HDC approves most Toombs Court multi‑lot cottages; holds one building for additional revisions

The commission reviewed a multi‑unit, three‑lot development on Toombs Court (six small buildings across lots A, B and C) and voted to approve multiple elements while asking for additional tweaks on at least one structure.

Votes and actions included: approval of Lot A Building 2 and Lot A hardscape (pea stone, brick walkways, Belgian block details) with no objections; approval of Lot B Building 1 (distinct L‑shaped massing and reduced ridge heights compared with earlier versions) and Lot B Building 2 after the applicant reduced widths and heights; and approval of multiple hardscape plans. Lot C Building 2 (a commercial mixed‑use building facing Toombs Court) was held for revisions: commissioners asked for greater façade variation on the east elevation (more distinct entry treatment or changes so the building doesn’t read as too similar to adjacent structures), and asked for more clear differentiation between the long east elevation and neighboring facades.

Commissioners also required one small adjustment on Lot A Building 2 to step back a secondary gable a couple of feet to avoid a flush sequence of gables facing the street; that change was accepted on the record and treated as an exhibit A administrative edit. For several buildings commissioners asked for the Second Floor fenestration to favor true‑divided lights (a’s instead of b’s) to reduce shingle exposure and for some additional porch detail to better anchor the buildings to the ground plane. The HDC delayed final sign‑off on the Lot C Building 2 fenestration revisions until the applicant submits a revised east elevation or alternate entry arrangement that breaks up the continuous facade.