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Magnolia Hall mailbox kiosk, gates and stonework approved; developer withdraws proposed horse fencing for further DRC review
Summary
The commission approved a mailbox kiosk, gates, stone columns and walkways at the Magnolia Hall property but the developer withdrew plans for a four‑board horse fence, which staff had recommended denying for enclosure of historic green space.
The Historic Zoning Commission on July 14 approved most site‑work elements at Magnolia Hall (1850 William Campbell Court) — including a mail kiosk, gates, stacked stone walls, stone steps and a stone bridge — but the applicant withdrew proposed four‑board horse fencing so the fencing can return for further Design Review Committee (DRC) consideration.
Preservation staff told the commission the mail kiosk, relocated gate on Glass Lane, stone columns and walkways were appropriate with conditions but recommended denial of the proposed four‑board horse fencing because it would enclose primary front‑yard open space, exceeded recommended front‑yard fence heights, and did not follow guideline materials for primary yards. Staff advised that primary‑yard fences should be low (no more than 3 feet), visually open, and constructed of materials and forms historically typical for the district.
Project representatives, including developer representatives and design consultant Jason Goddard of Design Studio, said the fencing element was intended to function across multiple lots as a unifying design element and asked to withdraw the fence portion from the application so the team could present a consolidated materials package to the DRC. The applicant said they had not fully explained that the hardscape and landscape elements were meant to operate in unison across multiple lots and requested the opportunity to show additional context.
The commission accepted the applicant’s withdrawal of the horse fencing from consideration, and members then voted to approve the remaining site elements with staff conditions, including final preservation staff approval of lighting on the kiosk. Commissioners noted the color of decomposed granite walkways should be earthy and complement historic walls along Boyd Mill Avenue.
Staff will require final submittals for the kiosk lighting, and the applicant will return to the DRC for the fencing discussion. The commission advised the applicant to notify staff if they wish to appear on the upcoming DRC schedule.
