Board approves renovations and three waivers for multi-building project at North High/North Street

The City of Dublin Architectural Review Board approved a minor project review and three material waivers for renovation and adaptive reuse of three buildings at 72 & 84 North High Street (7284) and 20 North Street, a project staff described as a coordinated rehabilitation that preserves signature masonry and box-bay features while unifying the site with decks, new windows and a consolidated streetscape.

What was approved: staff recommended and the board approved three waivers to allow aluminum-framed windows, TimberTech decking and handrails, and cementitious (Boral-brand) siding adjacent to the ground in limited locations. The board also approved the minor project review with three conditions tied to right-of-way encroachments, timing of Phase 2 landscaping installation, and coordination with utility and street improvements.

Project description and context Staff said the three-lot site sits at the northern edge of the historic district and includes existing stone foundations and box-bay features that the design preserves. Proposed work includes a mix of siding widths and profiles to break up massing, simplified box-bay details with true wood drop siding in the bays where original wood profiles were found, new doors and windows (single-hung in box bays), decking and rail connections linking buildings, rooftop HVAC screening and site improvements along the High and North Street edges, including benches, bike racks and matching brick paving to align with public sidewalks.

Board and applicant remarks Project architect Tim Bass and team described adjustments made since the prior informal review, including simplification of details, preservation of signature stone elements, and the use of wood drop siding within the box bays to match historic profiles where required. Staff and the applicant emphasized coordination with asset management and AEP (for utility relocation) and noted the city’s historic stone wall along North Street is a city responsibility that staff will coordinate for repair to avoid rework. Applicant representatives confirmed they will pursue right-of-way encroachment permits for stairs and patios and that landscaping installation timing will be coordinated with Riverview utility work.

Vote and next steps The board voted to approve all three waivers and then voted to approve the minor project review with three staff conditions. Conditions require ongoing coordination with city utilities and asset management (including potential relocation if the applicant proceeds before ROW work is complete), phased landscape installation timing with encroachment permits where appropriate, and a separate master sign plan for any signage. Staff will retain final drawings and continue coordination; the applicant agreed signage will return under a separate application.

Ending: With waivers and conditions approved, the applicant may proceed toward building permit submittal while continuing coordination on right-of-way encroachments and utility staging.