rudy and Lillian Galfi (owners) were present for tonight’s COA discussion:
The Commissioners noted that they would prefer the stamped concrete option versus installing
a stone veneer to the existing concrete stoop. The homeowners noted that they also would
prefer the stamped concrete.
Other items discussed including enlarging the existing stoop, while keeping the form/shape of
the stoop, so that it would accommodate moving the columns past the existing porch header.
This adjustment to the design is what would have been seen on historic porch stoops of this
style. The Commissioners also stated that the top of the stamped concrete stoop should be
smooth with rough edges to appear as limestone. They also asked that the stamped concrete
sidewalk (in a herringbone pattern) and the stamped concrete stoop be of a cream color to
match the existing limestone found on the home. The homeowners agreed to the
recommendations.
Motion made by Committee Member Roberson to approve with staff recommendations (items
#1-3) and the following requirements: 1. Stamped concrete shall be used at the sidewalk in a
herringbone pattern in a light color to match the existing brick on the home; 2. Stamped
concrete shall be used at the stoop with a smooth top and a rough finish edge to mi mic
limestone – the color to match as close as possible to the limestone on the home; 3. The stoop
shall be enlarged 4 inches with a 1” overhang lip; 4. The stoop shall maintain the original curve
of the existing steps; 5. The columns shall be moved outward so that the capitals extend
beyond the header.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ristow.
The motion passed unanimously.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
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419-421 N. Spring Street – Restoration of original siding
The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to restore the original siding
on the house and replace any missing architectural features. The house was formerly clad with
aluminum substitute siding. The applicant obtained a COA for the re moval with the condition
that Staff conduct a site inspection following the completion of the siding removal.
Staff conducted a site assessment on August 1, 2017. At that time the substitute siding was
removed. It was found that the original siding (clapboards) was in good condition with select
areas in need of replacement including several window sills, window trim, and corner boards. In
addition, the window hoods, bed molding, drip edge and colonettes at north elevation bay
window were removed when the substitute siding was installed and are proposed to be
recreated to match the existing profile found on the home. There is an oval window on the
south elevation that is proposed to be recreated with either a glass window or a black painted
panel set into a frame. The reasoning is the window is covered up with drywall at the interior.
The aluminum soffits are proposed to remain, unless applicant applies for the Substitute Siding
Removal Grant. If application is accepted, than all substitute siding shall be removed from the
home and original elements restored with spot replacement to match in kind at
deteriorated/beyond repair areas.
To note, the home was built sometime in the 1880s.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Wood Siding
A. Should be repaired rather than replaced, if original. If replacement is necessary, wood
siding and shingles should be replaced with new cement board or shingles to match the
original in size, placement, and design. Wood that has been concealed beneath
synthetic sidings such as aluminum, asbestos, or vinyl should be repaired and the
synthetic sidings removed. Following the removal of synthetic sidings the original siding
should be repaired to match the original, caulked and painted. If the "ghosts" or outlines
of decorative missing features are revealed, these should generally be replicated and
reinstalled. If these features are not replaced they should be recorded through
photographs or drawings for future replication.
B. Should be insulated if the addition of the insulation does not result in alterations to the
siding. The creation of plugs or holes for blown-in insulation is not acceptable.
C. Should have original asbestos shingles kept stained or painted. If asbestos shingle
siding is deteriorated or poses a health hazard, it may be removed and replaced with
wood or other substitute siding. Removal of asbestos siding should follow hazardous
material guidelines.
D. Should not be concealed beneath synthetic materials such as vinyl, masonite, or
aluminum, if original. Original siding should also not be concealed beneath wood based
materials such as particle board, gyp board, or press board. These materials generally
do not possess textures or designs which closely match original wood siding. However,
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 9 of 18
if more than 50% of the original siding material is damaged beyond repair, or missing,
substitute materials may be applied if the following conditions are met:
a. the existing damaged siding materials are removed prior to the installation of
substitute materials;
b. Vinyl material is not permissible. Rather, cement board is and should be
smooth without knots and be accented with trim
c. Finger jointed board stock is acceptable, however, natural continuous board
stock is preferable for use as siding.
The application of these materials must not result in the concealment of or removal
of original decorative detailing or trim including window and door surrounds.
