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Historic district approves porch rehabilitation at 15823 North Farragut Street
Summary
The Bay City Historic District Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness to repair and rebuild a side porch at the Charles A. Eddy Residence (case HDC 25‑15), requiring exposed treated wood to be painted within six to eight months of completion.
The Bay City Historic District Commission on an unspecified meeting date unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for work at the Charles A. Eddy Residence, 15823 North Farragut Street (case HDC 25‑15). The approval covers replacement of the side porch’s deck, railing and columns, structural joists and other repairs, with a stipulation that any exposed treated wood be painted within six to eight months of project completion.
The commission found the proposed work would comply with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (standards 1–6, 9 and 10) and with section 64‑11(c) of the city’s historic preservation district regulations. Tristan Robb, speaking on behalf of the applicant, described the plan as “to make that porch in line with the design of the rest of the house,” citing the front‑entrance details as the model for the replacement elements.
Commission discussion focused on how closely new elements could match existing historic features. Robb said the project will use turned spindles and “turned porch posts of 7 inch diameter.” He also noted the project team does not plan to replicate a large decorative flange at the top of the existing front column, explaining that the flange measures about 14 inches in diameter and would be difficult to reproduce. The applicant said all deck materials will be wood and that the deck surface will use 1‑by‑3 tongue‑and‑groove boards; structural joists will be replaced or sistered to bring the porch up to code.
Commissioners clarified that the proposal does not include changes to the existing stair railing and that skirting could be added at the applicant’s request. During questioning commissioners and attendees noted the house remains a multi‑unit building; the owner indicated it contains up to five units, which the commission observed may explain heavier wear on the side entrance.
The motion approving the certificate of appropriateness included the painting stipulation and carried unanimously.
Applicants were told to coordinate follow‑up questions with city staff member Mr. Dyer.
