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Historic board tables request to paint brick at 2046 Madison Avenue, asks for test patch and color match
Summary
The board tabled an application to paint brick at 2046 Madison Avenue in the Capitol Heights/Cloverdale area, asking the homeowner and staff to test paint removal, explore brick-colored options and return with samples or a structural test patch next month.
The Montgomery City Historic Preservation Review Board on a motion tabled a request to paint the brick exterior of a residence at 2046 Madison Avenue in the Capitol Heights/Cloverdale area, directing the homeowner to work with city staff on a test patch and on paint-color options that better match the original brick.
The board said painting smooth, intact brick in a historic district can alter the structure’s character and set a precedent; members expressed concern about the house’s fit with surrounding properties and noted that painted brick typically requires ongoing maintenance.
Homeowner Lee Ishman, who said he bought the house in poor condition and had removed overgrowth before painting, told the board he had not realized the work required prior approval and began painting before receiving a review appointment. Ishman said the paint job started in January and that he selected a light warm gray intended to improve the house’s appearance.
Board members and staff discussed three practical options: (1) test removal of the paint from a small patch to see whether it can be stripped without leaving residue; (2) if residue remains, select a brick-toned paint and repaint to create a consistent appearance; or (3) if removal is straightforward, remove paint from visible elevations and preserve original brick where feasible. Staff warned that complete removal may be difficult and could leave white residue; one board member noted painted brick increases long-term maintenance and can change precedent in the district.
Staff member Sean Rose said the city’s preapproved paint palette is meant primarily for previously painted surfaces and may not exactly match unpainted brick, and he offered to work with the homeowner to identify a closer brick tone and to coordinate a test patch. The board voted to table the application until next month so the homeowner and staff can complete the test and present color options.
“I move to table the application until next month to allow for the homeowner and Sean to discuss the testing and removal of a patch section of paint on the house, and if needed, to determine a color of paint that matches closer to the original brick color for review at the board,” a board member said. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
