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HDC approves front-stair relocation at 73 Catherine Street, continues second-floor porch for redesign
Summary
The Newport HDC approved moving the front stairs at 73 Catherine Street but split and continued consideration of a second‑floor covered porch/enclosed sleeping porch to the May 13, 2025 meeting to allow revised drawings and possible enclosure options.
The Newport Historic District Commission approved a proposal to relocate the front stairs on the north elevation of 73 Catherine Street and split the application so the south-elevation second-floor porch could return for more detailed review.
The applicants — identified in the record as Shelley Mehood, Marie Mehood and Michael O'Connell — requested permission to construct a wraparound porch; the application had been continued previously. Architect Sean Harris presented updated drawings and asked the commission to accept revised exhibit A (drawings and elevations) during the hearing. The commission accepted the exhibit and voted to split the application into two parts so the front-stair modification could proceed while the more complex second-floor porch issue receives additional design review.
Commissioners discussed the second-floor element at length, focusing on how a flat-roofed, covered deck ties into the existing roofline and whether an enclosed or screened "sleeping porch" would better fit the house’s character. Vice Chair Frank Balla and other commissioners suggested an enclosed or screened design with window divisions and a more pronounced base would read less like an exposed deck; the applicant said he would consult with the homeowner about converting the proposal to an enclosed porch and would explore adjustments to door placement and stair geometry.
The motion before the commission split the application; the north-elevation stair relocation was approved citing Newport Standard 17, Tech 80, Tech 60 A1, A2 and A4. The south-elevation second-floor porch/enclosed sleeping porch was continued to the commission's next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The commission asked the applicant to provide revised drawings and recommended considering an enclosed configuration with articulated window panels that would create a rhythm consistent with the house's other porch details.
Applicants and their architect were advised to return with material and elevation details and, if helpful, to request a site visit or design-review consultation with the preservation planner before the May hearing.
