Commission approves Burnham Block restoration COA; allows shed demolition

The Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 3 approved a certificate of appropriateness for restoration work at 1835 South Layton Boulevard, a Frank Lloyd Wright American System Built Model C3 house constructed in 1916 that is part of the Burnham Block. The commission’s approval included demolition of a mid‑20th century backyard shed that staff described as nonhistoric and of no architectural value.

Staff outlined a restoration scope based on surviving drawings and early photographs: replacement of the existing roof with cedar shingles, removal of synthetic stone in favor of historically correct stucco where appropriate, assessment and repair/waterproofing of concrete block foundation walls and precast stone caps, in‑kind replacement of decayed wood trim, paint to historic 1916 color schemes, and use of old‑glass or historically appropriate glazing in restored windows. Staff said the applicant intends to reconstruct a planter box to historic specifications and to re‑open the porch to match Frank Lloyd Wright’s original design. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems will be brought up to code as part of the restoration.

The property is owned by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that holds five of the six original Burnham Block houses and plans to operate some units as museum properties; the applicant said it had been awarded a Save America’s Treasures grant and that the National Park Service had approved the plans and specifications. Commissioners asked about grant oversight, the foundation condition, and occupancy strategy; the applicant’s representatives, including Mike Lehi (curator and board president) and board members, answered.

Staff had recommended approval with conditions, including a staff review of masonry paint removal; the applicant asked the commission to remove the separate‑permit condition for masonry cleaning (noting the only painted surface likely to be affected is the foundation and that a traditional parge finish is intended). The commission approved the COA but removed the separate permit requirement for the masonry cleaning condition as requested.

Provenance: staff presentation and treatment scope (transcript at 01:19:47–01:24:00); applicant comments and grant/NPS oversight (transcript at 01:20:53–01:26:24); motion and vote (transcript at 01:24:00–01:26:24).