HARB approves in-kind replacement of fascia, molding and half-round gutters at 237–241 West Market Street

The York City Historical Architectural Review Board on Sept. 11 approved an application to replace deteriorated fascia boards, crown/bed molding and to install half‑round gutters at 237–241 West Market Street.

The board approved the work as an in‑kind repair, allowing PVC/composite material or wood for the replacement pieces and specifying that the molding profile must match the existing profile. The board also said the gutter should be half‑round and that wrapping the cornice in aluminum or installing K‑style gutters would not be acceptable.

Owner Steve Shellenberger told the board that an inspection of the upstairs apartments had identified several items that were quickly remedied and rechecked. He said the soffit remained undone because the contractor that quoted the job, Century Spouting, was roughly three months out, and he had filed for a timing extension. "We recently had an inspection for the apartments upstairs. Several things were found and quickly remedied. Reinspection happened, and every all the boxes were checked," Shellenberger said. He described a failing gutter and downspout system that connects into a cast‑iron section mid‑run and said the molding and adjacent fascia were partly gone.

Board members discussed material options and longevity. One board member recommended composite or salvaged wood rather than standard wood, saying untreated wood would require replacement again in about 10 years. The board explicitly rejected aluminum wrapping for the molding and said the replacement molding should match the existing profile as closely as possible; staff and another board member suggested architectural salvage or specialty suppliers for matching profiles rather than typical big box stores. The board also advised against K‑style gutters and favored a half‑round profile consistent with what was currently in place.

A motion to approve the application as submitted (replacement of fascia, crown/bed molding in kind with PVC or equivalent; wood acceptable) and to install half‑round gutters was moved, seconded and approved. The applicant was instructed to communicate the board’s material and profile requirements to the contractor and to pursue a contractor timeline consistent with the filing for extension.

Shellenberger said he would follow up with his contractor and return with any revised estimates or documentation required by staff or council. As a recommending body, the HARB’s approval will be forwarded to York City Council for final action on the certificate/permit, as applicable.