Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission approves series of property applications; calendar set for 2026

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 12, 2025, approved a slate of certificates of appropriateness and administrative actions across multiple historic districts. Key votes and outcomes are listed below.

What the commission decided

- HPC 54‑25 (1306 23rd Avenue, John Thetford): After‑the‑fact approval for replacing a rotten wood cornice with Hardie (Hardy) board. Applicant said he was unaware the property was in the historic district and replaced the feature to stop animal intrusion. The commission found the replacement met design guidelines and approved the certificate (one abstention recorded).

- HPC 55‑25 (14 Oakwood Court, Scott Huffman / applicant Susan Hudman): Approval to replace heavy concrete roof tile with a lighter Bravo composite tile that preserves the original roof form and architectural details; applicant presented samples and commissioners accepted the material as consistent with design guidelines (unanimous yes).

- HPC 56‑25 (1702 University Boulevard, Luis Pernilla / applicant Janelle Pernia): Approved the wrought‑iron fence with a condition that the combined height of the retaining wall plus fence not exceed 6 feet and that the top be level across the property. The commission continued action on four proposed gates and required the applicant to return with scaled, labeled drawings for each gate (unanimous yes on the fence; gate approvals continued).

- HPC 57‑25 (1314 15th Avenue, Scott Russell): Approved exterior alterations including replacement of vinyl siding with Hardie board, window changes from mixed materials to 3‑over‑1 cellular PVC windows, and an extended roof line in place of an awning (unanimous yes).

- HPC 58‑25 (1905 8th Street, Margaret Peacock): Approved construction of a wood wheelchair ramp matching existing materials; staff to perform final inspection (unanimous yes).

- HPC 59‑25 (19 Pinehurst Drive, Carrie Fitz): Approved demolition of a non‑original carport and removal of five trees (four pine, one pecan) after testimony about potential hazard and tree damage; one commissioner had recused from this portion (majority yes among remaining commissioners).

- HPC 61‑25 (33 The Downs, Charles & Laurie Arnold): Approved replacement of 19 windows with aluminum‑clad wood windows maintaining existing 8x8 light pattern; final inspection required (unanimous yes).

- HPC 62‑25 (820 20th Avenue, Sean Coller): Approved replacement of four windows with Fibrex (Andersen) windows on the basis that Fibrex already exists on the house; commission treated this as a case‑specific exception rather than a broad approval of the material. The half‑moon window must retain its light pattern with external and internal muntins; three lower windows at that location were specified to be double hung (unanimous yes with stipulations).

- HPC 63‑25 / HPC 60‑325 (1003 Queen City Avenue, Starship Parton / architect Bob Burns): Approved demolition of an accessory structure and construction of a new two‑story accessory garage designed to match the principal structure. Commissioners emphasized that approved materials (Anderson 400 windows and solid wood garage doors) must match what was presented; staff to confirm details (unanimous yes).

Other business

The commission noted 15 historic expedited review approvals since the last meeting and approved the 2026 meeting dates and deadlines calendar.

Next steps

City staff will issue approval letters with conditions, advise applicants about required resubmissions where applicable (notably the four gate drawings for 1702 University Boulevard), and perform final inspections of completed work. Applicants were reminded to consult staff before making material substitutions after approvals.

Votes at a glance (select items)

- HPC 54‑25 (Thetford): Approved; yes 6, abstain 1. - HPC 55‑25 (Huffman / Hudman): Approved; yes 7. - HPC 56‑25 (Pernia): Fence approved with 6‑foot total height condition; yes 7; gates continued. - HPC 57‑25 (Russell): Approved; yes 7. - HPC 58‑25 (Peacock): Approved; yes 7. - HPC 59‑25 (Fitz): Approved; yes 6 (one recusal). - HPC 61‑25 (Arnold): Approved; yes 7. - HPC 62‑25 (Coller): Approved with stipulations about light patterns and material exception; yes 7. - HPC 63‑25 (Parton/Burns): Approved (materials to match Anderson 400 and solid wood doors); yes 7.

The commission’s approvals are recorded in the meeting minutes; staff will forward final inspection procedures and next steps to each applicant.