Magnolia Hall mansion plan approved for lighting, hardscaping and most fencing; picket pool fence deferred

The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on Sept. 8 approved most of the site alterations proposed for 1840 William Campbell Court (Magnolia Hall Mansion), including lighting, hardscaping and portions of fencing, while deferring action on a proposed picket fence that would enclose the pool.

Staff recommended denial of the four-board horse fence where proposed but recommended approval of the hardscaping, lighting and the installation of salvaged cast-iron and picket fencing with conditions. Jason Goddard, representing the applicant, said the design had been revised after Design Review Committee comments: the motor-court hardscape area was reduced by about 30 percent, a parking pad was converted to grama parking with a ribbon curb, and portions of the four-board fence were deleted where it conflicted with pool-enclosure code.

Goddard said the four-board fence with wire mesh was not permitted for a pool enclosure, so the team introduced a picket fence around the pool that echoes historic photos. The commission approved the revised plan with staff conditions for the elements already reviewed but took separate action on the pool picket fence. Commissioners proposed the applicant provide drawings, photographs and material samples to ensure the pool enclosure's picket design is historically appropriate and better tied to the house. The commission voted to defer the picket-fence element to the Oct. 13 voting meeting so staff and the applicant can provide additional details.

The approved items include the reduced motor-court hardscape, the picket and cast-iron fencing portions that meet code and staff conditions, lighting fixtures and the described hardscape revisions. The pool picket fence remains deferred pending applicant resubmittal with clearer drawings, gate details and historic-photo references, per the commission's direction.