Commission denies metal-porch reconstruction at 1809 West Grama Street

The Commission of Architectural Review on Jan. 15 denied an application to reconstruct the front porch at 1809 West Grama Street, a three-story masonry Colonial Revival building in the West Grace Street Old & Historic District. The denial followed staff findings that the proposed metal posts and railings referenced a mid‑20th‑century alteration and were incompatible with the district’s historic character.

Staff planner Alex told the commission that the property had three documented porch designs over time and that the porch removed in 2024 was not the original. Alex said a notice of violation was issued in April 2024 and that a separate code case related to a deteriorating porch dated to 2020. Staff recommended denial of the use of metal posts and railings and recommended choosing materials that reference either the original 1950s porch photos, neighboring porches, or the most recent wooden porch removed from the building.

Applicant representatives said the most recent porch was removed because its flat-roof design directed water toward the building and the foundation and they sought a sloped roof to improve drainage. Contractor David Franks said the removed porch had allowed water to run down the face of the building and into the basement and that the proposed porch roof would “push water to the front.” Franks also said the homeowners preferred metal columns for durability, adding that similar metal elements appear elsewhere in the neighborhood.

Several commissioners agreed with staff that the metal posts and ornate metal railings were not compatible with the block. Commissioner Strathlure moved to accept staff’s recommendation to deny the application; Commissioner Striffler seconded. The motion to deny carried unanimously.

The commission instructed staff to send a written decision and to offer a meeting with the applicant to discuss resubmission and alternatives that would better match district guidelines.