IHPC splits decision on 1508 Broadway carriage house: alley changes approved, east‑elevation alterations denied

The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 5, 2025 split action on a carriage‑house application at 1508 Broadway (2025 COA 399; VHP 010). Architect David Smith (Custom Living) and homeowner Samantha Bartletti presented proposed changes intended to make the carriage house livable for an upstairs apartment: converting an east‑side single door to a double door with a double window above, and converting the hayloft door on the west facade to glazed doors with a Juliet balcony for light and access.

Shelby (staff) recommended splitting the case: approve part A (west hayloft opening and Juliet balcony, and associated variance) and deny part B (alterations to the east elevation openings). Staff’s reasoning was that the east elevation is the most decorative, principal elevation of the carriage house and alterations there would change its historic proportionality.

Commissioners agreed: they found the east elevation’s vertical proportions deliberate and not appropriate for the proposed widened opening, but were comfortable approving glazed doors and the Juliet balcony on the alley/west elevation and a variance to exceed the maximum square footage for a secondary dwelling, per the staff report and submitted findings of fact. The commission approved staff’s split recommendation by voice vote and recorded the variance approval.

Provenance: The applicant presentation, staff split recommendation and the commission’s votes are recorded in the Nov. 5 meeting transcript.