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Commission approves rear patio, garage enclosure and fences at 118 Calhoun Street with material conditions
Summary
The commission approved a rear covered patio and expanded pool deck, enclosure of a contributing 1930s garage and new fencing at 118 Calhoun Street; commissioners debated whether to allow a brick veneer or painted finish on the garage and set conditions for material submissions.
The Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved a multi‑part application for 118 Calhoun Street in Old Town that allows a rear covered patio, expansion of an existing pool deck, enclosure of a contributing circa‑1930 detached garage, and new fencing along property lines.
Staff described the project as consisting largely of work on a modern rear addition and rear yard elements that will be hidden from principal street views. The detached garage, listed as a contributing structure in the Old Town National Register nomination and visible from an alley behind the property, will be enclosed but will retain its existing footprint and overall appearance. The applicant proposed either a painted brick veneer to match the primary house or replacement with painted stucco; staff suggested that distinguishing the garage as a later construction would also be an acceptable approach.
Fencing plans call for a 6‑foot wood fence with brick columns along the east property line (matching the footprint and height of previously approved masonry) and repaired or matched historic iron fencing along Holmes Avenue with a new 3‑foot ornamental wrought‑iron section that will be visually compatible with but not an exact replica of the original 1890s ironwork.
Commissioners raised several concerns during review. One member said brick veneer may not follow the commission’s guidelines for a secondary historic building and suggested leaving a painted finish or using stucco; another commissioner noted the garage appears to be a patchwork of older materials and has limited historic integrity, and was comfortable with materials that reflect later modification. The applicant said leftover original brick on site motivated the veneer proposal and agreed to be flexible with the final material choice.
After public comment was closed, the commission moved to approve the application as submitted, with commissioners clarifying that the garage façade may be painted to match the house or finished with brick that matches the on‑site material; any other departures would require at least staff review. The motion carried by voice vote.
Staff will issue the COA letter with the approved materials and may require samples or submittals if the applicant opts to leave the garage unpainted or to use a veneer that departs from what commission members discussed.
