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Commission keeps concept review open for 835 Alberta Avenue; asks for porch, window and landscape refinements
Summary
The Historic Landmarks Commission continued concept review of a proposed two-story addition at 835 Alberta Avenue (a 1923 Craftsman listed on the inventory), asking the applicants to preserve the front façade, match historic window proportions, refine balcony supports and provide a preliminary landscape plan.
The Historic Landmarks Commission continued concept review Friday for work at 835 Alberta Avenue, a 1923 Craftsman listed on the city's historic resources inventory, and provided detailed design direction for the applicants.
Designer Jonathan Villegas and owner Dr. Dave Botsford presented plans to add a modest first-floor and a larger second-floor addition while keeping the original front porch, window patterns and roof pitch. Staff noted the project needs compatibility and major-alteration findings, and that the case previously had received favorable preliminary comments at a pre-application review.
Commissioners thanked the applicant for stepping the addition back so the historic front facade remains intact. Commissioners asked applicants to refine several details before returning: match or relate new window proportions and muntin patterns to the original front windows; study knee-brace or bracket options (rather than paired tall wood posts) for a shallow second-floor balcony so the support feels more Craftsman-appropriate; simplify and shorten certain porch columns and raise the masonry pedestal where appropriate so column proportions read correctly; and reduce the width of the upstairs door off the bedroom to improve interior function and exterior proportion.
Commissioners also asked for a preliminary landscape plan showing trees and woody shrubs because the property will undergo construction disturbance; the commission suggested preserving and protecting existing specimen trees when feasible. Commissioners said the design appears close to final and encouraged the team to return to the staff hearing officer; the motion directed staff to forward comments and the commission voted unanimously to continue to the staff hearing officer with the recorded comments.
Why it matters: The house is a character-defining Craftsman resource in a historic district; the commission’s feedback seeks to preserve the visible historic character while allowing a compatible rear/top addition.
Provenance: The item was opened at the commission’s concept-review slot (topic intro at 6357.945) and continued with a unanimous roll-call vote (topic finish at 8535.615).
