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ARB roundup: multiple exterior alterations, new construction conceptual approvals and façade changes approved
Summary
At its May 15 meeting the Architecture Review Board approved final and conceptual applications across downtown and historic districts, granting final approvals for a series of exterior alterations and granting conceptual approvals or conditions for larger new‑construction projects.
The City of Pensacola Architecture Review Board reviewed a full consent and new‑business agenda on May 15 and took votes on multiple exterior‑alteration and new‑construction items across several historic districts. Most routine exterior alteration applications received final approval; larger projects were approved conceptually with conditions for final materials, drainage and contextual elevations.
Votes at a glance (actions summarized):
- 605 Crown Cove (Pensacola Historic District, SSD) — Final approval to replace 137 linear feet of wood railing with white PVC railing, replace deck boards as needed and install Hardy board fascia painted to match the house. Applicant: Joseph Howard. Motion carried on a voice vote; staff noted latitude for materials in the Crown Cove special district and recommended attention to siding reveal for visual compatibility.
- 520 North Sixth Avenue (Old East Hill) — Conceptual approval for new residential construction on a vacant lot adjacent to a contributing structure (conceptual approval with conditions). Applicant’s conceptual package received approval with direction to raise the finished floor elevation (recommended minimum 18 inches), refine the massing so the main two‑story volume reads cohesively (suggestions included wrapping brick or using a single siding), and route drainage/permitting comments to engineering during permit review. Motion: conceptual approval; motion carried.
- 515 North Seventh Avenue (Old East Hill) — Final approval to replace the front entry with a new mahogany door and impact‑rated glass; condition that exterior trim detailing return for abbreviated review once final trim approach is decided. Applicant: Scott Casey. Motion carried.
- 119 West Strong Street (North Hill Preservation District) — Final approval to replace the first floor rear deck, rebuild the upper balcony with railings to match the front, enclose a small portion of rear deck using an existing double‑hung wood window and reuse an existing exterior door. Applicants: Anne and Scott Bollinger. Motion carried.
- 420 West Strong Street (North Hill) — Final approval for a one‑story accessory garage with carport (34x22 ft) to match the primary structure (Hardy board siding, shingle roof). Applicant: Jonathan Graham. Motion carried.
- 1100 North Palafox Street (North Hill Preservation District, non‑contributing) — Final approval to replace exterior wood staircase north elevation with Trex treads (Foggy Wharf color) and paint remainder Sherwin‑Williams Classical White; board asked applicant to provide abbreviated review samples for bracing and paint color. Applicant: Interbay Building Services, Inc. Motion carried with abbreviated‑review requirement for color/bracing.
- 514 North Balen Street (North Hill) — Final approval to add a white aluminum handrail to a brick landing on the south side per an insurance requirement, with the condition that final material and color be submitted for abbreviated review; board encouraged a wood solution painted to match rear railings if feasible. Applicants/owners: Gerald and Cornelia Robinson (represented by agent). Motion carried with abbreviated review.
- 312 East LaRue Street (Old East Hill) — Conceptual approval for a multifamily development (27 units, 500–519 sq ft) granted with detailed staff and board guidance: address building code egress and stair placement, provide context elevations showing neighboring massing for final review, confirm sprinkler/hydrant and stormwater compliance, refine rail and parapet treatments, and further develop the ‘keyhole’ motif before final submittal. Applicant: Nanette Chandler. Motion to approve conceptual passed.
- 121 South Palafox Street (Palafox Historic Business District) — The board issued conceptual approval and extensive design guidance on a proposal to alter front and rear facades (stucco system with tile accents, powder‑coated aluminum railings, new storefront systems). Board comments emphasized removing “faux” upper‑story balconies/shutters, exploring deeper canopies to activate the sidewalk, and refining materials to tie more closely to Palafox character; applicant (Scott Dean) was asked to return with revisions for final review.
- 178 North Palafox Street (Palafox Historic Business District) — Conceptual approval for a new 60x25 ft accessory metal garage building with stucco textured wall panels; the board requested additional contextual elevations, consideration of a parapet to better match nearby facades, reduced apparent height and an awning/bollard treatment to break up the garage bays. Applicant: Michael Caro. Motion carried as conceptual approval with follow‑up items.
The ARB minutes show staff will route technical items (grading, drainage, engineering permits) to permitting/engineering and will handle abbreviated reviews of selected materials by email to avoid bringing minor items back to the board.
Several applicants were directed to return with additional drawings or abbreviated reviews showing final materials, paint colors, drainage/grade plans and contextual elevations for final sign‑off.
