Commission approves new detached dwelling and accessory unit at 927 Pennsylvania St.

The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission on Aug. 21 voted to issue a certificate of approval for a proposed new primary dwelling and detached accessory structure with a second‑floor accessory dwelling at 927 Pennsylvania St. (HRC‑25‑0017). Planning staff (Ali Mullins, Planner I) presented the plans, which showed a roughly 1,600‑square‑foot primary house set into a sloping lot with a rear walk‑out basement and a 576‑square‑foot accessory building containing a garage and second‑floor dwelling unit. Staff recommended approval, finding the scale, materials and massing compatible with the context area that includes the Edmonson houses at 936 and 946 Pennsylvania. “Overall, staff is of the opinion that the proposed primary dwelling and accessory structure meet the standards and guidelines for review and would not destroy, hide, or otherwise negatively impact historical, cultural, or architectural material of the listed properties or their context areas,” Ali Mullins said during the presentation, recommending a certificate of approval. Commissioners asked clarification questions about the primary façade, accessory structure roof form and grade; the applicant team described material choices (lap siding with cedar‑textured trim, composite shingles and standing seam accents, Andersen 400 series windows) and noted the accessory building sits at lower grade to keep it subordinate to the primary house. The commission voted to approve the certificate of approval by roll call (ayes 6–0).