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Historic board continues review of second‑story dormer proposal at 808 Claremore Drive
Summary
Homeowners seeking a second‑story addition and dormer at 808 Claremore Drive were asked to return with clearer demolition drawings, revised window proportions and refined portico details; the board continued the case to May 28.
Homeowners Austin and Ashley continued their request to add a full second story and new dormer to their one‑story Flamingo Park house, but the West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Board voted to continue the application after members said materials and drawings were unclear.
The homeowners presented an updated design that replaces an earlier full second‑story concept with a lower‑profile dormer, an enlarged portico and a rear addition that would increase conditioned area from about 1,228 to roughly 2,934 square feet. Architect Ashley of LCA described the proposal as an effort to preserve the house’s street appearance while providing modern family space.
Board members said the applicants had responded to the board’s earlier direction but that several issues remained unresolved. Members questioned the height and placement of several new windows, the design and detailing of the front portico (including whether columns or raised outlookers should be used), and the absence of a full demolition plan showing what exterior and interior fabric would be removed or retained. Staff and applicants disagreed about a demolition note that showed the chimney removed; applicants said the chimney will remain and that earlier drawings were out of date.
The board also discussed a mature banyan tree on the site. The homeowners said removal would be expensive and not preferred; staff noted a separate tree‑alteration permit and mitigation could be required. Board members asked for clarity on what trees, if any, would be removed and whether the tree‑permit decision would return to the board.
After an executive session the board directed the applicants to revise drawings to: include a clear demolition plan (elevations and plans showing material removals and what remains), resolve fenestration proportions so new windows align with existing patterns, provide a refined portico design (the board showed a preference for the option without columns), and show material transitions that differentiate the existing house from new work. The board moved to continue the case to May 28 to allow the applicants to submit those changes.
The continuance was approved by the board. No formal approval of the project was made; the board will take final action after receiving the required revisions and the demolition plan.
Why it matters: The board’s request for clearer demolition documentation and stricter adherence to existing window proportions reflects the panel’s role in preserving neighborhood character in Flamingo Park while allowing homeowners to modernize homes for family needs.
What’s next: Applicants will return on May 28 with revised drawings showing the demolition plan, clarified window heights and sill locations, and a revised portico design that responds to staff and board comments.
