Historic commission approves hidden-gutter restoration at 346 East Main with staff review of mock-up

The Murphish Borough Historic Zoning Commission on April 15 approved a plan to repair and restore the Victorian hidden-gutter cornice and surrounding soffit and fascia at 346 East Main Street, a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Commission staff described the request as an application from Michael Chavez of Chavez Construction Company to replace damaged gutters and rotted cornice work, including freeze boards, soffits and fascia, and to reinstall ornamental medallions and round downspouts painted to match the existing building. The property is in an RS-15 single-family residential district with the historic zoning overlay and City Core Overlay (CCO).

Amelia, planning staff, said administrative approval issued in October 2024 allowed replacement of roof shingles and an earlier gutter-and-downspout replacement; the new roof and replacement work revealed extensive rot. She said the applicant now seeks commission approval to install a shaped aluminum ‘‘DuraGutter’’ system at the upper cornice levels and to replace the missing cornice members in painted wood to match the existing detailing. "Second Floor, curb photographs of the home…photos of the rot damage, product information, and photos of the areas of work were included in your agenda material," Amelia told the commission.

The applicant, Michael Chavez, explained the chosen product and how the repaired cornice will be slightly reduced in projection so roof runoff will flow into the new metal trough. "The DuraGutter…is a shaped aluminum gutter. It is a heavy gauge aluminum gutter system, and it has an OG profile that will match the OG profile that you see from the ground now," Chavez said.

Commission discussion centered on preserving historic detailing (spacing of modillions and medallions), materials and the visual effect of the replacement gutter, and on confirming that outriggers that remain structurally sound would be retained. Vice Chair Belcher asked for a small sample or mock-up so the commission and staff could confirm the finished appearance before full installation; Chavez agreed he could supply materials quickly for a three- or four-foot mock-up.

The commission’s motion approved the application "as submitted pending staff approval of the finished product/model," and clarified that staff would review the mock-up administratively before allowing full implementation. The motion carried on a unanimous recorded roll call: Miss Anderson — yes; Mister Becker — yes; Mister Jakes — yes; Mister Panassi — yes; Mister Prince — yes; Mister Thompson — yes; Vice Chair Belcher — yes; Chair Davis — yes.

The commission and applicant agreed on replacement materials to be painted to match existing trim, use of gutter guard where shown in the exhibits, and repair or replacement of outriggers only where necessary for structural support. The owner, Brenda Gerard, was noted in the record as the property owner who elected the alternate gutter product that prompted the current review.

With the mock-up to be reviewed by staff, the commission concluded the item and moved on to the next agenda matter.

Ending: The approval is contingent on administrative staff approval of a mock-up of the DuraGutter installation and associated painted wood trim; if staff approves the mock-up, Chavez may proceed with the full repairs under the commission’s action.