[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,73,85,97,109],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6099807,"mediaKeyId","2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d","parentId",2815862,"title","Augusta HPC approves multiple COAs — fences, driveway, siding, wall, courtyard cover, new house, pergola; staff to finalize details","audioSeconds",4932,"startMs",267000,"endMs",5199000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d&start=267&end=5199","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d/thumbnail_267000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099807/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Augusta-HPC-approves-multiple-COAs-fences-driveway-siding-wall-courtyard-cover-new-house-pergola-staff-to-finalize-details","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099807-bf446dd91e96fb0798a6722a48af1683/orig.mp4?Expires=1769817385&Signature=oVoGwySl40csXv~Gq3QEpUnP6Z9hjzLGQRCEry8yrPF1KOU1f8TevfJXJ4g3ShGsWTb2gG~CMjZJwlIlpUVRMWf4JRjHYP812tX6ndHPvXKmJP-FtlUt0mJ7eYgoGv8JRZ~1p6XEbv6gKaUCyCQHwgm0D4EXjHfgQFrF2fFaSTuiVq3vQd4CskLdXS-KrPo1WL7N1P6QVlQkjfdcAab0mskK6vNM7u0mmlbfgB99kB9wUUjmgxZCKBx1riBbtGO8JcSyD9oj8y-h7UZSImP-GOjVV6YLxD9RWGm6PlAtSOwXv4aiVjAFqZemO8b~WzKQ~fi-CL6nspT8fz3etIO2yA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-29T08:34:04.323Z","article","At its regular meeting the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved a swath of certificates of appropriateness for repairs, replacements and new construction across multiple historic districts, while delegating several final details to staff or a designated commissioner for expediency.

Approved items included: replacement of a damaged front picket fence at 2150 Battle Row with ornamental aluminum set behind existing brickwork (COA 25‑06); repairs to steps, a driveway conversion from gravel to concrete with a staff‑approved brick apron at 1125 Highland Avenue (COA 25‑09); an amendment permitting fiber cement siding on a home at 2627 Raymond Avenue (COA 25‑02); a combined 8‑foot stuccoed block wall and a 5‑foot decorative aluminum fence with brick columns at 2403 Wrightsboro Road subject to cap/finish details (COA 25‑15); a roof cover for a courtyard dining area at 816 Cotton Lane (COA 25‑16); approval of a new two‑story single‑family house at 204 Telfair Street subject to staff review of side window sizing (COA 25‑19); and a rooftop pergola addition at the Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way (COA 25‑20).

Votes and conditions

Most routine items passed by voice/show‑of‑hands votes after staff presentation and brief public comments. Where the commission sought follow‑up, it either delegated final details to staff or requested consultation with a named commissioner:

- 2150 Battle Row (COA 25‑06): Motion to approve replacement fence passed after public comments supporting aluminum replica behind the brickwork; staff noted applicant could not rebuild original pickets without extensive, costly brick reconstruction.

- 1125 Highland Avenue (COA 25‑09): Commission approved repairs and a driveway conversion to concrete; commissioners asked the applicant to consider a brick apron at driveway entrances to break up concrete expanse. The commission permitted staff to approve a final apron design after consulting Commissioner Nathan Vick.

- 2627 Raymond Avenue (COA 25‑02): The commission approved the petitioner’s request to use fiber cement board siding with a thinner product than originally specified; applicant agreed to provide the product spec sheet to staff for the record.

- 2403 Wrightsboro Road (COA 25‑15): Approved with condition that the brick cap extend at least 1 inch past the stucco face and that both sides of the stuccoed block wall be finished; Historic Augusta recommended a section drawing to show cap dimensions.

- 816 Cotton Lane (COA 25‑16): Commission approved an interior courtyard roof cover for outdoor dining; staff noted limited visibility from Reynolds Street and recommended approval.

- 204 Telfair Street (COA 25‑19): Commission approved the new house in principle but required staff review and consultation with a commissioner on side‑window sizing to better match Old Town proportions; applicant agreed to submit final window sizes to staff.

- 2110 Walton Way, Partridge Inn (COA 25‑20): Commission approved a white‑aluminum pergola structure on the rooftop to improve shade and usability; staff and Historic Augusta said the addition would be removable and limit permanent changes to the historic fabric.

Why it matters: these approvals affect the look and materials of contributing properties across Somerville, Downtown and Old Town. In several cases the commission emphasized finishing details (brick cap, column and cap profiles, apron dimensions, and window proportions) and delegated those to staff for efficiency while preserving the commission’s design intent.

