Historic commission approves replacement stairs and handrail at 505 Washington Street

The Lynchburg Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the rear stairs and handrail at 505 Washington Street. The applicant, identified in the agenda as Cordelia Chandler, did not attend the meeting but asked that the commission consider the application without her presence.

Commissioners discussed two handrail options presented in the application and whether the commission should select a specific style or leave the choice to the owner. Members said both designs conform with the commission’s guidelines and are compatible with the house’s front‑facing railing, and concluded the property owner may select either option. The motion to approve the application as submitted passed with the board’s vocal assent.

The approval covers replacement of the temporary wood handrail with one of the two proposed iron handrails and repair of the steps in‑kind. The commission recorded no conditions beyond the materials and design as submitted.