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Tumwater commission approves Bower House porch repairs contingent on historic documentation
Summary
The commission granted a certificate of appropriateness to repair and replace the front porch and rear deck of the Bower House, conditioned on submission of historic photographs, contractor plans and materials details showing like-for-like repairs.
The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 16 approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior porch and deck repairs at the Bower House, contingent on documentation demonstrating that proposed work preserves the property’s historic appearance.
Staff told commissioners the owners want to remove rotten materials and replace the front porch and rear deck with like materials. Chuck, a city staff member, explained the house is listed on the city historic register and therefore requires commission review for exterior changes. "No person shall construct, reconstruct, alter, restore, remodel or repair a property on the city's historic register without obtaining a certificate of appropriateness," Chuck said while explaining the municipal code basis for review.
Several commissioners expressed concern that the commission lacked pre-1900 photographic documentation to compare with the proposed work. Commissioner Marty (surname not specified in the record) recommended seeking historic photographs from the county assessor and other archives. Rather than delay the repair, the commission adopted a conditional approval.
The motion approved by voice vote requires the applicant to submit photographic evidence (historic photos, where available) and construction documents showing materials and details before final administrative sign-off on the permit. The commission’s motion also specified that, if documentation shows the house previously had materially different historic features, the commission reserves authority to require adjustments to maintain the house’s register-character.
Commissioners and staff emphasized the intent: to allow the owner to address unsafe, rotten porch elements while ensuring future documentation and materials preserve the house’s historic character. The motion passed and staff will receive the required photos, materials lists and contractor specifications as part of the approval package; if those details are not acceptable, the commission may require further review.