What comes next: staff will document conditions, collect required spec sheets (e.g., siding spec for Raymond Avenue), and in several cases coordinate a staff approval after consultation with a designated commissioner.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Georgia Historic Preservation Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The Historic Preservation Commission approved several certificates of appropriateness for projects across Somerville, Downtown and Old Town, delegating some final design details to staff and commissioners for follow‑up.","taxTitle","Augusta City, Richmond County, Georgia","taxId",3794,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_32":74,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":75,"_40":76,"_42":77,"_44":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6099812,"HPC grants hardship request to replace metal roof with shingles at 1317 Millage Road",1155,8671000,9826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d&start=8671&end=9826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d/thumbnail_8671000.jpg","/articles/6099812/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/HPC-grants-hardship-request-to-replace-metal-roof-with-shingles-at-1317-Millage-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099812-92d5c0753ce33821ba9b152420303e1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1769817385&Signature=eF44BXg85HYRIJhde0NUrW6VrdHMbtb3M51xYBcjhn8yVtjSkuLUs-fKsST09wzKfGcXAGljywlCDVsX5SLqdcuTcIU~jjl8lpPVVuBiA054uGSacwzQRNohUdshQB-gsRW7~eKKWcJ-sPVdR2JUyHVmMzv0yIqIjBZ2brqqWxaiCr-mxaqbPp3q2Imhjkz5aMqza6laAQcTz31rz-XxrOQ6FZ1~Xm5NoeDA84WF-8bQyHpRI2vFHoZcnfQwpmdyodk9H~bVDGlArUtVO7nxTWvnkYxKBXh~yV4uHwNZzACUch6c-XEk1wcxqUAVDje6i7RMw6jfrTLCJ~SaGp7KJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing a homeowner at 1317 Millage Road to replace the existing metal roof with asphalt shingles after hearing testimony about financial hardship and storm damage.

Homeowner Johnny Scarborough told the commission that a hurricane damaged his roof and that his insurer denied full replacement coverage; he cited a price difference of roughly $9,450 for shingles versus about $15,450 for a metal roof, and said he is on a fixed income. Neighbors and volunteers described interior water damage and urged the commission to allow the more affordable repair so the house could be made habitable quickly.

Why it matters: the Somerville guidelines advise matching original roof materials where possible. Staff presented the hardship standard from the ordinance (Section 7‑4‑27) and left the determination to the commission. Commissioners weighed the owner’s financial position, evidence of roof and decking damage and the visible impact on street character.

Community testimony and decision

Neighbor Donna Cochran and volunteer Andrew Hughes described interior leaks and additional structural work (decking replacement) that would raise total costs. Hughes urged the commission to consider color matching and the material’s limited visual impact from public vantage points. The commission voted to approve the shingle replacement; staff noted the owner should attempt to match color and pattern as closely as feasible to maintain the house’s street appearance.

What comes next

Staff will document approved material and color guidance in the COA and will monitor reroofing permits and workmanship to ensure compatibility with the district’s visual character. The owner may later apply for other exterior work once the roof and interior repairs are complete.","The commission approved a request to replace a damaged metal roof with asphalt shingles at 1317 Millage Road citing owner hardship and insurance denial after Hurricane Helene; the owner will match color to preserve visual character.",{"_32":86,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":87,"_40":88,"_42":89,"_44":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6099817,"Augusta HPC approves porch expansion and rear addition at 2540 Henry Street but denies full window replacement",1672,5244000,6916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d&start=5244&end=6916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d/thumbnail_5244000.jpg","/articles/6099817/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Augusta-HPC-approves-porch-expansion-and-rear-addition-at-2540-Henry-Street-but-denies-full-window-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099817-d9d4ce137430b1e96252bb5dda8f6c42/orig.mp4?Expires=1769817385&Signature=UkUWZT2EuPMgKhqAWprX4Tpx31bZwkJwnlLWQBWxwQ6AgTTwVwdyYWEOp-zIsEaQZG8Qg-u6y7uJTOdGDu-VXbYzBsFS3tDeO7jHoLQcFs6DmYn58YUW~f5i8-jg940XupvRcleSg6ds~IO1MhH82e5P-LPytaqAhT4D5UfSerHHWSG5uRF9JYZcC8ZqLRGxCRNrhkzNsHGADT~1AdADJ9QfCoewdiGHQ6TkjOATiOgAQ0KsoECuFYYxisoKiK1rmGMvRLcOmH7JxLwGnT0y3v1z6USA6ed-D9atXsGZw0gL59tgWDNg1K06mUxmbpME~EKh6hSUWraJzm24VteH0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved renovations at 2540 Henry Street — allowing an expanded front porch and a rear addition that includes garage, mudroom and laundry — but denied the applicant’s request to replace the house’s existing windows with a different muntin configuration.

