Renovation plans spark debate over historic home preservation

In a recent government meeting, a proposal for significant renovations to a historic property on Walker Avenue was discussed. The applicant seeks to replace the front porch deck, modify the porch posts, and repaint the house, following a stop work order issued in February 2023 for commencing work without a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).

The proposed renovations include replacing the existing porch deck with wood, restoring support beams, and substituting the current turned wood posts with square 8 by 8 columns, reminiscent of the house's appearance in a 1976 photograph. The porch floor will be made of wood, as it was originally, rather than concrete, which was a point of clarification during the meeting.

The applicant also plans to repaint the exterior of the house, drawing color inspiration from unpainted brick walls in the kitchen. The proposed colors aim to align with the historic character of the home, and staff assessments indicated that the changes would not negatively impact its historic integrity.

Commission members raised questions regarding the materials and colors, ensuring that the renovations would maintain the property's historical aesthetic. The meeting concluded without public comments, and the commission is expected to review the proposal further.