In a recent meeting of the Architectural Review Board (ARB), a proposal to modify the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a residential addition at 319 Prince Edward Street was discussed. The applicant, Matt Revelle, is seeking to increase the height of the approved addition by 16 inches due to unforeseen water issues encountered during site preparation.

The residence, built in the late 19th century, is a contributing structure within a historic district, characterized by its modest Victorian architecture. The original design for the addition was approved in November 2023, but complications arose when a test pit revealed significant groundwater presence, making the initial basement depth unfeasible. Revelle emphasized that raising the addition's height is essential for effective waterproofing and to prevent future structural issues.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns regarding the visual impact of the proposed height increase. Revelle assured them that the addition would not be visually overpowering, as it would remain lower than the existing structure when viewed from the street. He noted that the increase represents only a 5.5% rise in the overall height of the addition.

Public comments were largely supportive, with representatives from the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation (HFI) highlighting the thoughtful design and contextual awareness of the project. They argued that the addition aligns well with the architectural patterns of the neighborhood and urged the board to approve the modification.

However, board members requested additional visual documentation to better assess the impact of the height increase. They called for updated elevation drawings and sightline diagrams to clarify how the new height would integrate with the existing structures. The board ultimately decided to continue the discussion to their next meeting on July 8, 2024, allowing time for the applicant to provide the requested visual materials.

The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched, as it reflects ongoing tensions between preserving historic character and accommodating modern construction needs in Fredericksburg's historic districts.