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Historic Landmark Commission approves metal canopy for 3141 Copper Avenue, requires 50% living ground cover
Summary
The City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission approved a metal canopy for the mid-century house at 3141 Copper Avenue and required the owner to submit a landscaping plan showing at least 50% living ground cover for Preservation Office approval before landscaping work proceeds.
The City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission approved a metal canopy for the property at 3141 Copper Avenue and directed the owner to submit a landscaping plan that incorporates at least 50% living ground cover.
Preservation Office staff said the house, in the Manhattan Heights Historic District and identified as a contributing mid‑century modern resource, had previously replaced windows and removed a bay‑window canopy without prior approval. ‘‘We think that the guidelines should be followed in this case, which means at least 50% living ground cover,’’ Preservation Office staff member Provia said during the meeting.
The property owner, Joel Barrios, told the commission he was willing to use a metal canopy to match the prior slim profile and durability of the original feature. ‘‘We have no problem with the metal,’’ Barrios said. Commissioners voted to accept the most recent metal canopy proposal, to acknowledge earlier approvals for paint and windows, and to require that the landscaping include at least 50% living ground cover and be approved by the Preservation Office.
Commissioners discussed whether the canopy material should be wood or metal; several commissioners recommended metal for durability and to match the original appearance. Staff noted the landscaping submittal the owner had provided was preliminary and recommended the applicant work with the Preservation Office to produce a site plan showing the required percentage of living ground cover. The owner asked whether he could proceed with contractor permits; staff said permits for construction may proceed but landscaping work should not be installed until the Preservation Office approves the finalized plan.
The motion was made by the presiding commissioner (recorded in the transcript as the Chair) and seconded by Preservation Office staff; the commission voice‑voted the motion and approved the canopy and the landscaping requirement.
The commission did not change its earlier administrative approvals for the windows and paint that had been dealt with at prior meetings, and staff will review the owner’s revised landscape plan for consistency with district guidelines before final sign‑off.
