IHPC grants certificate of authorization for 373 Burgess Ave. with deadline to restore diamond window

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 5, 2025 considered a substantial violation file for 373 Burgess Ave. (Irvington) involving multiple elements of work performed without prior approval. Owner Don Smith and a supporting witness described fire, termite and structural damage to the house and said much of the work was done to stabilize and rehabilitate the property; City‑County Counselor Andy Nielsen urged the commission to allow the owners to complete the rehabilitation.

Staff enumerated the items under review — altered openings, gutters and downspouts, boxed soffits, chimney replacement, porch alterations, replacement windows, added corbels and installation of lap siding where stucco once existed — and provided recommended corrections for the Irvington District plan. After discussion, the commission approved a certificate of authorization that retains several constructed elements but requires that the prominent diamond window on the north elevation be returned to its historic location. The commission set a deadline of March 1, 2027 for that relocation and instructed the applicant to notify IHPC staff prior to making any unexpected repairs to siding and trim that affect the relocation work.

Why it matters: the authorization balances the commission’s preservation goals with the owners’ investment to stabilize and reuse a historic property; the relocation deadline creates a clear municipal requirement and staff oversight for remediation.

Provenance: The applicant’s explanation, staff recommendations and the commission’s vote are recorded in the meeting transcript.