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DDRC defers decision on wholesale siding replacement at 2819 Bratton Street
Summary
The DDRC deferred a request to allow wholesale replacement of wood siding at 2819 Bratton Street in the Melrose Heights Oak Lawn Architectural Conservation District, asking staff to gather additional information including a site inspection or test panel to determine the extent of deterioration and the feasibility of preserving historic features.
The Design Development Review Commission deferred action on a request to replace exterior siding at 2819 Bratton Street in the Melrose Heights Oak Lawn Architectural Conservation District, directing staff to gather further information before the commission votes on wholesale replacement.
Staff told the commission it inspected the house from the street in April 2024 and found the front elevation to be the most deteriorated; staff said its review at that time did not support confidence that wholesale replacement was necessary and recommended deferral so staff could gather updated, site‑specific information. Staff recommended using a small test panel to demonstrate removal techniques and clarify how much siding requires replacement.
Homeowner Savannah Martin said she moved into the 1930s house in May 2023 and has been seeking contractors since March 2024. Martin said she has struggled to find contractors willing to take the job and that one contractor, David Williams, assessed the house and estimated about two‑thirds of the siding may need replacement. Martin provided a contractor estimate for the work of about $40,000 and said she planned to use fiber cement siding (brand referred to as HardiePlank in the transcript) if wholesale replacement were approved. "I do fear if not addressed soon, the exterior will continue to deteriorate," Martin told the commission.
Contractor David Williams, sworn and speaking to the commission, said removal of the existing siding is labor‑intensive and can reveal additional deterioration during the work. Williams said that although fiber cement products can be mitered, matching the house's historic mitered corners would likely require a thicker or different product and could add cost. "The process is really just kind of tedious ... that's my primary concern," he said.
Commissioners debated options including possible approval with design details deferred to staff, but several commissioners and staff emphasized the lack of current on‑site information and the uniqueness of the house's mitered corner detail. One commissioner said the guidelines for this district do not include a 50% replacement threshold, which is used in other districts, and staff confirmed there is no written 50% rule in this district.
After discussion, a motion to defer so staff could collect additional information passed by a 5‑1 vote. The commission did not deny the application; instead it asked staff to return with updated assessment results and, if needed, a test panel and material recommendations.
