The Board of Architectural Review convened on June 17, 2024, to discuss two significant cases impacting the historic district of Leesburg.

The first case involved the approval of TLH PBR 20 40013 for the construction of a freestanding emergency room. The board unanimously agreed to the proposal, contingent upon specific conditions regarding any future changes to the building's design, including size, materials, and orientation. Notably, the applicant was permitted to use alternative brick bonding patterns, such as herringbone or vertical, for the brick recessed panels.

The second case addressed retroactive exterior alterations at 102 Cornwall Street Northeast, a property built circa 1940. The new owner, Joshua Louder, inherited modifications made by the previous owner without the necessary approvals. The board discussed the appropriateness of the existing shutters, porch columns, and lattice work. While the shutters were deemed inoperable and not compliant with guidelines, the board acknowledged their rustic style as consistent with the historic character of the district. The porch columns, which had been altered, were supported by staff but recommended to revert to a more traditional size. The lattice was criticized for using inappropriate materials, with suggestions for replacement with wood.

Louder expressed his commitment to maintaining the historic integrity of the district and highlighted the improvements made to the property, which he argued enhanced the neighborhood's aesthetic and economic value. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in preserving the historic character of downtown Leesburg and voiced concerns about the potential negative implications of enforcing strict compliance on new homeowners for changes made by previous owners.

The board acknowledged the challenges faced by Louder and the need for a balanced approach to historic preservation that considers both compliance and community enhancement. Public comments reflected a mix of support for the changes made to the property and concerns about the implications for future homeowners in the historic district. The board is expected to deliberate further on the recommendations and feedback received during the meeting.