Commission defers new‑construction plan for Lot 7 at William Campbell Court over massing concerns

The Historic Zoning Commission deferred review of a proposed two‑story Colonial Revival infill house at 1845 William Campbell Court (Lot 7) to the commission’s next voting meeting after commissioners raised concerns about massing and the relationship of enclosed porches and side‑facing gables to the historic context.

Preservation staff had recommended approval with conditions, noting missing details such as final window specifications and some hardscape and lighting materials. The applicant indicated willingness to adjust design details — for example, reducing a triple window to a double and adding a base course — but commissioners focused discussion on overall massing and proportions. Several commissioners said one enclosed sunroom/porch projection sits several feet forward of the main house plane and that a large side‑facing gable directly behind it creates an atypical massing for the historic district.

Commissioners discussed precedent images and whether balanced “bookend” additions could mitigate massing, but many said the current arrangement made the new house read as too broad and heavy. One commissioner suggested the applicant present at the Design Review Committee to refine proportions and details; others asked for further design work to reduce the visible mass on the right side of the house and to make porches read more like secondary additions.

After an initial vote on approval failed, a motion to defer passed unanimously, and staff told the applicant the deferral would move the item to the August 11 voting meeting. Staff encouraged the applicant to request a DRC slot and to provide additional elevations and precedent images showing how the design would be revised to reduce massing and to better integrate porches and sunrooms with the main house form.