Tampa ARC approves addition at 5610 N. Central Ave. in Seminole Heights with conditions

The City of Tampa Architectural Review Commission on Feb. 12 approved a certificate of appropriateness for alterations and an addition at 5610 North Central Avenue in the Seminole Heights Historic District, finding the application consistent with the city’s design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, with conditions that staff review and approve the brick selection and lattice detail on the addition.

Alan Dobbs of Florida Design Studio presented the project on behalf of the new owners, describing a plan to add a master suite and modest second‑floor pop‑up, reconfigure the rear porch, expand an interior basement space and modify some site elements including a parking pad to meet city transportation standards. Dobbs showed precedent houses in the immediate area with similar gable details and said the proposal attempts to preserve the primary front facade while distinguishing new work with a stucco band and shingle siding on the pop‑up.

Dobbs described construction details: a 3‑foot eave overhang to match existing, dimensional asphalt shingles, wood windows set to provide a brick return where feasible, a textured stucco base with smooth stucco banding, and a proposed thin‑veneer brick to match the character of the existing masonry. He also explained a basement expansion below the addition and multiple redundant foundation drainage measures for the below‑grade work.

Staff recommended approval with conditions. Dennis Fernandez, Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Manager, said the application was consistent with staff findings but requested conditions and clarifications: confirmation of mechanical screening, detailed window‑installation notes (operation type for smaller sash windows), and careful review of brick veneer and corner treatment so the new brick integrates with contributing structures. Fernandez also noted that Hardie (fiber cement) siding is sometimes used on additions but said he preferred original materials for a vertical pop‑up in this instance and asked the applicant to work with staff on materials.

No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing. Commissioners praised the thorough presentation and the proportions of the design. Commissioner Dan Myers moved to grant the certificate of appropriateness for ARC‑25‑0000101 for 5610 North Central Avenue with the staff conditions that brick selection and lattice detail be reviewed and approved by staff; Commissioner John Prokop seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.