Commission approves new two-story house with carriage house in Cottage Home neighborhood

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission approved construction of a two-story single-family home with a detached carriage house at 1306 East Saint Clair Street in the Cottage Home neighborhood.

Josh Smith, representing Rivera Group and the project at the hearing, described the house as "roughly 2,500 square foot house, 500 square foot living space above the garage," and said the design uses smooth-texture Hardy siding and trim to fit the neighborhood. Smith told the commission the applicant had worked with staff on massing and layout and had met with the neighborhood group.

Emily Jarzin, principal architectural reviewer, said staff recommended approval. "Staff is recommending approval of the project," Jarzin said, noting the design takes cues from previously approved historic-house plans and that the neighborhood group had no comments. The commission discussed proportions on the front facade; Commissioner David Baker suggested the front first-floor windows and door appeared "a little squat" and recommended taller windows or a transom. The applicant agreed to work with staff to adjust the front facade window heights.

Meg Bush presented staff's formal recommendation to approve a certificate of appropriateness "per the submitted documentation and subject to the eight stipulations and one note in the staff's written report." The commission voted to approve the staff recommendation by voice vote.

The approval is subject to the conditions listed in the staff report; the applicant said he will confirm final window sizes with staff before permitting. The project team noted they had met with the neighborhood group and that no neighborhood objections were recorded in staff notes.