However, if no trim or surrounds exist then new wood trim in the form of fascia,
corner boards, base boards, molding and windows should be installed.
Substitute materials should match the dimensions of the original wood siding as
closely as possible. The cement board should abut the wood trim and be caulked to
prevent moisture damage.
Paint Removal and Surface Preparation
A. Should be performed by manual scraping or by using appropriate chemical removers. A
paint shaver may be used, but with caution so as to avoid removal of wood siding .
B. Should be performed cautiously when removing paint through heat plates or heat guns
to avoid unnecessary damage to the wood through charring or fire.
C. Should not be removed by abrasive techniques such as sand or water blasting since this
can damage the wood and introduce moisture into the building.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the
following conditions:
1. Damaged siding shall be repaired, epoxy preferred
2. Nail holes must be patched with putty, epoxy preferred.
3. New siding shall be installed only as necessary with replacements-in-kind to match the
original siding profile, size and details.
4. All replacement wood material shall be clear (no knots), cedar and installed smooth side
out.
5. All deteriorated trim boards, window hoods, bed molding, crown molding and sills that
are beyond repair or missing shall match the existing in kind.
6. The window hoods shall be recreated to match the size, profile and design found on the
existing home.
7. The colonettes at north elevation window bay shall be recreated using shadow lines found
on the home.
8. Bed molding shall be recreated and installed along the frieze board.
9. Drip edge shall be recreated and installed along water table.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
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10. The oval window shall be recreated per the specifications indicated by the Design Review
Subcommittee.
11. Entire home shall be prepped, primed and painted.
*****
Felipe and Cathy Covarrubias (owners) were present for tonight’s COA discussion:
The Commissioners applauded the homeowners for taking the step to restore their home. They
noted that for the oval window, if the homeowners are not removing the drywall that is
beyond, that a smooth wood panel (MDO) should be painted with black gloss pain t set into a
frame. This would give an appearance that the window has glass and would cover the drywall
on the interior. The Commissioners also asked staff to provide the owners with a sketch of a
profile for the more elaborate window hoods.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with staff recommendations and the
following requirements: If the owners are not removing the drywall that is at the interior, the
oval window should have a smooth wood panel (MDO) that is painted with black gloss paint set
into a frame. If the owners plan to open up the drywall at the window, then glass set in a frame
shall be installed.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter.
The motion passed unanimously.
163 Hill Avenue – Fence installation
The property owner has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to replace the
existing wood picket fence along the north rear and side yard with a 5’-0” wood fence (4’-0”
high solid with 1’ high lattice work).
The applicant stated that the new fence will match the neighbor’s fence (159 Hill Avenue) that
was installed in 2002 on the Southeast portion of the property. The applicant also noted that
they would prefer not to stain or paint the fence for consistency as the fence separating their
yard and 159 Hill Avenue is also not painted.
To note, the current, picket fence is 4’-0” in height and extends past the rear corner of the
home 21’-0”.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Fences
A. Should be proportionate to the house and the design should be compatible with the
character of the building and district.
B. Should be painted white or a trim color related to the house, never left to weather or
given a stain finish.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 11 of 18
C. Of cat iron or other material of original design should be preserved.
D. Of cast iron may be added to buildings constructed in the late 19 th and early 20th
century. Cast iron fences are generally not appropriate for dwellings built after 1920.
E. If placed along common property lines should not be placed against another fence -
double line fencing is not permitted.
F. Should have posts that are set a minimum of 30 inches below grade and no more than
eight feet apart.
G. If wood, be of cedar, redwood or pressure treated pine, cypress or other rot resistant
wood.
H. That has a decorative gate or arbors must be submitted with a drawing complete with
dimensions.
Fences in Front Yards
I. Should be no higher than 36 inches with posts being slightly higher and having caps.
J. Should have pickets no wider than four inches with spacing between boards a minimum
of one inch up to the width of the board depending on the design of the fence
K. If applicable to the layout, should have a minimum of corner posts, end posts, and gate
posts which are slightly taller than the fence and five to ten inches thick with a cap and
finial. Line posts can be visible and decorative to compliment the main posts or e hidden
behind the picket design. Fences which cross a driveway or walkway should have gate
posts. Gates should be designed to swing onto the walkway or driveway, not onto the
public sidewalk.
