Commission approves two‑story accessory building with ADU at 5503 South Prince Street, requires height verification

The Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for demolition of a nonhistoric garage and construction of a two‑story accessory building with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 5503 South Prince Street, subject to a condition that the applicant verify the historic house will be at least 6 inches taller than the proposed accessory building when measured from grade and include the exact height on the final plan set.

Staff told the commission the existing accessory building was nonhistoric (built about 1993–94) and therefore the demolition could be covered under a Certificate of Appropriateness rather than a full demolition certificate. The proposed new accessory building will be two stories with a single‑car garage on the first floor and an ADU and amenities above. Staff summarized materials as cementitious fiber lap and scallop siding to echo details on the landmark house, asphalt shingles for the roof, and 6‑over‑6 double‑hung windows. The proposed footprint is approximately 625 square feet with a total area of roughly 1,050 square feet; staff noted the proposed height on drawings as 24 feet 6 inches measured from the top of foundation and requested the applicant verify the height from grade so the accessory building remains subordinate to the primary house.

Architect and owner Matthew Crick said the design was intended to honor the historic house while being visibly new. He told the commission the team had considered keeping the existing garage and adding a second story but encountered multiple constraints in pre‑application meetings with other city departments, including foundation and setback encroachments and alley overhang issues, that made replacement the most feasible option.

Neighbors who spoke in support included Marty Bitz (adjoining neighbor), Pam Chadbourne and Bob Schwinn; commenters said the owner has maintained the property and that the new structure will improve the pedestrian experience compared with the current garage. Several commissioners praised the design for improving the street presence and not creating a “false sense of history.”

A motion to approve the COA passed 7–0. The approval included a staff condition requiring the applicant to verify that the historic house is at least 6 inches taller than the proposed accessory building when measured from grade and to show the exact heights on the final plan set prior to permit sign‑off. Staff said final measurements and the condition will be verified during plan review and the building‑permit process.