Webster Groves ARB approves two preapprovals, OKs 312 Gray deck replacement; asks for revisions on several house additions

The Webster Groves Architectural Review Board approved two preapproved garage projects and approved the deck replacement at 312 Gray Avenue with clarifications after a public hearing Tuesday evening.

Board members voted to approve 320 Helfenstein Avenue and 250 Jefferson Road as submitted during the formal meeting; both motions passed on voice votes. The board also approved the deck replacement for 312 Gray Avenue, conditioned on retaining the existing cedar lattice enclosure under the deck and installing a black Westbury aluminum railing as shown in the project notes.

The board’s discussion emphasized how visible changes are from the street in Webster Groves’ older neighborhoods. "Your addition will be visible from the street, and we don't have a drawing that shows the view of what that will look like from the street," volunteer architect Carol Dunkey told the homeowner for 18 West Cedar Avenue during the public hearing, urging a street-facing front elevation drawing. Board members repeatedly asked applicants to show exactly which windows are included in the scope labeled "window replacement throughout retrofit" so the board and staff can be clear about what is being approved.

At 18 West Cedar Avenue, homeowner Matt Jane described interior changes that left several exterior window openings behind cabinets. Board members recommended retaining the exterior window appearance (for example, with spandrel glass or window treatments) so the street-facing elevation preserves its historic character and asked the applicant to close or lattice the underside of the proposed porch to match the front porch. The board also suggested adding modest fenestration to break up large, blank siding expanses on the rear and new addition; the applicant agreed to resubmit revised plans early next week…