Davenport preservation panel refuses approval for after-the-fact sliding door at 418 W. Seventh

The Davenport Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 14 failed to approve an after-the-fact installation of sliding French doors on the north (alley) elevation of the Paul and Mina Janssen House, a contributing property in the Hamburg local landmark historic district. The motion to approve the door and removal of an older kitchen door and window failed on a 3-2 roll call.

The commission’s consideration focused on work completed after the owner had sought partial approval in December. Staff informed the commission that a notice of violation had been sent because the sliding French doors were installed without an approved certificate of appropriateness and without a separate building permit. Staff recommended against approving the sliding doors on the north elevation but noted the proposed rear alterations otherwise had “minimal impact” on the district.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the case raises questions about precedent and the commission’s process because the owner proceeded with the work before the full application was decided. Some members emphasized…