Commission denies garage metal roof and new addition at 305 Third Ave South but approves retroactive copper downspouts

The commission voted to deny two elements of the application at 305 Third Avenue South — a request to change roofing on a rear 1950s garage from asphalt shingle to metal and the proposed 836‑square‑foot addition — while approving retroactive installation of copper downspouts that had already been installed on the historic building. Staff said the building’s rear garage roof is part of the historic composition and recommended preserving roof form and materials, or if replacement is necessary, to use materials that match the historic composition. For the addition, staff found the lack of proposed window openings and a mismatch in solids‑to‑voids would not meet design guidelines that call for compatibility in window size, placement and rhythm. The project team described a “smokehouse” concept for the addition — intentionally modest fenestration to read as a utilitarian outbuilding — and asked the commission to consider the design; commissioners voiced concern about long, unbroken wall expanses visible from Third Avenue and asked for additional modulation or openings. The commission denied the roofing change and the addition based on staff recommendations. Separately, the commission approved the retroactive COA for the copper downspouts, noting the new copper is appropriate for the age of the building. Next steps: Applicants may return with a revised addition design that addresses solids‑to‑voids and fenestration rhythm; shop drawings for the downspouts and other approved items should be provided to staff as required by COA conditions.