Board asks for altered modular design and sections before approving 816 Third Street modular housing project

The Historic Preservation Board on Feb. 25 continued review of a proposed 1,400‑square‑foot modular house for 816 Third Street, a project awarded to the applicant in partnership with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The CRA deputy director spoke in favor of the project and described it as part of an affordable homeownership approach; a neighborhood speaker opposed additional subsidized housing in the block.

The applicant, represented by Christina Anthony of Return to Construction and client Lamont Humber of the Cygnet Foundation, said the project met most staff recommendations but objected to a staff suggestion that earth‑tone brick wrap around the base due to cost concerns for a CRA workforce housing project. The applicant also said the modular manufacturer constrained the number of windows but was willing to change window sizing and other details where feasible.

Staff recommended approval with conditions that included architectural detailing to better align the modular unit with neighboring mid‑century and masonry vernacular forms: partial brick wrap at base, specific window patterns and finishes, an architecturally appropriate front door and other details. Board members expressed strong concern about the building’s roof expression and overall modern profile and asked the applicant to return with an alternative modular model, a clear section/roof detail, and revised elevations that reduce the contemporary expression and reference adjacent contributing buildings. The board continued the case to March 25 and asked staff to work with the applicant on the requested changes.