Design review tables proposed two‑story duplex at 1214 Culver Drive pending changes to color, porch and siding

On May 13, 2025, the Evansville Design Review Committee tabled the application for a new two‑story duplex at 1214 Culver Drive in the Arts District. Presenters were Doug Howie of eXp Realty and Brooke Traylor of Value Built Homes (Rhinebrecht division), representing buyer Soradia Liberunt.

Committee members praised the applicant for adding windows to a previously blank side elevation but raised several concerns about how the building would fit the Arts District streetscape. An unnamed committee member noted the design guidelines’ emphasis on “color, textures, front porches, level of detail,” and said the proposal’s largely uniform gray siding and dark shingle roof do not reflect the block’s existing variety. The committee suggested contrasting gable colors or a contrasting second plane, white trim, or other low‑cost measures to break up the façade. The applicant (Traylor) indicated gable and trim color changes were feasible and that board‑and‑batten gables could be different colors.

Committee members also addressed materials and code compliance. The design guidelines discourage low‑quality vinyl siding but allow higher‑quality profiles if they meet specific minimums (triple‑3 or double‑4 profile with a minimum thickness of 0.042 inches). The applicant said the proposed siding is double‑4 and that thickness can be verified. Staff reminded the applicant that site review and the zoning code require parking areas to be “hard and sealed”; gravel parking will not be permitted at site review and curb cuts must follow alley access rules.

A committee member moved to table the application so the team could revise elevations, provide a color mockup, clarify foundation treatment, verify siding thickness, and explore a more traditional front porch. The motion carried. The committee asked the applicant to return with revisions in time for the next design review meeting; staff said the next regularly scheduled meeting after May 13 will be June 10 and that submissions should be provided about a week in advance.

Next steps: the applicant will submit revised materials (color mockup, porch option(s), siding thickness verification, foundation treatment) before the next meeting; site review will enforce driveway/parking surfacing requirements.