Historic Preservation Commission approves retaining wall reconstruction at 705 Gaines Street

The Davenport Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 10 approved a certificate of appropriateness (COA 25-13) to remove and reconstruct a failing two-tier retaining wall behind the Lewis Best Apartments at 705 Gaines Street.

Staff described the Lewis Best Apartments as a two-story, 1905 Craftsman apartment building listed as a contributing structure in the Hamburg local landmark historic district. The request covers a roughly 20-foot-6-inch section of rear retaining wall — an upper wall about 26 inches tall and a lower wall about 6 feet tall — that staff believes was built in the 1980s and is now bowing toward the building. Staff recommended approval, saying the wall is largely hidden behind the building and the proposed work would replicate the design, dimensions and footprint while improving drainage and site stability. "The replacement product is the standard unit by Versa-Lock retaining wall systems," staff said during the presentation.

Jack Haberman, who attended for the petitioner Davenport Historic Properties LLC, did not contest staff findings. A motion to accept staff’s recommendation was moved and seconded and carried on the record with affirmative votes from commissioners present.

The commission’s finding emphasizes repair and preservation of the primary historic building; staff said the project meets the commission’s review standards in the historic preservation ordinance and will return the property to a sound, stable condition.

Next steps: staff will process permit paperwork as required and the applicant may proceed with the approved work per the city’s permitting process.