The Pensacola Architectural Review Board on Nov. 20 approved multiple applications for repairs, new construction and site alterations across the city’s historic districts, emphasizing preservation details and requiring abbreviated follow-up reviews on several items.

The board voted to allow a proposed restoration at 520 North 6th Avenue intended to keep the contributing residence from demolition. The applicant, identified in the meeting materials as Scott Salas, told the board he and a partner bought the house from its prior owner to preserve it and that the project will replace a problematic second‑story sleeping porch with a full‑depth dormer, restore windows, replace roofing and install custom doors. Board members praised the investment but debated fenestration proportions and the dormer’s relationship to the house’s existing symmetry. The board approved the application with conditions requiring an abbreviated review of the front door style and certain fenestration changes before final sign‑off.

On accessibility and screening, the board granted final approval for a chairlift and screening fence at 4309 6th Avenue (the packet labels the property and provides applicant names inconsistently). William Brantley of S and P Architecture presented the installation and said the lift will be concealed behind a wood picket fence with sandstone pavers. The board conditioned approval on matching the neighboring residence’s railing style and confirmed the lift enclosure be installed between the columns to minimize its visual impact.

The ARB also approved an enclosure at Christchurch (18 West Wright Street). George Williams, a project architect with Goodwin Mills Caywood, said the 6‑foot black aluminum picket fence and cast‑stone pilasters will match existing campus materials, be open during regular hours and be closed after hours to improve security. The board endorsed the plan and noted the design’s sensitive materials and in‑ground lighting.

Public‑art additions at the Sanger Theatre (118 South Palafox Street) also won approval. The University of West Florida Historic Trust presented a donor‑funded mural program of four framed photo panels for the Jefferson Street facade. The board recommended—and approved—the option to “double‑gang” the two interior long panels into square panels to gain more usable image options and asked for an abbreviated review of final framing and image sizing.

Several new‑construction projects were approved with minor conditions: a two‑story house at 625 North 6th Avenue was accepted after applicants added shutters and centered the porch entry; a corner‑lot project at 511 East Gatson Street was approved with a condition that ADU fenestration on the left elevation be returned for abbreviated review; and a newly proposed single‑family home at 710 North Barcelona Street drew praise for tucking the garage back from the street and was approved with optional abbreviated review of a brick band detail.

The board repeatedly used abbreviated review—an expedited internal check—to finalize material and small‑scale details such as stucco junctions, door style and fence placement. Where engineering or right‑of‑way approvals were needed (for curb cuts and driveway work) staff reminded the board that those are separate permitting issues handled outside the ARB’s purview.

All motions recorded during the meeting carried on voice votes; the record shows unanimous “aye” voice votes on the motions as presented.

The meeting adjourned after the board waived appearance requirements for one in‑ground pool application whose applicant did not appear in person and approved it on the basis of the submitted package.

What comes next: several applicants must return with the abbreviated materials the board requested (door and stucco details, fence and railing drawings, and ADU fenestration updates). The staff will coordinate those quick reviews via email and internal checks rather than scheduling full ARB appearances.