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Commission allows fiber-cement siding and chimney removal after fire; omits wood-only condition
Summary
Following a recent fire, the commission approved replacement of side and rear wood siding with smooth fiber-cement (Hardie) and permitted removal of two unused chimneys for a house on Fourth Street, omitting a staff-recommended wood-only condition.
The Galveston Landmark Commission on June 2 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing smooth fiber-cement siding on the side and rear walls and removal of two unused chimneys for a house at 1411/141120 Fourth Street (case 25LC025), citing fire-safety considerations and limited street visibility.
Daniel (staff) explained staff's analysis: the sides and rear are less-visible façades (location C and D) where greater material flexibility may be allowed, but staff nonetheless recommended using wood siding on principal walls and noted prior precedent for chimney removal. "While more flexibility may be considered in location C and D, the design standards call specifically for compatible replacement," Daniel said.
Applicant and contractor representatives described the recent house fire and argued fiber-cement siding would provide improved fire resistance and neighborhood protection. Contractor Alex Gonzalez and homeowner Harold McCracken said the material would have reduced damage and that the chimneys are structurally unsafe and unused.
Multiple neighbors and preservation-minded residents supported the request, saying the material can be made visually compatible and noting the owners' history of historic rehabilitation. "This material would have prevented approximately 75% of the damage our home incurred," Harold McCracken said, recounting advice from the fire chief and contractor.
A motion to approve the case per staff recommendation but omitting the staff's specific condition requiring wood siding passed. The approval includes standard staff conditions and the owner said custom wooden windows will be rebuilt in kind; the owners also plan to install a sprinkler system as a precaution.
Staff noted six public notices were sent and one was returned in favor. The fire marshal was present in the audience and available to answer technical questions; commissioners cited public-safety and durability considerations in granting the exception for side and rear facades.