Fences in Rear Yard
L. Built for privacy should not extend beyond the rear yard beginning at the back corner of
the house.
M. Built for privacy should have a minimum of gate post, corner post, and end posts which
are five to ten inches wide and taller than the pickets.
N. Can be constructed in the same low fence design found in the front yard.
O. Of wood boards or planks for privacy should be located in rear yards and be no taller
than six feet. Boards should be no more than six inches wide.
P. Privacy fences of flat boards with flat tops in a single row are most appropriate for the
historic districts. Vertical boards topped with lattice or picket are also appropriate as
privacy fences.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff cannot recommend approval as the height (5’-0”) in the side yard does not meet the
Historic District Guidelines. However, should the Design Review Subcommittee approve the
proposed, staff would then recommend the following:
1. The fence shall be no higher than 5’-0” at the side yard with 1’-0” of the fence as lattice.
2. The fence shall match the style found at 159 Hill Avenue.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 12 of 18
*****
No representation for this COA was present for tonight’s COA discussion, therefore the item
was tabled.
456 Douglas Avenue – Window and door replacement (rear)
The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to replace the 1970s
windows and doors with new wood windows to match windows found on the other areas of
the home and install new french doors at the rear as well as new rear landing and stairs.
The proposed work will be completed at the west and north elevations. The west elevation is
visible from Seneca Street and the work being completed at the north elevation is visible from
Douglas Avenue.
The work being completed at the west elevation, o ff of the kitchen, will include removal of the
existing door and the 1970s slider window and then installing new wood, double -hung windows
with trim to match the existing original trim and window found adjacent to the rear kitchen
door. The windows will be spaced equally. The existing, original window will be replaced as it is
in poor condition, however the trim will remain. The trim around the door will also be reused in
the installation of the new window at this location. The applicant noted that there ar e currently
three doors that have access into the kitchen and is there reasoning to remove the door at this
location.
The work being completed at the north elevation will include the removal of the existing French
doors and installing two double-hung windows – side by side, with matching trim found on the
original windows. French doors will then be installed at the area of the shed roof with door trim
to match the rest of the home. In addition, the landing and stairs that will be constructed at this
location will match design elements found at the front porch.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Windows
A. Which are original should be preserved in their original location, size, and design
and with their original materials and numbers of panes (glass lights).
B. Which are not original should not be added to primary facades or to secondary facades
where readily visible.
C. Should be repaired rather than replaced, but if replacement is necessary, the
recommended replacement should be in-kind to match the originals in material and
design. Windows clad in aluminum or baked-on aluminum are acceptable as
replacement windows for use throughout the structure. Factors to be considered in
determining whether the severity of deterioration of windows requires replacement
shall include but not be limited to the following factors: damage, excessive weathering,
loss of soundness or integrity of the wood, deterioration due to rot or insect attack, and
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 13 of 18
cost to repair. As to the factor of the cost to repair windows, a particular window may
be permitted to be replaced rather than repaired if the estimated cost to repair the
windows is more than the estimated cost of the purchase and installation of appropriate
replacement windows.
E. Vinyl extruded windows are not permitted for use in historic districts.
F. Which are new should not have snap-on or flush muntins. True divided muntins are
preferred over these types of muntins which do not have the same appearance as
historic windows. New muntins which are an integral part of the window sash and
installed on both sides of the glass are preferable to snap-on simple grilles.
G. screens and/or storms should be wood or baked-on or anodized aluminum and fit
within the window frames.
H. that are approved for replacement may be fitted with new double-paned Low-E glass
that will improve the energy conservation on the interior. Only low-e glass that does not
contain a tint should be used.
Porches
K. Should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing
L. Should be repaired or replaced to match the original in design, materials, scale and
placement
M. Should be screened only if the structural framework for the screen panels is minimal
and the open appearance of the porch is maintained. Screen panels should be
placed behind the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide
decorative details or result in the removal of original porch materials.
N. Should have steps of the same material as the porch floor (e.g. porches with wood
floors should also have steps made of wood, not concrete or brick)
O. Should have poured concrete steps if the porch, patio or terrace floor is made of
concrete (see section on Porch Steps).
