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HARB approves elevation and partial demolition to raise Fullerwood Park house out of floodplain with option to go to 10 feet
Summary
The board approved a partial demolition and elevation project for 39 East Park Avenue (HP2025‑0058) to raise the house’s finished floor above current flood levels; the board recommended cable railing for expanded balcony and allowed the applicant to increase elevation up to 10 feet if desired.
The Historic Architecture Review Board on Sept. 18 approved a certificate of partial demolition and related alterations at 39 East Park Avenue (HP2025‑0058) that will elevate a circa‑1945 frame‑vernacular residence out of the floodplain and replace a continuous block foundation with a masonry first floor.
Staff said the structure contributes to the Fullerwood Park Residential National Register Historic District; proposed work will retain the building’s materials and fenestration while introducing a masonry first floor with stucco finish to differentiate new work from the original wood frame above. The proposed finished‑floor elevation is 9.3 feet to meet the city’s floodplain requirements; staff noted the existing finished floor ranged 6.79–6.92 feet.
Owner Kenneth Lewis said flooding had entered the house during recent high tides and that the goal was to preserve historic siding and to keep the building in the neighborhood rather than demolish and replace it. A nearby neighbor testified in favor of the work and said tidal flooding had been routine on the block.
Board members said similar houses in the neighborhood have been raised and commended the applicant for preserving the historic siding and for choosing an in‑kind approach rather than full demolition. Several commissioners suggested the applicant include an option to increase the finished floor up to 10 feet; the board also recommended a cable‑rail system for the expanded second‑story balcony to preserve marsh views. The motion approved the partial demolition and elevation with the option to go to 10 feet and a recommendation for the cable rail; the vote was unanimous.
