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Applicant scales back Wall Street addition; HDC asks for design revisions and clearer drawings
Summary
A previously approved large addition for a property reached by an easement off Wall Street was reduced substantially by the applicant. Commissioners praised the smaller footprint but requested revised drawings to address roof-walk height, dormer proportions, front entry detailing and window proportions.
The commission reviewed revisions to a previously approved project behind Wall Street that the applicant has reduced substantially and revised to address visibility and massing concerns.
Applicant James (presenter) said the earlier approval called for a larger rear addition; the revised proposal cuts the addition to roughly 416 square feet and changes ridge orientation and dormer layout. Commissioners welcomed the reduction but raised design questions about the new forward gable, roof-walk proportions and window sizes, and asked for clearer elevations and higher-resolution drawings before final approval.
Why it matters: The property lies behind other Wall Street houses and is accessed via a private easement; while visibility from Wall Street is limited, commissioners said the new gable and roof-walk sit high and need better detailing to avoid a top-heavy appearance where glimpses are possible.
Details and discussion The applicant explained the primary change is replacing a previously approved large rear addition with a smaller gable-forward addition over a former shed footprint, and modifying Second-Floor dormers. Commissioners and advisory reviewers pressed for changes: several asked that the front porch header be more substantial (a beam between porch posts to visually support the porch roof), that the front door be more formal and trimmed to match the house character, and that small 6-light windows in a dormer be replaced by standard six-over-six windows to improve proportion.
Mickey and other reviewers recommended subdividing the roof walk into three bays rather than the proposed two-bay configuration so the roof walk reads more finely-scaled. Commissioners also requested that any revised elevation drawings be high resolution and accurately reflect existing conditions so they can assess the subtle visibility through the easement.
Action and next steps The commission voiced consensus for conditional approval subject to receiving revised drawings addressing the porch beam, front-door treatment, window proportions, and roof-walk subdivision. Commissioners asked staff to schedule the item again after the applicant submits clearer drawings and corrected elevations.
Clarifying details - The revised addition was reduced from the previously approved 1,642 square feet to about 416 total square feet (185 SF on first floor, 231 SF on second floor). - The project changes ridge direction and adds a gable-forward element over an existing shed footprint; dormer adjustments will be made to balance the façade. - Commissioners requested a beam under the porch roof, larger/more formal front-door trim, replacement of two small 6-light windows with regular six-over-six sash, and a three-bay subdivision of the roof walk.
Ending The commission did not deny the change; instead it asked for a revised submission that resolves proportion, roof-walk and entry detailing before it will grant final approval.