Staff told the commission it was comfortable with the porch and rear addition plans but recommended denial of full window replacement because the application proposed a changed muntin pattern that would not match existing windows and because the commission had already denied a prior full‑replacement application in October. The commission adopted staff’s recommendation: items 1 (front porch expansion) and 2 (rear addition) were approved; item 3 (replacement of all windows with the proposed muntin pattern) was denied.

Why it matters: windows and muntin patterns are a key character‑defining element in the Somerville Historic District. Commission policy favors repair over wholesale replacement, or replacement that matches original light patterns when replacement is necessary.

Applicant rationale and neighborhood context

Owner Christine Nelson Chung told the commission several windows are painted shut and some panes are broken; she said improved thermal performance and ease of use motivated the request. Architect Jim Webb and the applicant noted that lots on Henry Street display a mix of window patterns and that other homes nearby feature differing muntin configurations.

Historic Augusta and staff concerns

Historic Augusta and staff argued the application lacked necessary detail for the window changes and questioned whether all windows required replacement rather than selective repair or inset storm windows. Staff recommended postponement in earlier stages but ultimately suggested approval of the porch and rear addition while denying the window replacement in its current form.

Commission action

A motion to approve the front porch expansion and rear addition and to deny the full window replacement passed (recorded vote: six in favor). The commission also required the applicant to retain or match original column configurations on the primary elevation and instructed staff to ensure material choices meet guidelines.

What comes next

The applicant can revise the window proposals to retain existing muntin patterns or present evidence that specific windows are beyond repair. Staff will issue an approval letter documenting the permitted work and the denial basis for the windows.","The commission approved a front porch extension and rear addition at 2540 Henry Street but refused the owner’s request to replace all original windows with a different muntin pattern, citing guidelines that favor repair or matching existing patterns.",{"_32":98,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":99,"_40":100,"_42":101,"_44":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6099820,"Owner cleared to demolish dilapidated 1916 house at 603 Gary Street; replacement concept accepted",3200,6931000,10131000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d&start=6931&end=10131","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d/thumbnail_6931000.jpg","/articles/6099820/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Owner-cleared-to-demolish-dilapidated-1916-house-at-603-Gary-Street-replacement-concept-accepted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099820-0d6a3efba1ff70e108587dfd25cc1d8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1769817385&Signature=evIVNws6eYNI-~kd8kJche26gFyNlgjetHSa0o7I7FPbXAMZQGFNSuh1Cr9XnzEJbMe99Yko6lh1FzImLzdkmYU0GQsYZ2q4xyh-1NVHvCk5ahnItu6GKRlnwmFhyUSLllfqIRsu-DA-VQzqtdUnBY7UXXTOTVyH0MaidzUBF6-ebfF~DDOe8hdPXNaG4GGZ78Eu37TEgfF6YiaJeRAM2S0twPBagxG3hSY1mpy7byGrMNtVkLwFLxeCImgB9-I8WAZEv9aUbvaENRi2XrZMxOl93VBL282Um-SaWAp636CqYa4PIgI9XBkaqsw0z4SdoBTf6gJwiig~xfoFXWHvMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the demolition of the house at 603 Gary Street in the Somerville Historic District after reviewing a structural assessment and a post‑demolition design concept.

The owner argued the house — originally built about 1916 — is in poor condition and that rehabilitation is not economically practical. After staff received a structural assessment by Cranston Engineering and a post‑demolition schematic that had been added to the application packet, staff changed its recommendation from postponement to approval with conditions. The commission voted to approve the demolition and required the replacement to follow the concept plans submitted with the application.

Why it matters: the lot is on the far northeast edge of the Somerville district. Historic Augusta noted the property contributes to the district’s architecture, but staff and the applicant provided inspection and structural documentation just days before the meeting. That material shifted the staff recommendation to approval.

Applicant’s statement and documentation

Applicant Bridal Boardman, who said he has more than 28 years’ experience in local preservation projects and renovation, presented inspection reports, a structural assessment and an appraiser’s letter and said restoration was not economically feasible. “I don't come before the group lightly in asking for a demolition permit but I've had a structural engineer look at this ... it's not economically practical to try to restore it,” Boardman said.

Staff and Historic Augusta responses

Staff noted that the post‑demolition schematic was provided late in the packet (the materials arrived March 25) and that Historic Augusta’s initial review had lacked photos and the post‑demolition plan. Once the structural report and the schematic were in hand, staff recommended approval with the condition that the replacement comply as closely as possible with the submitted concept.

Commission action

A motion to approve the demolition application with staff conditions passed after a second; the chair called for a show‑of‑hands and the motion carried. Staff will work with the applicant to ensure the replacement building follows the concept elevations provided.

