Historic commission approves window replacements but denies full smooth cementitious siding at 319 North Margin Street

The Historic Zoning Commission approved replacement of two original windows at 319 North Margin Street but denied a request to install smooth cementitious siding on all facades of the circa‑1901 duplex. Staff said a prior 2021 COA approved raising the building 1 foot, new wood siding on three facades, cementitious siding on the rear, select window replacement and other work. Applicants requested continuing the approved plans but substituting smooth cementitious siding building‑wide because existing siding was long deteriorated and the building had seen multiple nonhistoric layers over the years (asphalt, vinyl). Staff recommended approving the window replacements — two original sashes were too damaged by termite and flood damage to preserve — but recommended denial of full building‑wide smooth cementitious siding because the guidelines reserve smooth cement board for rear facades; wood siding was the preferred material for primary elevations. Applicant Wilson Stephenson and supporters described extensive deterioration, vacancies dating to the 1990s and previous failed redevelopment attempts and argued the proposed cementitious siding would match the approved 5‑inch reveal and reduce maintenance. Commissioners debated precedent and the fact that much of the original fabric no longer exists; one commissioner noted the house’s exterior was largely lost and that much of the building will be new construction in effect. The motion to approve the windows and to allow cementitious siding at the same reveal as the approved laps passed by majority vote. Commission conditions require matching the approved window profile and ensuring lap reveal matches previously approved details; staff had recommended wood on primary elevations but the commission allowed the cementitious product under the conditions recorded in the motion.