Historic board approves extended front steps at 412 East Third

The Madison Historic District Board of Review on Feb. 24 granted a certificate of appropriateness for extended front steps and new railings at 412 East Third Street, approving an application from property owner Daniel Duran.

The board said the proposal meets Department of the Interior guidance for exterior stairs and fire escape work, and members cited accessibility and safety as primary reasons to approve the change.

Duran told the board he planned to remove the current steep and uneven steps and rebuild them in brick to match the adjacent property he also owns. “The rise on the steps is really, really steep,” Duran said, adding his mason would repoint and rebuild the steps and that Madison Iron Works would fabricate new railings. He said the new steps would extend about 40 inches from the street to match neighboring houses.

Board members reviewed photos and an inspection report. A board member noted tenants who had difficulty on the existing steps during a site visit. Historic District staff cited Department of the Interior design guidance (section on fire escapes and exterior stairs) and stated the project meets accessibility and life-safety building-code requirements.

A motion based on the board’s findings of fact passed on a roll-call vote. The board instructed staff to issue the certificate of appropriateness and said the owner may begin work once he receives the certificate and any required permits.

Duran asked whether additional decorative trim above doors and windows would require a separate application; staff and board members said he should return with designs for those elements for review.

The board concluded by reminding the applicant to coordinate with staff on final details and permitting before construction begins.