Historic District Commission approves roof and repair plan at 602 West Walnut

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission on Friday unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness allowing owners of 602 West Walnut to remove an existing rear balcony, install a hip roof over the kitchen bump-out and convert two doors into windows, following testimony that the structure suffers extensive water, termite and asbestos-related damage.

The approval matters because commission staff warned that only four members were present and unanimous votes were required; the owners said the existing balcony was leaking, unsafe and had turned parts of the wall into “dirt,” and they said immediate repairs are needed to make the rental safe for tenants.

Scott Hunsinger, who identified himself as the property owner, told the commission workers had…