Prattville commission approves renovation plan for 307 First Street, 5-0 vote

The Prattville Historic Preservation Commission on an item heard at its June meeting approved a multi-element renovation application for 307 First Street, voting 5-0 to authorize the work with Commissioner Scott Ferguson recused from the vote.

Commissioner Scott Ferguson, who identified himself as the petitioner, presented plans that included a 6-foot wood privacy fence, a black metal gate at the driveway edge, repair and partial reconfiguration of a rear shed, roof-line adjustments to match original gables, a new front-porch gable to replace a metal awning, window replacements under two options, carport repairs, siding work and new exterior lighting. "It's essentially to connect that driveway... and get the gables fixed to back to something architecturally pleasing," Ferguson said during his presentation.

Miss Hudson, the city representative who reviewed the application with the commission, noted early in the presentation that the gate was the only item specifically under commission review in the materials she initially described; the commission nevertheless discussed and acted on the full set of proposed changes and approved the application "as submitted." Hudson also said the property does not appear in the city's historic-survey listings.

Why it matters: The commission reviews changes to properties in or near locally recognized historic areas to determine whether proposed alterations are compatible with neighborhood character. Approval clears the way for the petitioner to make exterior changes without additional commission-level review; Ferguson had said he would pursue some work through administrative channels when materials are preapproved.

Key facts and discussion points

- Vote and recusal: The commission approved the application by a 5-0 vote. Ferguson was recorded as recusing himself from consideration and the vote because he is the petitioner and a member of the commission.

- Scope of work approved: The items discussed and reflected in the motion and approval included (as stated by the petitioner and city staff): - A 6-foot wood privacy fence along the west side of the property extending to the edge of the house, with a black metal (rod-iron style) gate at the driveway entrance. Ferguson said he prefers a metal/aluminum gate for durability and to allow an operator. - Roof and roof-line work to match the original roof pitch on both sides of the structure; Ferguson said he plans to "drop the gable down about a foot" while keeping the same pitch. He also described keeping metal roofing where it exists and asphalt elsewhere. - Front porch: removal of an existing metal awning and replacement with a gable roof that matches the front dormers, supported by wood corbels, and installation of wood corbels to support lighting. - Rear accessory structure (shed): removal of part of an addition, reworking to a gable roof with a 5:12 slope, and general refurbishment rather than enlarging the structure. - Windows: two options presented — Option 1, retain storm windows and install original-style wood double-hung windows with a 6-over-6 grid; Option 2, remove metal windows and canopies and install double-hung vinyl windows with simulated 6-over-6 grids and trim/shutters to match the street. Ferguson said he would pursue either original wood windows or simulated-grid vinyl where needed. - Door: replacement of the front door with a wood door having a half-glass panel, offered in either a four-light or six-light configuration. - Carport repair: like-for-like replacement of an existing metal roof on a backyard carport and other minor repairs. - Siding and other small exterior work: patching or replacing cement-board siding and other preapproved materials (driveway, sidewalk, minor lighting) were referenced as admin-level items in the packet and presentation.

- Property history: City staff and the petitioner noted the property is not listed in the city's historic-survey records. A commissioner noted tax records indicate the house was built in 1939.

Public comment and neighborhood response

A neighbor, identified in the record as Joe Clark, spoke in support of the project, saying he has lived nearby for decades and expects the renovations "will be as pretty as it used to be." No members of the public spoke in opposition during the public-hearing portion; the chair closed the public hearing after asking for input.

Process and outcome

A motion to approve the application "in full as submitted" was made and seconded during the meeting; the commission voted, with a 5-0 tally in favor. The motion, as recorded in the minutes, approved the application and allowed the petitioner to proceed. The record also notes that some listed items are handled through administrative approval when they use the city's preapproved materials and therefore do not require further commission action.

What remains: The commission chair indicated a related petition for new construction on an adjacent corner lot will be on a future agenda; the petitioner recused himself for that upcoming item as well. The commission scheduled its next meeting for July 24 (third Thursday), per the agenda announcements.

Quotes

"It's essentially to connect that driveway... and get the gables fixed to back to something architecturally pleasing," Commissioner Scott Ferguson, petitioner for 307 First Street.

"It's not listed in the survey," Miss Hudson, city representative, said when asked whether the property appears in the city's historic survey.

"When Scott gets through with it, it'll be as pretty as it used to be," Joe Clark, neighbor, said in support during public comment.

Ending

The commission approved the application and closed the public hearing; the petitioner was invited to rejoin the commission after the vote. The commission's next regularly scheduled meeting is set for July 24.