Design Review Committee generally backs proposed arched entry at 900 Fair Street with requests for measured details

Stephen Scott returned with a revised design to remove a green awning and add a brick arch and keystone at the primary entry of 900 Fair Street. He said the house has multiple existing arches around porches and that adding a complementary brick arch would restore a consistent character lost in a previous renovation.

City staff advised that the design guidelines generally recommend preserving original porch elements and avoiding additions that mimic a different historic period. Staff concluded the proposed alteration “adds a detail that is not in keeping with the historic porch,” and therefore was not supported strictly by guidelines as submitted.

Several DRC members, however, said the arch would correct an earlier insensitive alteration and generally supported the new concept subject to refinement. Members requested the applicant return with: - Measured drawings showing the arch geometry, spring line and keystone dimensions and the relationship to the existing transom and porch openings; and - A mortar‑matching plan and reuse strategy for existing brick, because the house uses an older 8‑inch brick that is not readily available.

Commissioners suggested slightly reducing the visual scale of the keystone on renderings but said that was a design refinement rather than a fatal flaw. The applicant said he can supply reclaimed brick already on the property and will provide construction drawings and mortar details for the Historic Zoning Commission review.

No formal vote was taken at DRC; staff and commissioners agreed the applicant should return with dimensioned drawings, mortar and brick reuse documentation, and a scope of repair for other areas of the facade that will be addressed during construction.