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Commission approves exterior renovation plan for 550 Greensboro Avenue; applicant to use metal panel system to stabilize failing stucco
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Summary
The commission approved SD325, a planned exterior renovation for the five-story building at 550 Greensboro Avenue. The applicant said original stucco/aggregate façade is failing; proposed metal panels will be attached to blocking and a liquid-applied weather barrier to stabilize the envelope.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on July 21 approved a special-district exterior renovation (SD325) for a five-story building at 550 Greensboro Avenue. The applicant argued the building’s existing gravel stucco finish is failing and that the wall assembly lacks sheathing; demolition work revealed thin stucco tied to old metal studs with asphalt-impregnated paper and metal lath.
Architect Scott Burnett described the proposed solution: add internal blocking at floor lines and a liquid-applied weather barrier, then install concealed-fastener metal panels with shallow fluting to span the wall bays. The approach is intended to provide a durable, warranty-backed finish and to avoid removing and reconstructing the entire wall assembly. The project includes replacement of upper-level curtain-wall glazing with individual window assemblies, addition of metal-trimmed balconies and glass/steel railings, and a Ground Floor restaurant storefront restoration.
Staff said the Architectural Review Committee recommended the proposal but flagged that the proposed metal percentage exceeds the default 25% metal-accent allowance per facade; the applicant said engineering and building-envelope constraints require the alternative material and provided façade-area calculations for the record. Staff and the applicant said a wet weather barrier and through-bolted blocking would be installed before metal panels to secure the new skin.
Commissioners discussed alternatives and noted the building’s midcentury character; several commissioners asked the applicant to confirm final panel profile and color choices and to ensure long-term performance. The commission approved the special-district renovation; final material and attachment details are expected during permitting and construction documents.
The applicant said the proposed metal panel system provides a 30-year finish warranty and will address existing spalling and failure risks. The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to building-permit submittal with the approved concept and required final details.
