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Board tables plaque request for 710 South Washington Street and discusses plaque policy and Preservation Month outreach
Summary
The Board of Architectural Review tabled a request for a Winchester historic plaque for 710 South Washington Street to allow staff and the board time to develop or clarify plaque criteria; the board also discussed Preservation Month outreach and distribution of a city pamphlet.
The Winchester City Board of Architectural Review on May 15 tabled a request by Cheryl Crowell for a historic plaque at 710 South Washington Street, saying the board needs clearer written standards before awarding plaques to newer properties.
"I don't feel like there's a conflict, but I do know her and she we work at the same place," a board member said while addressing potential conflicts. Board members agreed the applicant's absence and the lack of clear written criteria justified postponing action. One board member said the property is "a hundred year old home" and likely contributes to the historic district, but the board lacks a defined cutoff for plaque eligibility.
Members discussed whether plaque criteria should align with other city processes. A board member noted the city ordinance requires a public hearing to demolish buildings at 75 years of age; several members suggested using 75 years as a reasonable threshold for plaque eligibility or at least to guide discussions. Board members also said plaques have traditionally been used to reward good preservation practice in addition to commemorating historic events or persons.
The board voted to table BAR25-239 to allow staff to bring written plaque criteria back to the board. The motion to table passed with no opposition.
During the later "other discussion" portion of the meeting, staff said Preservation Month materials have been finalized. The materials will be distributed to about 900 property owners within the historic district and highlighted in the city's newsletter (WinConnect). Staff reported the board issued one plaque earlier in the year for 311 South Loudoun Street (noting construction dates to 1790) and that the foundry used for plaques has gone out of business; the board is searching for a new foundry and will continue coordinating with Preservation of Historic Winchester (PHW) on distribution and standards.
Board members asked staff to draft written guidance on plaque criteria, consider coordinating with PHW for recommendations, and return the item to a future meeting with a proposal.
