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Commission approves enclosure of back porch at 1623 Grand into mudroom
Summary
The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for owners at 1623 Grand to enclose a rear porch and create a mudroom as part of a kitchen renovation; the commission confirmed the work is reversible and meets cited historic standards.
The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for owners of 1623 Grand to enclose an existing rear porch and convert it into a mudroom as part of a kitchen renovation.
The applicants said the enclosure is intended to add functionality—a coat closet and insulated entry—while preserving the home’s historic character; staff and commissioners noted the proposed work is reversible and uses matching siding and window proportions.
Lynn Robertson, who identified herself and her husband Jed Robertson as the owners and residents of 1623 Grand, told the commission: “We are interested in enclosing our back porch to make it into a mudroom in conjunction with a kitchen renovation project that we are undertaking.” Commissioners asked about insulation, siding color and whether the change could be undone in the future. The applicants said the new siding will match the existing lower-story color (described as a very dark green) and that the enclosed space will be insulated.
Commissioners and staff also discussed a recent small fire on the back porch; the applicants said the porch sustained damage in that fire about three to four weeks earlier and that the damage increased their urgency to move forward with repairs and the renovation. Staff noted that the application was detailed and that the proposed intervention would be reversible because it mainly fills existing openings rather than removing historic fabric.
A motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness, citing compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards (Standards 2, 9 and 10), passed on a roll call: Katie — yes; Dana — yes; Dan — yes; James — yes. Staff reminded the owners they will still need any required building permits before work begins and offered to provide permit guidance following the meeting.
The commission encouraged careful attention to insulation and floor conditions; one commissioner noted that similar projects sometimes lack insulation under porch floors and can remain cold without that work. The approval permits the owners to pursue permits and begin work consistent with the approved application and historic-rehabilitation guidance.