P. Should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the façade,
if the porch floor is made of wood.
Q. Should have trellises made of wood, if trellises are appropriate.
R. Should be filled in as traditional for the type and style of th e house or with
decorative wood framed skirting, vertical slats, or lattice panels, if open areas in the
foundation exist.
S. Should not be removed if original to the dwelling
T. Should not be enclosed with wood, glass, or other materials which would alter the
porch’s open appearance.
Porch Columns and Railing
D. Should be preserved and maintained. Where repair is required, use materials to
match the original in dimensions and detailing.
E. Should be rebuilt in historic designs if the original columns and railings have been
removed or replaced
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 14 of 18
F. Should have new balusters for the railing, if required. Porch balusters (also called
spindles) should be appropriate for the building’s style and period. The height of the
railing should be in line with the window sill level, if present, and no greater than 30
inches in height.
Porch Staircases and Steps
E. Should be retained in their original location and configuration, if original to the
property. Wood and concrete steps should be repaired with materials to match the
original.
F. Should be replaced with wood rather than brick or concrete, if the porch floor is
made of wood.
G. Should have their tread constructed in either 5/4x12 or 2x12 lumber. The ends of
the treads should be bull-nosed and overhang the riser by no less than 1 inch.
H. Should have newel posts and balusters, treads and risers, to match original porch
construction.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the
following conditions:
Windows and Doors
1. That the proposed bathroom window shall be 1/1 double-hung, wood, and must match
in kind to the existing windows.
2. Window glass shall not be tinted but glass can be obscured at this location.
3. The trim around the windows and doors shall match, in kind, to the ori ginal windows
found on the home.
4. The door at the west elevation shall be salvaged or kept on the property to be possibly
reused at a later date.
Rear Porch
1. All rear porch elements to match design details found at the front porch including
design and size of newel posts, handrails, and balustrade.
2. That the stair treads shall 5/4” x 12 (recommended) or 2x12 and bull -nosed on 3 sides
and overhang the risers a minimum of 1”. Pressure treated wood or composite material
is acceptable. When using pressure treated wood for the stair treads, paint every side
with porch/deck enamel to deter any future cupping of the board. Use 3 -4 deck screws
(ceramic coated preferable) to adhere board to framing.
3. The flooring shall be 1x4 tongue and groove and installed perpendicular to the house.
Pressure treated wood or composite material (recommended) is acceptable.
4. Skirting shall be simpler than what is found at the front porch and shall be 1x4 vertical
slats spaced 1” apart with a top rimboard of 1x6 or 1x8 with a bottom rimboard of 1x4
and a 1x8 cornerboards.
5. That all other details match the attached rendering.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 15 of 18
6. All rear porch details shall be primed and painted.
*****
Andrew Scheeler (owner) was present for tonight’s COA discussion:
The Commissioners stated that the only comments they had regarding the proposed work
included that there is a spacer (casing) between the double windows at the north elevation
where the central casing was the same width as the side casings and that the sill at the west
elevation ran all the way across from the start of the first window to the last window.
Motion made by Committee Member Ristow to approve with staff recommendations and the
following requirements: 1. That there is a spacer (central casing) between the double windows
at the north elevation to match the same width as the outer casing and 2. that the sill at the
west elevation windows is to run along the entire length from the first window to the last.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roberson.
The motion passed unanimously.
384 St. Charles Street – Rear egress stair replacement and construction of addition over rear
basement entrance.
The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to
rebuild the rear porch on the building and construction of an addition that will lead into the
basement
The rear deck and access to the building is proposed to be rebuilt. However because of the
lower visibility of the structure from the street, the property owner is proposing a simpler
design.
The stair structure is minimally visible from the street and the proposed addition would not be
visible from the street.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Porches:
A. should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing.
B. should be repaired or replaced to match the original in design, materials, scale, and
placement.
C. should be screened only if the structural framework for the screen panels is minimal and
the open appearance of the porch is maintained. Screen panels should be placed behind
the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide decorative details
or result in the removal of original porch materials.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 16 of 18
D. should have steps of the same material as the porch floor (e.g. porches with wood floors
should also have steps made of wood, not concrete or brick).
