Board approves 515 East Street garage despite split over vinyl siding

The Madison Historic District Board of Review voted 4–3 to grant a certificate of appropriateness for a new 22-by-24-foot garage at 515 East Street after a lengthy discussion focused on exterior materials.

Applicant Bill Echols explained the project and site constraints; the lot is approximately 30 feet wide and the applicant said the proposed footprint uses most of the available alley space. The applicant said the proposal would be a simple, stick-built garage with a desire to manage construction costs.

Board discussion centered on siding material. Some members argued the guidelines clearly discourage vinyl and aluminum siding; others noted that the garage is minimally visible from public rights-of-way and that surrounding properties already feature vinyl and metal, which may justify an exception for this rear‑alley accessory building. Board member Jared Anderson explicitly told the applicant: “I personally am willing to look past that and say that you meet the guidelines.” Building inspector Brian Shaw also spoke in favor of approving investment and new construction in the area, saying it “would definitely be an addition.”

Opponents on the board emphasized preservation standards and the goal of maintaining the historic district’s character. Those members urged the applicant to consider fiber‑cement siding (Hardie) or painted wood to better match historic materials. Staff and several board members noted PACE grant funds do not apply to new construction, so the board could not assume outside funding would cover an upgrade from vinyl to fiber cement.

Vote: Yes — Bill Jewell, Chris Cody, Kevin Williams, Jared Anderson. No — Happy Smith, Ryan Rogers, Judd Skillman. The board found the location and surrounding context warranted an exception to the design guidelines on siding for this accessory structure.

The COA was granted; staff will issue paperwork and applicants were reminded that construction must conform to the COA conditions.