Madison Historic Board approves porch addition at 205 East Street

The Madison Historic Board of Review on June 17 approved a plan to replace a concrete porch at 205 East Street with a wood porch and cable railings, after hearing from the homeowners and staff.

Nancy Burkhart, the property owner and applicant, told the board she and her husband own 203 and 205 East Street and that they want to “enlarge it” because the current concrete porch leaves “dead space” and because they have a long‑term renter for whom railings would be safer. She said the design would use a wood top rail with cable infill and pressure‑treated framing.

Brenda (staff member) told the board that 205 East Street is a noncontributing structure built about 1950 and that many of the Historic District Guidelines concerning reconstruction of missing historic porches do not apply. She said the proposal did not create a “false historic appearance” and cited Section 14 of the Madison Historic District Guidelines in support of the staff recommendation.

Board members questioned materials and durability. One board member recommended thermally modified wood as longer‑lasting than pressure‑treated lumber, noting it can cost about 40 percent more. The homeowners said they would not stain or paint the porch and that the plan is to place the new porch over the existing concrete rather than remove it.

After discussion, a motion to approve the proposed porch passed on roll call. Board members recorded in the roll call as voting to approve included Bill Jewell, Abby (Happy) Smith, Chris Coney, Ken McWilliams, Brian Rogers, Jared Anderson and Jed (last name recorded in minutes); the motion passed and the applicant was told to collect paperwork from the city or request it by mail.

The board advised the applicant to bring design information for any future covering or roof that will be added to the porch so staff and the board can review compatibility with the house’s period and with the guidelines.