ARB reviews plan to extend metal awning, add rear porch at 814 Sherman St. SE

The Decatur Architectural Review Board on June 12 heard a staff presentation on a Certificate of Appropriateness application to extend an existing metal awning and add a rear porch and deck at 814 Sherman Street Southeast.

John, a city staff member, told the board the proposal would “replace the wood stoop with the landing and stairs” keeping “the exact same pattern,” and would extend an existing mid‑century metal awning “to go to the back corner of the house.” He said the rear deck is “set back to help reduce visibility.”

The project was presented to the board under the city’s design review standards for awnings and canopies and for decks. Staff noted the awning appears to be a mid‑century metal awning and that, under the guidelines, metal awnings “are appropriate for mid century dwellings.” The staff presentation included a drawing showing the awning extended around the corner and a side view indicating the work would not be visible from the public right of way.

Board members asked a few clarifying questions, including about the awning color; one member said they thought the awning looked “green. That dusty green,” and suggested the color would likely match existing trim. No motion or vote on the 814 Sherman application is recorded in the meeting transcript.

Because the proposed work is at the rear of the house and largely not visible from the public right of way, staff characterized it as consistent with prior rulings that give some latitude for rear decks that are recessed from corner walls. The transcript does not record any formal action, conditions, or approval language for this item.