Commission OKs cement-fiber siding for upper side facade after structural concerns noted

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness, 5-0, on March 3 to allow cement fiber board for the upper portion of a side facade where previous metal and foam were removed during renovation.

Staff explained the upper facade exposed after demolition consisted of metal and foam; historical photographs indicate the building originally had brick and two windows on that elevation, but later alterations removed that material. Because the building’s upper structure lacks a foundation and includes large timber framing (described at the meeting as 12-inch-by-12-inch beams), staff and commissioners agreed that installing full brick would be structurally impractical. The applicant proposed cement fiber board (Hardie-type siding) framed on 2-by-6s, with 8- or 10-inch siding planks to approximate a wood appearance.

Mr. Kennedy, who said he has been working on the building’s rehabilitation, described construction constraints and supported the proposed materials. Commissioners emphasized that substitute materials should have a wood-like texture; one commissioner said, “Preferably...it would have been black, but I understand why you chose to leave it with the aluminum,” and others recommended brick-toned or wood-stain colors so the wall fits the streetscape.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Phil Nichols moved to approve as applied; Commissioner Daryl Covington seconded. Jason Wells, Valerie Duncan, Daryl Covington, Phil Nichols and Maneka Gibbs voted yes; the motion passed 5-0.

Staff noted the approved material is a substantial improvement over the existing metal-and-foam condition and reminded the applicant that final color and trim treatment may be subject to staff review or future conditions set by the commission.