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HARB recommends facade, window and step changes at 611 West Marshall; council final approval set for July 15
Summary
The board recommended that borough council approve replacing a plywood first-floor facade with brick coordinated to upper floors, installing vinyl picture windows, replacing front steps with concrete, and adding a wrought-iron railing at 611 West Marshall Street; motion carried unanimously and goes to council July 15 for final approval.
The Norristown Historic Architectural Review Board voted to recommend that borough council issue a certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 611 West Marshall Street, including replacing the plywood first-floor facade with brick coordinated in color to the second and third floors, installing vinyl picture windows, replacing front steps with concrete, and adding a wrought-iron railing.
Applicant Maria Ramirez described plans to lower two storefront windows closer to grade for increased visibility, install glass across the full storefront openings with brick filling non-glass areas, add two exterior steps and a landing and change the door swing to open inward. Ramirez said she has not finalized brick color but intends the first-floor brick to correspond to the upper floors. "We're going to add two steps and have the door right now, the door opens outward. We want to be able to open it inwards," Ramirez said.
Board members discussed whether existing wood cladding conceals brick behind it and whether a brick veneer would be required when the wood is removed. Members advised the applicant to coordinate brick selection with the second- and third-floor brick and cautioned about painting masonry due to long-term maintenance and adhesion issues; a board member recommended consulting a masonry supplier for appropriate masonry paint if painting is considered. A motion recommending council approval with conditions (replace plywood with brick matching upper floors in color, replace existing windows with vinyl picture windows, replace steps with concrete and add a wrought-iron railing; retain the same door) was made and seconded; roll call recorded votes as yes and the motion carried. The board reminded the applicant that the recommendation must be approved by borough council (scheduled for July 15) before work and permits proceed.
The application references local design standards and F3/F9 classification was noted during review. The board also advised the applicant on underlying conditions: if exposed underlying brick is in poor condition, new brick or veneer may be required, and decisions about paint or veneer will affect long-term maintenance.
