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HDRC approves 508–510 Booker Alley new construction with stipulations after neighbor concerns over roof color and massing
Summary
The commission approved a two‑and‑a‑half‑story new house facing Booker Alley with staff stipulations after debate over roof color, height, window and garage‑door design and setbacks raised by neighborhood reviewers.
The Historic Design and Review Commission on May 7 approved a certificate of appropriateness for new construction at 508 and 510 Booker Alley after extended discussion over massing, roof color and context in the Dignowity Hill Historic District.
The applicant, architect Felix Ziga, and property owner Ramiro Moreno presented the design. Ziga told the commission the proposal maintains minimum 5‑foot setbacks on the east, west and south sides and that windows are operable where appropriate and designed to match the proposed composition. He said the project uses a partial half story with dormers and that the proposed height does not exceed the height of the adjacent historic two‑story house by more than 50%, consistent with the guidelines cited in his presentation: “the overall height of new construction should not exceed the height of adjacent nearby historic buildings by more than 50%,” he said.
Neighborhood representatives submitted a voicemail and letter through Dignity Hill, expressing multiple concerns: that the proposed 2½‑story scale would set a new precedent in the district; that the metal roof color should be traditional silver (galvalume) rather than charcoal; that driveway width and garage‑door materials and window configurations did not meet OHP guidelines. In a recorded voicemail, a speaker said: “A 13 foot wide driveway should not be allowed. The standard width is 10 feet.” (voice mail excerpt in record).
Commissioners probed the applicant on roof color, citing nearby patterning of light‑colored roofs. Commissioner remarks stressed context: one commissioner asked whether the dark roof would “pop” when seen from Cherry Street and said they would vote no if it were visible and too contrasting. Ziga responded that charcoal standing seam roofs have been approved in the district previously and that the proposed finish is matte, not shiny: “We have charcoal at our office building and it's very matte finish. It's not shiny at all,” he said.
After discussion the commission approved the application with staff stipulations. Roll call recorded Savino, Galloway and Cervantes voting no; Velasquez, Mazuka, Kivada, Grupp, Fetzer and Gibbs voting yes; motion carries.
Why it matters: The case highlights the HDRC’s role in balancing design flexibility with neighborhood context in historic districts. Commissioners emphasized that the commission evaluates each case on its specific context, and staff will issue a Certificate of Appropriateness documenting stipulations and conditions.
Next steps: OHP staff will prepare and email the Certificate of Appropriateness and the applicant must obtain required city permits before beginning work.
Speakers quoted in this article are on the public record in the commission transcript and voice mails.
