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Historic Landmark Commission approves thin‑brick modification for Cottonwood Western Gardens
Summary
The Historic Landmark Commission unanimously approved a modification allowing thin‑brick veneer in place of full brick on the Cottonwood Western Gardens multifamily project at 550 South 600 East, finding the change meets new‑construction guidelines and zoning standards though several commissioners expressed durability concerns.
The Historic Landmark Commission on the February meeting approved a modification to the Cottonwood Western Gardens new‑construction approval at 550 South 600 East (case PLNHLC2023‑00909), allowing a thin‑brick veneer over hard‑coated stucco where the project had previously been approved with a full brick veneer.
Staff said the change to thin brick would not affect the project’s compliance with the new‑construction standards and applicable design guidelines for the Central City Local Historic District, nor with F B U N 2 zoning standards. Nan Larson, planning staff, told commissioners the proposed four‑story building will contain about 166 residential units; the leasing office portion is two stories and about 29 feet tall. Larson said reviewers found the thin‑brick veneer would keep required window reveals and other design elements visible from the street and recommended approval with the conditions that accompanied the original new‑construction approval.
Applicant Alex Stoddard said contractors recommended thin brick for sequencing and construction simplicity, and that the thin brick is the same color and size as the previously approved full brick; he said window jambs would be detailed so the reveal remains visually similar. Stoddard showed photos of a completed project in Salt Lake City using the same thin‑brick approach.
Commission discussion was brief. Several commissioners said the appearance from the street would remain acceptable but raised long‑term durability concerns: thin brick can delaminate or “pop off” if not installed properly. Commissioners asked the applicant to ensure proper installation and fastening details to avoid future detachment; staff noted the review focuses on design and code compliance, not long‑term contractor performance.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Carlton Goetz moved to approve the modification per staff recommendation; Commissioner Adrianne DeLay seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor (Adrianne DeLay: aye; Carlton Goetz: aye; Jared Barnett: aye; Allen White: aye; Chair John Ewanowski: aye), and the modification passed.
The applicant will proceed with construction under the amended exterior‑material approval. The commission’s approval does not change the building’s approved massing, unit count, or the other conditions adopted with the original new‑construction permit.
