Commission holds review of proposed three-unit development at 113 W. Lloyd Street in Brewer’s Hill, requests material and window revisions

The Historic Preservation Commission on April 14 held (deferred) review of a proposal to build a new three-unit residential structure at 113 West Lloyd Street in the Brewer’s Hill Historic District to allow further refinements to materials, window modules and facade detailing required by the neighborhood overlay.

Staff reviewed the proposal and identified multiple issues that need revision before final approval: the proposed engineered wood "LP SmartSide" cladding is not a product the commission has previously approved for new construction; staff recommended smooth-finish fiber cement (e.g., James Hardie) or natural wood clapboard with 6-inch or narrower exposure. Staff also flagged window spacing on side and rear facades that appear to exceed the Brewer’s Hill overlay requirement that openings not be spaced more than 8 feet apart on a horizontal plane, and recommended adding windows to meet that standard. Staff asked for simplified window modules (1-over-1 or 6-over-1), wood/wood-clad/fiberglass framing and clarified expectations for the stamped-concrete foundation finish continued on the rear elevation rather than cladding the lower level with lap siding.

The applicant said they were open to staff suggestions and want to produce a high-quality project compatible with the neighborhood; they asked whether some changes could be handled administratively by staff. Staff said that if changes were minor staff could approve them administratively, but significant changes would return to the commission. The commission voted to hold the application so the applicant can make the recommended material and window revisions and return to the commission or seek staff-level approval for limited changes.

The motion to hold was seconded and passed by voice vote.