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At 28 Elm Place ARB approves garage and carport option with historic-district design conditions
Summary
The board approved a detached garage and a pavilion/carport alternative for 28 Elm Place but required the carport option be revised to better match the house and the historic district: gable infill, shingle roofing, column trim to match the porch, and consideration of a screen wall on the fence side.
The Webster Groves Architectural Review Board voted to approve the application for 28 Elm Place, allowing the property owners to build a detached garage and to pursue a pavilion-style carport as an alternate option, but the board required specific design changes if the carport is chosen.
Why this matters: The property sits in Webster Groves' historic district and will be visible from the street; the board emphasized that accessory structures should read consistently with the house and neighborhood.
Board's direction to the applicant
- Gable infill: The board asked that the carport gable ends be enclosed and finished so they read like the house's gable fields (for example, cedar shake or similar) rather than an exposed timber-truss look.
- Roof material: The board recommended shingles for the carport roof rather than standing-seam metal, to better match the house and the historic-district character.
- Column expression: Columns on the carport should be trimmed or wrapped so their profile and base/cap read like the house's front porch columns. The board requested the columns be detailed and trimmed to match the front-column expression.
- Side screening: A board member suggested the applicant consider a screen wall on the carport side nearest the fence line to reduce visual impact toward the neighbor; the applicant was asked to consider that as an option.
Applicant response and context
John (applicant) said the garage is his preferred option, but that he and the owners will obtain bids for both the garage and the pavilion/carport and that they were concerned about yard space and project cost. He acknowledged the board's requested changes and indicated willingness to proceed with revisions so the carport better relates to the house.
Vote and outcome
The board approved the project with the conditions above. Recorded motion language asked for revised carport details (gable infill, shingle roof, trimmed columns) and the vote on the motion was recorded as approved (yes: 4).
What the board did not require
The board did not deny the pavilion option; rather, it approved the application while directing the applicant to modify the carport design so it better blends with the house and the surrounding historic district.
Next steps
The applicant will obtain bids and submit final permit drawings that reflect the board's conditions; staff said permit documents must match the revised design before a building permit is issued.
Source: Public hearing and motions recorded in the Webster Groves ARB meeting transcript.
