Commission approves asphalt shingles to replace failing slate at 239 Wilbur Avenue with conditions

The Columbus Historic Preservation Commission on June 20 approved an application to remove and replace an existing slate roof at 239 Wilbur Avenue with asphalt shingles, with a condition that decorative metal cresting be retained or replaced "in like kind" and that final details be submitted to staff prior to issuance of a certificate of appropriateness.

Staff recommended conditional approval under city code 3116.11, the standards for alteration, and the city's architectural review commission guidelines. The owner and applicant described repeated slate tile failures and underlying decking rot. The applicant said they had spent "probably about $6,000 over the past 18 months just in doing repairs," and reported recent tiles had slid into gutters and that leaks were recurring in upstairs units. The applicant and contractor said the plywood decking appears rotted and will require removing all slate tiles to access and repair the deck.

Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives and the availability of octagonal or non‑standard slate shapes; the applicant said such shapes are difficult to obtain in sufficient supply. Staff asked for detailed roof and cresting specifications, and commissioners offered to review samples and subcommittee drawings if needed.

A motion to approve the application with the staff conditions passed with commissioners in the affirmative. The applicant must supply detailed material specifications and documentation (including cresting details) for staff review before a final COA is issued.