King William addition approved conceptually; carport denied, gate design to be revised

On Jan. 15 the Historic Design Review Commission granted conceptual approval for an addition at 319 Steeran in the King William neighborhood while declining to endorse the proposed shade carport.

Architect Jennifer Young told the commission the addition would add roughly 330 square feet on the northeast corner of the property and that the requested high windows on the eastern façade are intended to preserve interior privacy from an adjacent short‑term rental. The King William Association—s Architectural Advisory Committee submitted a voicemail recommending window proportions consistent with the historic house, discouraging horizontal board gates and unpermitted cloth shade canopies, and suggesting a wood pergola with folk‑Victorian detailing as a potential acceptable carport alternative.

Staff recommended conceptual approval of the addition with a stipulation that the right‑of‑way‑facing façade include traditionally proportioned fenestration, recommended against approving the proposed shade structure, and recommended approval of a wood slat gate if it matched the house style. The commission approved conceptual plans with staff stipulations; commissioners and the applicant discussed several alternatives for the east facade fenestration and agreed the applicant will return with detailed window proportions and gate refinements at final review.

Outcome and next steps: Conceptual approval granted for the addition with required fenestration stipulations; carport not recommended in staff report and should be reconsidered as a pergola or another compatible solution; applicant to return with window details and gate treatment for final review.