Historic Zoning Commission approves exterior repairs, built-in gutter at 346 East Main Street

The Historic Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved a request to replace gutters, soffit, fascia and related trim at 346 East Main Street, a Queen Anne–style house listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Ben Roberts House.

The commission voted to allow the owner and contractor to replace damaged trim and install a six-inch built-in gutter with a custom drip edge, coping cap and embedded polyurethane foam, and to use James Hardie cement-fiber boards and composite moldings painted to match the existing exterior, as presented during the meeting.

The vote matters because the property is within local historic-district overlays and the commission must sign off on exterior work that affects visible historic fabric. Commission approval clears the way for the owner to obtain building permits and proceed with the work, subject to any standard permitting requirements.

Amelia (staff member) told the commission the project is being undertaken by 3 Stone Roofing on the 0.6-acre parcel that operates as a single-family dwelling with a prior board of zone appeals approval for a bed-and-breakfast use. She said the house is zoned RS-15 with a local HC (historic district) overlay and lies inside a CCO District overlay.

Amelia said the October administrative approval had allowed replacement of architectural shingles and that, during that work, the contractor discovered additional rot and damage along the cornice and soffits. She summarized the current request as replacement "to replace all the fascia, soffit and trim around the entire perimeter" using "James Hardie Arctic white to match the existing," replacing the decorative 6-by-6 pop-outs and quarter-round molding and matching the existing 6-inch crown molding.

The applicant described construction and materials in more detail. The owner, Brenda Gerard, confirmed she and her contractor inspected the attic and noted there is not a clear intake for a ventilated soffit, which informed the discussion about whether the soffit should be perforated for ventilation or solid. The contractor explained his intent "to replace it exactly as it is with modern materials that will look exactly the same. That is our goal." The contractor also said the plan includes setting a custom drip edge six inches up the decking, embedding the gutter with expanding polyurethane foam so it will not move, and attaching a coping cap that covers the crown molding and secures onto the outer side of the gutter.

Commissioners pressed on installation details and long-term function. Commissioner Thompson expressed concern about moisture getting behind the system and said the owner should ensure "you get it good and dry." Another commissioner queried whether the six-inch decorative "pop-outs" (described in the discussion as modillions or boxed moldings) would be replaced like ‘‘shoe boxes’’; the applicant replied they would be matched in appearance and constructed so they read as 6-by-6 elements even where substrate sizes vary.

Panel members also questioned material choices and installation sequencing. The contractor said the crown molding and quarter-round would be composite, the fascia and soffit James Hardie cement board, and that the pop-outs’ structural members would be pressure-treated lumber. One commissioner cautioned that pressure-treated lumber often requires an acclimation period before painting and warned that painting too soon can lead to peeling; the contractor said he would select a material or process to avoid that problem.

On ventilation, the contractor said the proposed perforated Hardie soffit is roughly 18 inches wide and that the interior of the gutter would occupy approximately the first foot, with the perforation remaining on the outer portion so the soffit would still provide ventilation where it ties into the house. The owner said she and her contractor had not yet resolved whether a ventilated or solid soffit would be preferable; Amelia noted the project team could return to a solid Hardie sheet if the commission preferred when ridge-venting and attic insulation details were considered. Amelia also said that if the contractor finds decking or rafter damage that requires structural work beyond the scope of the approved exterior replacement, the team must obtain a building permit and that further work into the rafters would not require a return to the commission.

The commission then voted to approve the proposal as presented. The motion was moved and seconded during the meeting; the roll call recorded unanimous approval by the voting members present: Miss Anderson (aye), Mr. Backlund (aye), Mr. Becker (aye), Mr. Jaques (aye), Mr. Penacci (aye), Mr. Prince (aye), Mr. Thompson (aye), and the vice chair (aye).

The owner and contractor were thanked for maintaining a local landmark in Murfreesboro and for the additional expense to preserve the building’s curb appearance. With commission approval, the project team may now proceed to secure building permits and schedule construction.

Votes at a glance: 346 East Main Street — Motion to approve exterior repairs and installation of a built-in six-inch gutter system, replacement of soffit, fascia and trim with James Hardie cement-fiber board and composite moldings, and use of polyurethane foam to secure the gutter — Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).