Historic commission approves mudroom and garage ADU at 808 West Washington; narrowly clears large roof dormer with staff condition

On March 13, 2025, the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission approved a rear mudroom enlargement and a new two‑car garage with a second‑story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 808 West Washington Street, a contributing property in the Old West Side Historic District. The commission also approved a 23‑foot‑wide shed dormer on the main roof and removal of a rear chimney after a split vote and a condition that the dormer siding be visually differentiated and reviewed by staff.

The project had two parts on the agenda: (1) rebuild a non‑historic rear mudroom (a roughly 24 square‑foot increase) and construct a 27‑foot‑2‑inch by 27‑foot‑7‑inch garage with an ADU above it; and (2) add a 23‑foot‑wide shed dormer on the south slope of the main house roof and remove a rear chimney. Staff presented the history of the 1900 house and recommended caution on the dormer while expressing no objection to the mudroom or ADU.

The staff report warned that the proposed dormer “does not meet the Secretary of the Interior standards 2 and 9 and the Ann Arbor Historic District design guidelines,” saying its width and height would substantially change the house’s historic roof shape. The staff presentation noted the dormer would be…