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Fredericksburg ARB approves replacement storefront at 1109 Caroline Street, 5-2
Summary
The Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board approved a certificate of appropriateness for a replacement storefront and granite bulkhead at 1109 Caroline Street after reviewing repair options and alternative materials. The vote was 5 in favor, 2 opposed.
The Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board on June 9 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a replacement storefront and granite bulkhead at 1109 Caroline Street.
Board members approved COA 2504-0107 after staff and applicant presentations and public comment. The motion to approve carried, 5-2.
The application sought to replace deteriorated window framing and bulkhead panels, restore trim where feasible, and install polished black granite in place of the original Vitra-Lite panels that the applicant said are no longer available. City staff told the board the bulkhead and display windows were in “very poor condition,” that existing aluminum framing is bent and broken in places, and that contractors were unable to reset glass into the original frames. Staff recommended approval of the revised submittal, noting the wall plane would remain flush and trim would be retained where possible.
Contractor Jay Holloway described multiple attempts to restore the existing storefront and said the only commercially available option that met structural and code requirements was a modern storefront system. Pam McLeod, the property owner, was present; Historic Fredericksburg Foundation spoke in support. Danae Peckler of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation said, “The proposed design respects the historic character of an older storefront using contemporary materials and will be a great improvement to the street face.”
During discussion, several board members thanked the applicant for follow-up research and additional drawings. Two members expressed reservations about the proposed 1 3/4-inch-by-4 1/2-inch commercial aluminum framing and the change from the historic, slimmer framing; one of those members cited ARB guidelines that discourage clear-finish aluminum in the historic district but did not move to continue the item. The board emphasized retention and repair of any historic fabric found during work.
The approved scope retains the transom, side trim and other surviving fabric and replaces only the bulkhead panels, window framing, and glazing. The record does not specify additional conditions attached to the approval.
Work may proceed under the COA as approved. The ARB noted the owner’s willingness to preserve remaining historic elements and to pursue the repair work in keeping with the district’s guidelines.
Votes at the meeting: motion to approve COA 2504-0107 carried, 5 ayes, 2 nays.