E. should have poured concrete steps if the porch, patio or terrace floor is made of
concrete (see section on Porch Steps).
F. should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the façade, if
the porch floor is made of wood.
G. should have trellises made of wood, if trellises are appropriate.
H. should be filled in as traditional for the type and style of the house, or with decorative
wood framed skirting, vertical slats, or lattice panels, if open areas in the foundation
exist.
I. should not be removed if original to the dwelling.
J. should not be enclosed with wood, glass, or other materials which would alter the
porch's open appearance.
Additions
A. should be located at the rear of dwellings, not on the front or readily visible areas of the
sides of dwellings.
B. should be secondary (smaller and simpler) than the original dwelling in scale, design,
and placement.
C. should be of a compatible design in keeping with the original dwelling’s design, roof
shape, materials, color, and location of window, door, and cornice heights, etc.
D. should impact the exterior walls of the original dwelling as minimally as possible. When
building additions use existing door and window openings for connecting the addition to
the dwelling.
E. should be constructed to avoid extensive removal or loss of historic materials and to not
damage or destroy significant original architectural features
Staff Recommendation:
Rear Egress Stairs
Staff does not recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. Staff
would recommend approval if the following conditions are met:
1. The porch deck shall be rebuilt in the same footprint as currently constructed.
2. The top rail shall be a 2x4 with chamfered corners to allow for water runoff.
3. A bottom rail shall also be installed to be a 2x4 with chamfered edges
4. Balusters shall be no less than 2x2 spaced no greater than 2.5 inches apart
5. The handrails down the stairs at the landings and bottom steps should end in a square,
6x6 wrapped newel post, topped with a post cap.
6. The porch floor shall overhang the frame board by no less than 1 inch.
7. All porch elements to be primed and painted.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 17 of 18
If the rear, egress stairs are approved as proposed due to lack of visibility from the street, staff
recommends that the Design Review Subcommittee recommend the following:
1. All porch elements to be primed and painted.
Rear Addition
Staff does not recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. Staff
would recommend approval if the following conditions are met:
1. The siding is clear cedar (no knots) or fiber cement board (smooth – no wood grain) with
an exposure of 4 ½”.
2. The cornerboards shall be no less than 4 inches wide and shall sit proud of the siding.
3. The trim around the door shall be no less than 4 inches wide with a drip cap installed at
the 4 inch header casing.
4. A friezeboard shall be installed at the top of the walls and the soffit to be no less than 6
inches wide. Bedmolding shall also be installed to run along the friezeboard and the
soffit.
5. The roof gable shall extend past the addition walls at least 6”.
6. The roofing shall be architectural shingles.
*****
Enrique Castel (architect - representative) was present for tonight’s COA discussion:
The Commissioners asked that the design follows staff recommendations. The architect stated
that this would be an easy change and agreed to those recommendations. The Commissioners
noted that there isn’t much space to work with for the basement addition, h owever they asked
that the gutters were to be removed and that there are still cornerboards to be made as wide
as they can to accommodate the door and where the foundation is located. They also stated
that having pitched metal cellar doors would also be appropriate for the basement entrance.
The architect stated that he will look into that option for a design to discuss with the
homeowner.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with staff recommendations and the
following requirements: 1. The cornerboards at the basement addition shall be made as wide as
possible; 2. That the header at the door shall abut into the cornerboards and have a drip cap
installed on top of it; 3. that the gutters are to be removed; 4. That pitched metal cellar doors
may be installed instead of the addition.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter.
The motion passed unanimously.
Design Review Subcommittee – August 8, 2017
Page 18 of 18
ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS:
Staff commented on a recent approval of a porch with 3-tab shingles as the main body of the
home still had 3-tab and was not proposed to be replaced. The Commissioners agreed that
installing 3-tab at the porch to match the main body of the home was correct. However, when
the main body of the roof is proposed to be replaced, it shall be replaced with archite ctural
shingles, of which, staff agreed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Commissioner Roberson noted that the materials that were placed at 459 N. Spring Street were
removed as the owner is looking for new contractors for the work and did not want the
material to be damaged.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Roberson.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Savel.
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved:
Christen Sundquist
Historic Preservation Planner August 22, 2017