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Board allows north‑side siding change at 204 North King Street, but requires field verification before final materials are set
Summary
Leesburg’s Board of Architectural Review approved siding changes at 204 North King Street conditionally: replace the north‑elevation board‑and‑batten with German lap siding unless field evidence shows the board‑and‑batten is original, in which case it must be repaired in kind.
The Board of Architectural Review on Sept. 17 approved alterations at 204 North King Street with a conditional approach to a puzzling single wall of board‑and‑batten siding that differs from the house’s other German lap siding.
Why it was discussed
Staff presented historical photos showing the house’s north elevation with board‑and‑batten siding present in 1970s survey images. Board members and staff debated whether that siding was original and therefore should be retained and repaired in kind, or whether it was a later, non‑historic alteration that should be replaced to match the remainder of the house.
Board decision and conditions
The BAR approved the applicant’s request to replace the north‑elevation siding with German lap siding to match the rest of the house, but included a condition: if demolition or removal of the existing board‑and‑batten reveals evidence that it is original period siding, the applicant must repair or replace the siding in kind rather than switching to German lap. Staff will inspect exposed fabric during demolition and will document the findings; the applicant agreed to provide updated drawings and work with staff on final details.
What members said
Members cited the property’s oddities: different foundation materials on different sides of the building and prior owners who had made undocumented repairs. Several BAR members said the recessed window openings on the board‑and‑batten side suggested the siding was a later modification. Others urged caution and preservation if field evidence pointed to an original condition. The board sought a balance between preserving original materials if present and restoring a consistent appearance if the siding proved to be a later, non‑historic alteration.
Practical effect
The BAR’s conditional approval allows the project to move forward without forcing an irrevocable choice now. If field evidence shows the board‑and‑batten to be non‑historic, the north side will be replaced with German lap siding to match the rest of the house. If field evidence supports the siding’s historic status, the applicant must repair or replace it in kind, preserving the siding pattern.
Speakers (selected)
- Lucas Mason, applicant/architect — presented the owner’s plan to make siding uniform and confirmed willingness to allow staff inspection during demolition. - Lauren (preservation staff) — recommended the conditional approach and explained the lack of conclusive archival images. - Helen Aikman, Julie Pastor, Rick Brown, JP Andrews — board members who discussed evidence and voted on the conditional approval.
Ending
The BAR’s compromise attempted to preserve historic fabric when present while giving the new owner a path to repair and stabilize the building. Staff will document the findings during removal and confirm whether German lap replacement or repair in kind is required.