What comes next

Staff will document the required conditions and the concept elevations that the replacement should match, and will monitor the demolition permitting and redevelopment to ensure compliance with the concept plan.","After staff received a structural assessment and a post‑demolition concept, the Historic Preservation Commission approved a COA to demolish the deteriorated 1916 house at 603 Gary Street, with staff conditions to follow the concept plan.",{"_32":110,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":111,"_40":112,"_42":113,"_44":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6099825,"Augusta HPC denies demolition of historic First Baptist Church building at 802 Green Street",963,2451000,3414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d&start=2451&end=3414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2815862-88daa2330b4fa10786524c90e160838d/thumbnail_2451000.jpg","/articles/6099825/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Augusta-HPC-denies-demolition-of-historic-First-Baptist-Church-building-at-802-Green-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099825-dab0845793de1928fcb8c915a0d13e23/orig.mp4?Expires=1769817385&Signature=JH1GAtzOnMSi66zzZbn3KQ8H6G4R7ms3Wx77fGU7fFvV3WhIIbd8pGtPFaZjkgqMbIMLIHc7znXWhxohkcBCKiwmaVi2O2k8k9N9PcDofRDWIGVA2DExtvDj3onuoAtT926rUXPNdTEo1VRiyjSJg8iFOq~QddOBs8E2bTGnzeTF8QSzE5CCuDD7XrBmqIZNmBd1EGTooh8SrHNil8TZHAC~yAMa-GuV1nnXexLSbxcgBwnn9RbJkcgsXjqlyJNNKDTVGfhxIY6TJHYOFWQXC8lb0LX8OUVPxXTPVka-JOIYV3rzx~qU2VhqFlaMitLVpT5zqpmpSQYZjSnk3zkBog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday denied a request from the property owner to demolish the former First Baptist Church building at 802 Green Street, a Beaux‑Arts structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places and long associated with local religious history.

The denial followed staff testimony that the structure — constructed in 1902, sited on the block where the Southern Baptist Convention was founded in 1845, and listed on the National Register in 1972 — remains a contributing historic resource and that the application lacked a post‑demolition plan. Staff and Historic Augusta urged preservation or “mothballing” rather than demolition. The commission voted to deny the certificate of appropriateness by show of hands; the motion carried (6 in favor, 1 abstention by Commissioner Kelly).

Why it matters: the building is among downtown Augusta’s best examples of Beaux‑Arts architecture and its removal would alter the character and continuity of the downtown historic district. Staff cited the commission’s previous evidentiary hearing under Augusta code Section 7‑4‑52(a) that found evidence of accelerated deterioration and directed the owner to apply for a COA.

Staff presentation and Historic Augusta’s position

Staff described the site history, the building’s National Register status and the recent evidentiary hearing that documented roof and dome failures, open roof areas and accelerating water entry. The staff report notes that demolition is generally incompatible with downtown demolition criteria and recommended denial of the petition as submitted, while suggesting a mothballing schedule and cost estimates be provided if the owner pursues repair.

Robert Malden, president of Historic Augusta, urged preservation and mothballing. “We strongly recommend that it be mothballed rather than demolished and that we are ready to help in any way that we can to achieve that goal,” Malden said.

Owner’s demolition cost estimate and absence of plans

The applicant provided a demolition estimate from Chaplain and Sons Clearing and Demolition for $213,375; the packet included a scope of work for removal. Staff and Historic Augusta both emphasized that the application originally lacked a post‑demolition plan and that no information about future site use had been provided to evaluate impacts. Staff said it amended its initial recommendation after receiving additional materials but continued to recommend denial without a fully developed post‑demolition plan and costed mothballing options.

Commission action and vote

A commissioner moved to deny the application, citing the lack of a post‑demolition plan and the downtown guidelines; another commissioner seconded. The commission voted in favor (motion carried with six yes votes and one abstention recorded for Commissioner Kelly). The motion’s stated reasons included the absence of a post‑demolition plan and the guidelines analysis adopted in staff materials.

What comes next

Because the item was denied, the owner may appeal according to the municipal appeal processes outlined in the historic preservation ordinance. Staff noted that post‑demolition plans and cost estimates for mothballing and demolition are routinely requested when demolition of contributing buildings is considered; the commission signaled it expects such materials if the owner returns with a revised request.","The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the 1902 First Baptist Church building at 802 Green Street after staff and Historic Augusta recommended preservation or mothballing and no post‑demolition plan had been filed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Augusta HPC approves multiple COAs — fences, driveway, siding, wall, courtyard cover, new house, pergola; staff to finalize details

HPC grants hardship request to replace metal roof with shingles at 1317 Millage Road

Augusta HPC approves porch expansion and rear addition at 2540 Henry Street but denies full window replacement

Owner cleared to demolish dilapidated 1916 house at 603 Gary Street; replacement concept accepted

Augusta HPC denies demolition of historic First Baptist Church building at 802 Green Street