HPC approves replacement front door at 1711 Seventh Street but denies exterior alterations that removed historic trim

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission approved the replacement front door at 1711 Seventh Street but denied a separate request to retain exterior alterations that removed historic gable trim and venting.

Staff presented that the work — a closed-up front gable and a replaced front door — had already been completed. Christy Lee, appearing as the owner's representative, said the owner had the door replaced immediately after a burglary because the old door "was in really, really bad shape, it could not lock," and that the gable had been closed to prevent rodents and other environmental intrusion while the house was made habitable. The owner lives out of state and did not attend the hearing.

Commission findings Commission members said the door itself met the design guidelines and voted to approve the replacement. However, commissioners said closing and boarding the gable removed original trim and a vent detail that contributes to the bungalow's historic character. Chair Kathy Pagani and other members noted that the commission had previously denied installation of cedar shake siding and had expected certain original trim features to be retained or restored. Pagani said, "The issue was removing the trim that included that design detail that included the vent."

Votes and motions The commission split the application into two parts. The motion to approve the replacement front door passed with recorded votes: Dr. Nelson — Yes; Dr. Yarbrough — Yes; Jordan Morris — Yes; Matt McCool — Yes; Commissioner Deason — Yes; Chair Kathy Pagani — Yes. The motion to approve the exterior alterations (closing of the gable and removal of trim) failed with the same members recording No votes; commissioners cited the design guidelines' direction to preserve and repair historic trim rather than remove it. Commissioners instructed the owner and representatives to work with city staff for any further exterior work and noted that the commission is not an enforcement body but must apply the design guidelines when deciding certificates of appropriateness.

Context and next steps Commissioners and staff reminded the owner that most exterior changes — fences, doors, porches, windows — require prior approval from the Historic Preservation Commission or staff. The commission recommended the owner coordinate with staff to determine whether alternatives (for example, closing the gable from the interior while leaving exterior trim intact) are feasible to address the homeowner's safety and pest concerns without removing defining architectural features.