Historical Zoning Commission approves exterior renovations at 404 West 6th Street

The Historical Zoning Commission on Jan. 15 approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior renovations and additions at 404 West 6th Street, a contributing property in the West 6 and May's Place historic district known as the T.J. Helm House (circa 1873). The commission voted unanimously to approve the revised plans, subject to staff comments and the usual City of Columbia permitting review.

Staff planner Marcus Archibald said the application had been deferred at the commission's December meeting and that the applicant submitted a revised plan set (labeled "revised plan set 01082025") addressing prior concerns. "In response to the commission's request, Mr. Perry has submitted those documentations, with those changes," Archibald said, and staff recommended approval of the certificate of appropriateness.

Applicant Greg Perry of Charlotte told the commission he simplified window designs to match existing sashes and adjusted openings to align with the historic fabric. "We tried to simplify it quite a bit," Perry said, describing efforts to match the existing window theme and to limit deviations to two rear-elevation openings. The project proposal includes converting a shed roof to a low hip roof, removing and expanding a rear deck, adding a non-heated portico/breezeway and a carport at the rear, restoring or replacing porch railings and spindles to ensure consistency, and adding a new rear roof.

Commission discussion noted the revisions better harmonize with the house and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for rehabilitation were referenced in favor of the approach. Chair George Neuber said the resubmittal represented a blended approach that respected the original structure and met the commission's concerns. A motion to approve, made during the meeting and seconded, passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Hooten — yes; Mr. Lawrence — yes; George Neuber — yes; Mr. Shannon — yes.

Archibald told the applicant that the staff would issue the certificate of appropriateness and reminded the applicant that the project must also proceed through the City's permit review. "Make sure you're applying proper permits with the City of Columbia for construction," he said, and cautioned that building-code review — including handrail compliance — would be part of that process.

Adjacent property owner Anthony Petrotchko, 402 West 6th Street, spoke in support of the project but raised concerns about a shared driveway and potential wear from construction traffic. He also asked about grading, drainage and the planned retaining/terracing in the rear yard. Perry and a member of the design team replied that the intent is to terrace rather than install a six‑foot wall and to coordinate construction details; Perry and staff agreed to exchange contact information to address neighbor concerns during construction.

The commission also recorded that the 1984 historic inventory entry for the property should be updated to the 2024 historic inventory and that the house is identified as the T.J. Helm House in Italianate style. Archibald said he was comfortable with the changes submitted and that he would communicate the COA and any staff conditions to the applicant following the meeting.

The meeting also approved minutes from the commission's Dec. 18, 2024, meeting earlier in the agenda.

The commission adjourned after confirming there were no other items for the record.