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ARB approves accessory dwelling/garage at 314 E. Gadsden; board debates finished‑floor elevation
Summary
The board approved a one‑story detached accessory structure at 314 East Gadsden that includes garage, attic storage and an accessory dwelling unit; members debated whether the ADU finished floor elevation should be raised to the district-preferred 18 inches for visual massing versus keeping a lower elevation for owner accessibility.
The Architecture Review Board granted final approval on June 26 for a detached accessory structure and ADU at 314 East Gadsden Street in Old East Hill, while discussing whether the accessory dwelling’s finished floor elevation should match the district preference of 18 inches above grade.
Architect Mark Whitney presented plans for a two-car garage with attic storage, pool storage and a dwelling unit above storage and explained the roll-up steel door choice. “The roller door is positioned on the side property line… and it's recessed a bit, so our feeling was it wouldn't be visible from the street,” Whitney said.
Board members praised the package’s detail and massing but debated finished floor elevation (FFE). One preservation member said the district typically prefers an 18‑inch finished floor rise to provide a clearer base and relation to street rhythm; the applicant’s team and others raised concerns about accessibility for an aging occupant and the garage function. “We were trying to keep it low to the ground… I tried to describe… there's a lot of noise creating neighbors… But just raising a few inches, I don't see a problem with that,” the architect said, acknowledging sensitivity to accessibility.
Several members said the structure is accessory and largely hidden behind the primary house, and that a lower finished-floor elevation is acceptable so long as the building reads as subordinate to the primary structure. The board approved the project as submitted, with staff and members noting the applicant’s willingness to consider modest elevation adjustments but not requiring an 18‑inch FFE for final sign‑off.
