Board approves two near-identical houses at Park Avenue with staff discretion on siding and railing

The Madison Historic District Board of Review granted certificates of appropriateness for two near‑identical new houses to be built at 1007 and 1009 Park Avenue, subject to a small set of condition-based allowances intended to expedite construction while keeping design compatibility under staff review.

Applicant materials show compact footprints to minimize grading into the hillside; the applicant proposed cement‑board siding (Hardie or LP) and asphalt architectural shingles, with metal or wood exterior doors. The board discussed retaining-wall options and the need to align front porches and setbacks with adjacent houses. Members encouraged attention to the gateway character of Park Avenue and suggested a traditional railing as an optional change to the presented balcony design.

Motion language granted the COAs and included a condition that the applicant may substitute a traditional picket railing on the balcony if desired, and that staff may approve the final siding choice (Hardie or LP-style) without requiring a return to the board. Board members voted unanimously to approve with the stated conditions.

Staff will issue COAs and the applicant will proceed to final engineering and permitting for retaining-wall and grading work.