HDRC approves chimney rebuild and revised roof material at 124 East Wissach with conditions

The Historical and Design Review Commission approved a proposal at 124 East Wissach to extend a chimney and replace roofing, with conditions that require reuse of salvaged brick for the chimney and specifications for a dark, low‑shine metal roof if used.

Applicant representatives told the commission they salvaged original brick for the chimney reconstruction and proposed a dark standing‑seam metal roof for the addition and replacement roof. Staff recommended approval of the chimney reconstruction and window work and asked that the roof on the addition match the historic character of the neighborhood; the commission discussed whether metal roofing was appropriate.

Commissioners noted multiple nearby historic houses already have metal roofs installed years ago; staff and the applicant said some nearby examples are long‑standing and that a dark, low‑reflectance metal roof can be compatible with district character. The commission approved the project with the stipulation that metal roofing, if used, be a dark color and have specifications consistent with standing‑seam metal and that any replacement brick match the salvaged original material as closely as possible.

The commission’s approval included staff conditions on window details and materials; the owners said they were not opposed to preserving tile roofing if necessary but sought flexibility to use durable metal roofing.