Commission issues certificate for replacement stairs, 250 South Norlington Street

The City of Prattville Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a certificate of appropriateness for exterior stair replacement and new wooden handrails at 250 South Norlington Street.

City staff member Miss Hudson presented the request, saying the applicant proposes to reconstruct the existing stairs and install new wooden handrails because the existing stairs were in poor condition and the porch had been pulling away from the house. Hudson noted the work is a rebuild rather than a like‑for‑like repair and that the property is listed as noncontributing in the city’s survey resources.

Petitioner Miss Cowart told the commission crews from AFS stabilized the porch and the steps had separated; replacing the wooden steps (rather than using concrete) matches historic streetscape examples and will help support the porch. “The wooden steps versus the concrete is just because that's . . . what you do to make it look,” Cowart said.

A commissioner asked whether concrete pillars or CMUs would be removed and whether the handrail height would be adjusted; Cowart replied the handrail height will be adjusted “a little bit to be more consistent” with the handrails and the contractor had prepared the drawings. The commission opened a public hearing and, seeing no speakers, closed it.

A motion to issue the certificate as submitted was made and seconded; the chair called for a vote and the commission approved the request unanimously.

The application packet described a proposed color scheme aligned with the building’s existing aesthetic; staff recorded that final paint selection is to be painted (color to be chosen) and noted the commission body does not regulate color. No other conditions were imposed at the hearing.