Commission requires handrails in style of house for 301 Bridal porch alteration
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Summary
The commission approved porch alterations at 301 Bridal but added a stipulation that handrails be included at the Bridal Street steps in a style complementary to existing wrought iron on the house; the owner need not reuse the existing rails.
The Historic Design Review Commission approved proposed porch and envelope work at 301 Bridal on Jan. 15, 2025, and added a stipulation that the applicant install handrails on the Bridal Street steps that are compatible with the property—s existing wrought‑iron language.
Architect Ben Bowman described enlarging the porch and removing a problematic stair to create a more inviting front stoop. Commissioner Monica Sabino and others asked that the railings be reintroduced to tie the new porch into the house—s character. Owner Laura Miller told the commission the existing railings appeared to be a later repurposed bed‑head and were "nonfunctional" in their current state.
After discussion about whether the existing iron was original and whether a new railing could be designed to better complete the entry, the commission approved the project with staff stipulations and an additional stipulation that "a pair of handrails at the Bridal set of steps [be] incorporated in the style of the other wrought iron on the house; they do not have to use the existing rails." The vote carried unanimously.
Outcome and next steps: Applicant to provide construction details consistent with staff stipulations and the additional railing requirement at final review and with permit submittal.