DDRC approves revised design for 1130 Gladden Street after neighborhood objections

The Design Development Review Commission approved, by a 4–2 vote, a certificate of design approval for new construction at 1130 Gladden Street in the Melrose Heights Oak Lawn Architectural Conservation District after extensive discussion about the structure’s length, massing and neighborhood fit.

Staff summarized changes the applicant made since a May presentation, including recessing the rear portion of the building to break up massing, lowering sections of the roofline, adding a projecting bay on the Pickett Street elevation and proposing permeable parking. Staff recommended approval with detailed conditions: cement-fiberboard siding with a smooth texture and 4–5 inch reveal, a front porch at least six feet deep, aluminum-clad windows with trim and mullions, a brick-veneer foundation, a one-foot inset on the rear portion of the building from the side door to the back porch, and final parking and fence details to be approved by staff.

Applicant Jerome Prezi described neighborhood comparisons and said the lot had been vacant for decades; he noted he had adjusted columns and other features to address earlier concerns. “We have done everything we have been asked to do,” Prezi said, adding that the planned parking had been reviewed by DOT.

Two neighbors spoke in opposition. Jane Britton said the one-story, 75-foot length “does not fit in with the character of the neighborhood” and urged further review; Martha Fowler, a long-time resident, said the design looked “like an army barracks” and asked the commission to defer to allow more community engagement.

Commissioners debated options including masking the long façade, detaching the storage area to reduce apparent length, and whether to suggest a two-story alternative. Commissioner Shelton suggested removing the attached storage or converting it to a detached accessory structure to visually shorten the building; the applicant said removing the storage was possible. Ultimately a motion to approve the certificate of design approval with staff conditions and removal of the storage space was made and seconded. The roll call vote was Miss Gallo — no; Mister Greenberg — yes; Mister Leedecker — yes; Mister Shelton — no; Miss Thomas — yes; Mister Salibi — yes. The motion passed 4–2.

The approval is subject to the staff conditions as read into the record; staff will review final materials and details for compliance.