Commission allows steel front door to remain on Heron-Morton house, 5-1 vote

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission voted 5-1 to allow a nonwood front door installed without prior approval to remain at 1808 North Delaware Street in Heron-Morton Place, while reiterating that applicants should seek staff review before exterior alterations.

Applicant Justin Leinenbach said his family has spent months repairing deferred maintenance and replacing failing exterior components after moving into the house. “If I'd known the historical rules, I would not have made these costly changes,” Leinenbach said, describing multiple interior and exterior repairs needed when they purchased the home.

Staff recommended that, because the opening is an alteration, a new door should be wood to match typical material for a house of this age. Staff prepared a backup recommendation for approval to retain the installed steel door, subject to a single stipulation that no changes be made to the door’s design, location, configuration or installation method without prior staff approval.

Commission discussion focused on the visual performance of the replacement door, costs to the homeowner, and whether the installed door materially harms the historic character. Commissioner Anson Keller and several others said the installed door appeared suitable in place and could be an improvement over the prior condition. After consideration, the commission voted to approve staff’s backup recommendation to retain the steel door by a 5-1 vote.

Outcome and next steps: The commission approved 2025 COA 140 to keep the installed steel front door, subject to the stipulation that any subsequent alteration requires prior staff approval. The owner must comply with applicable building codes and permit requirements.

Why it matters: The decision underscores the commission’s discretion to weigh material authenticity against visual compatibility, cost, and the condition of the prior door when considering after-the-fact replacements.