Huntsville commission OKs limited work at 513 Randolph, continues decision on modern rear addition

At the February 2025 meeting of the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission, members voted to approve only portions of a renovation proposed for 513 Randolph Ave., a 1905 folk‑Victorian house in the Twickenham Historic District, and continued the more controversial elements for further review.

The commission approved the demolition of the rear deck and a detached shed built in 1998, replacement of the concrete sidewalk and driveway, specified paint changes, replacement of the existing roof on the historic portion of the house and replacement of the chimney cap. The commission continued consideration of the two‑story rear addition, an attached porte cochere and a rear courtyard to the commission’s next monthly meeting so staff and the applicant can refine the design.

City preservation planner Katie Stamps summarized staff findings before the applicants spoke. She said the detached shed “was constructed in 1998 [and] is not a contributing structure within the district” and that the proposed demolition of the shed and rear deck “will not negatively impact the historic character of the structure or district.” Stamps also described the addition as “clearly distinguishable from the historic structure” and noted the…