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Commission offers design feedback on proposed siding, trim and awning changes; no vote
Summary
A property owner seeking to replace damaged siding and to remove/replace a rear stoop awning sought conceptual guidance. Commissioners and staff urged matching historic materials where feasible, asked for door cut sheets, and expressed reservations about a metal awning in place of an original wood stoop.
Commissioners reviewed a conceptual application for exterior alterations to a historic residence that included removal of an existing rear stoop/portico, replacement of damaged siding and trim, and consideration of either a small awning or no awning. The applicant proposed using a cementitious/engineered siding and a manufactured Boral trim profile to match historic profiles; the applicant also proposed a black metal awning as an option to replace the existing stoop.
Staff briefed the commission and recommended that trim material match traditional wood types (cedar or southern yellow pine) where feasible and that an awning replacement should match the character, size and materials preferred in the Italian Village guidelines. Staff did not support full replacement of the existing stoop with the proposed metal awning without further detail because the proposed awning would not match the district’s porch and stoop guidance.
The applicant and their architect explained that the existing house has smooth-faced historic siding and that some available wood trim products on the market are rough-sawn or finger-jointed; the applicant said they preferred a smooth engineered product (Boral) because it more closely replicates the old-growth smooth profiles and performs better with finish coats. Commissioners expressed caution about mixing cementitious siding and engineered trim with original wood detailing and asked the applicant to provide additional samples, cut sheets for the proposed door, precise material specifications, and examples of the proposed product in local installations.
Commissioners recommended alternatives: (1) retain or replace the stoop with a wood-framed, historically proportioned element if any hood/awning is needed; (2) if the applicant pursues the engineered trim, provide detailed installation and edge treatment information to show long-term compatibility with lap siding; (3) submit clear color and door cut sheets for staff review. Staff noted Boral manufacturer guidance typically indicates cut-edge treatment is not required, and the commission requested documentation of installation details and real-world examples. Because this was a conceptual review, no motion was taken; staff and the applicant agreed the applicant would submit additional material samples and written details for a future business meeting review.
