ARB continues major restoration at 400 Hanover Street, requests documentation and alternatives to PVC decking and metal shingles

The Architectural Review Board continued the Certificate of Appropriateness application for exterior restoration at 400 Hanover Street (COA 2509-0146), directing the applicant to provide additional documentation and to present alternatives to some proposed substitute materials.

Staff described a large exterior restoration: removal of late-applied vinyl siding to reveal largely repairable wood siding, replacement of several non-original windows on a rear extension, replacement of extensively deteriorated porch columns and porch decking, and roof replacement. The applicant’s team proposed Azek cellular PVC porch decking and stamped metal shingles for the primary roof; staff recommended retaining dimensional asphalt shingles to avoid creating a false historic appearance.

Public comment came from Historic Fredericksburg Foundation (Danae Peckler), which urged repair rather than wholesale replacement and warned that substitute materials age differently and pose long-term maintenance concerns. Board members visiting the property found much of the porch work already removed; several members expressed frustration that demolition or removal occurred before full ARB review.

The contractor, Dustin Shaw of VanZant Restorations, told the board that the columns and capitals were extensively rotted and that shop drawings had been produced for replacement capitals; he said pressure-treated 4x4s and extensive filler had been used previously to shore failing columns and that the columns were beyond local repair. Shaw also said quality, paintable wood porch decking is currently limited in availability and that PVC decking presents a non-rotting alternative; he offered to provide additional photos and documentation.

Board members asked for: photographic documentation of existing conditions prior to demolition; field sketches or measured dimensions to confirm shop drawings and the exact capital to be ordered; alternative, in‑kind decking materials to compare with the proposed Azek product; and an asphalt shingle roofing option rather than stamped metal shingles. A motion to continue COA 2509-0146 requesting those items passed unanimously, 6-0.

Ending: The ARB will reconsider the application after the applicant submits the requested documentation and alternatives; staff noted the board’s preference for in-kind repairs where feasible and requested clear evidence where replacement is unavoidable.