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Commission approves rear porch enclosure at 537 Maple Avenue, citing low visibility
Summary
The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to enclose a rear/secondary facade porch at 537 Maple Avenue using wood framing and fiberglass windows; staff cited low visibility and precedent for rear porch enclosures.
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission approved on Jan. 22 a certificate of appropriateness allowing the enclosure of a rear porch at 537 Maple Avenue.
Staff told the commission the house is a corner property so its secondary facade is visible from a street; however, the porch is largely obscured by fencing and its rear/side placement creates low visibility. The applicant proposed wood framing, paneling to match the existing house, fiberglass windows and a fiberglass door; staff said the floor system is deteriorated and will need replacement as part of the work. Staff recommended commission approval under the ordinance’s provision that allows reasonable flexibility for low‑visibility changes and noted precedent for approving rear porch enclosures on similar properties.
Mike Hendy of Neil’s Design Remodel, the contractor, and the property owner discussed window configuration with commissioners. Hendy said the design uses paired double‑hung sash units that operate separately; one commissioner suggested a fixed transom might be more period appropriate, while others favored the proposed paired operable windows for symmetry and potential future reopening of the porch. The applicant said operable windows are preferred but higher cost may lead to fixed windows.
A motion to approve staff’s recommendation carried on a roll call with Commissioners Crocker, Fleckinger, Quinn, Vice Chair Ramler and Chair Kolb recorded as voting yes. Staff said applicants will receive follow‑up correspondence and permit instruction.
