Historic 1927 house at 500 Nassau St. cleared for restoration with conditions, board removes decorative brackets

The Venice Historic Architectural Preservation Board on Aug. 28 approved PLAR25‑00265, a certificate of architectural compliance to renovate a 1927 single‑family home and rebuild a nonoriginal carriage house at 500 Nassau Street, with conditions that adjust some decorative details and authorize staff to approve minor revisions.

Nicole Tremblay, senior planner for the City of Venice, described the proposal as removal of two nonoriginal features, repair of stucco, replacement of roofing and windows, and construction of a new second‑story connector between the main house and the carriage house. Tremblay said the property lies in the Venetian theme Architectural Control District and that the packet included elevations, historic photos and material specifications. "You all have seen this recently for a local register nomination," Tremblay said, noting the local register nomination had received first reading and was scheduled for a second reading before City Council in October.

Harry Klinkhammer, the city's historical resources manager, told the board his review found the proposed work would not jeopardize eligibility for the local register and that the plan "meets the Secretary of the Interior's standards" as applied at this stage. Klinkhammer also clarified that the existing garage/carriage house is not original to the 1927 construction.

Sam Hardy of BB Design Studio presented the design and the restoration approach on behalf of owner Michael Jerriman. Hardy described efforts to recreate character‑defining features visible in historic photographs, including French‑casement steel‑frame window profiles and a modest privacy wall at the front yard. The owner and applicant said the project aims to restore original fenestration where evidence exists and to use restrained ornamental detailing consistent with Venice precedent.

During board review members asked for several clarifications: confirm the existing vent above two living‑room windows would remain; simplify railing designs; and remove two small tiled decorative brackets beneath a proposed balcony (described in the record as "eyebrow brackets"). Staff recommended the board could approve the project and allow staff to finalize minor adjustments without returning to the board.

The board voted on a motion to approve PLAR25‑00265 as presented with revisions to the north elevation and a requirement that the eyebrow brackets on the garage be eliminated; the motion also authorized staff to approve minor changes. Roll call recorded four affirmative votes (Miss Derryberry; Mister Barrick; Miss Trammell; Mister Watkins). Chair Beebe had recused earlier in the item because of a family conflict; the vice chair presided for the vote.

Next steps: the owner may proceed with permits consistent with the approved elevations and the staff‑approved refinements. City Council's second reading on the property's local register nomination is expected in October; the certificate of architectural compliance was granted independent of the final local‑register action.