Gary Meyer, the applicant for 85 South Hamilton Street, told the Historic District and Landmark Preservation Commission on Thursday that he has used vintage materials recovered from the property’s barn to repair a rotted porch balustrade and to temporarily stop leaks, and that he plans broader repairs but needs time and money to replicate the historic curved railing.

The commission’s concern is whether the proposed replacement materially alters a defining feature of the house — the curved, ferry‑style bow railing on the front porch — and whether alternatives proposed are “replacement in kind.” Meyer said the original railings and posts were extensively rotted and unsafe, that he recovered a large stash of 19th‑century railing sections from the property’s barn, and that he temporarily propped sections on the porch roof to show how the repaired balustrade would look. “If you guys don’t want me to do this, I will cancel the purchase. I’ll let this place rot,” Meyer said, describing both the scope of the work and the personal cost he expects. He also described the roofing he installed as rolled roofing designed for a 20‑year life to stop active leaks.

Commissioners said the curved balustrade is a prominent historic feature tied to the house’s ferry‑inspired design and asked Meyer to present due diligence on how much it would cost and how feasible it would be to replicate the curvature and original spindle profiles. Commissioners raised three distinct concerns: (1) the front‑edge curve that forms the “bow” of the porch, (2) the spindle density and turned profiles, and (3) the more ornate carved posts and medallions. Board members urged Meyer to obtain pricing and technical options, including prefabricated elements or hardship procedures if replication proves cost‑prohibitive.

Meyer said he had partially reassembled and weatherproofed recovered sections and that the immediate priority is to stop water intrusion and repair rotted soffits; he asked the commission for the ability to pursue the urgent roof and structural repairs now and return later with options for the railing restoration. “I gotta get this done before winter,” he said.

After extended discussion of alternatives, process and cost, the HDLPC voted to adjourn the application for 85 South Hamilton to its September meeting for a status check and to allow the applicant time to gather cost estimates and alternatives. The motion to adjourn was moved and seconded and carried with the commission voting in favor. The applicant also indicated he might request a longer schedule and referenced the commission’s December 11 meeting as a possible check‑in point if needed.

Less critical details: Meyer provided historical materials about the house, said he has studied its ferry‑boat design and interior features, and requested staff help locating historic‑preservation grants and tax‑credit information. Commissioners suggested sources and noted the State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service administer federal historic tax credits.