The Webster Groves Architectural Review Board approved four projects and set design conditions for two garage and deck proposals, while tabling the window-replacement application for 143 South Gore after finding the submittal did not clearly show whether the new windows match existing openings.

The action came during a combined work session and regular meeting attended by five members of the board and city staff. Board members approved preapprovals and final applications for six agenda items; one application was tabled for resubmission with clearer elevations.

Board decisions and key discussion points

- 24 South Maple (detached garage and deck): The board approved the application with explicit conditions that the deck support posts be a painted 6-by-6 timber or the minimum size required by the project's structural engineer, and that the posts be fitted with a simple cap and base trim. Adrian Peterson, the applicant, confirmed the posts “are gonna be 6 by 6.” The board also asked the applicant to consider trimming the awning over a double door on the east elevation to improve spacing at the gable end and to confirm that the upstairs room will remain primarily storage.

- 332 South Old Orchard (detached garage): The board approved the garage with requirements that window and door trim be 1-by-6, the siding have a 6-inch exposure to match the house, and that the driveway be extended to serve the new garage. Dennis Sharp, representing Coach House Garage, told the board he would “get the drawings to depict that correctly” and confirmed the 6-inch exposed LP smart siding.

- 337 Dobbin Road (preapproval): The board moved 337 Dobbin Road to preapproval and voted to approve the submittal as submitted; members praised the quality of the drawings and the reduced scope on the front of the house.

- 2 Karen Court (preapproval): The board approved the Karen Court application as submitted. Board member Tracy Collins recused herself from that item; the motion carried with the remaining members voting in favor.

- 230 Blackmer Place (addition): The board approved the small addition as submitted. Owner Chris Mihach said the intent is to match windows to the existing addition from roughly two decades ago and that the new windows “would not have any borders or grates or things of that nature.” The board found the design compatible with the existing house.

- 143 South Gore (window replacement): The board elected to table the 143 South Gore window replacement because the submittal did not make clear whether the replacement windows match the existing openings. No representative for the project was present at the time of the public hearing; later a person identifying themselves as “Buddy” appeared but the board set the item for the next meeting to allow the applicant to provide clearer elevation drawings showing window dimensions in context.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Dec. 19 meeting minutes: approved (unanimous of five members present).

- 337 Dobbin Road — motion to approve as submitted: approved (unanimous).

- 2 Karen Court — motion to approve as submitted: approved (Tracy Collins recused; remaining members approved).

- 24 South Maple — motion to approve with conditions (deck posts 6x6 or structural minimum; painted/covered posts; cap and base trim): approved (unanimous of voting members).

- 230 Blackmer Place — motion to approve as submitted: approved (unanimous).

- 332 South Old Orchard — motion to approve with conditions (1x6 trim; 6-inch siding exposure; optional horizontal gable trim; driveway extension depicted): approved (unanimous).

- 143 South Gore — tabled to next meeting for additional elevation details (no final vote taken).

Discussion vs. formal direction

Board comments focused on coordinating new work with existing historic fabric: members repeatedly asked applicants to show proposed windows and trim in the elevation context rather than only isolated details. On 24 South Maple members requested both structural verification of post size and an aesthetic response (wrap posts and add simple cap and base trim). For 332 South Old Orchard the board required the contract drawings be updated to show the specified 1-by-6 trim and the 6-inch siding exposure; the applicant agreed to revise drawings and the site plan to show the driveway extension.

What happened next

The board recessed between its work session and the regular meeting; after taking public testimony where applicable it moved through the agenda, reading projects into the record and asking applicants to come forward or raise hands on Zoom. The 143 South Gore window replacement will return to a future agenda after the applicant submits clearer elevations showing how the new windows relate to the existing openings.

The meeting adjourned after the board completed the agenda.