Board approves rear stairs and ADA lift at 2034 North High Street to provide second egress

The University District Review Board approved a certificate of appropriateness to add a secondary means of egress — exterior stairs and an ADA lift — at the rear of 2034 North High Street to serve a lower-level tenant.

Staff presented COA 2501212 and said the work involves below-grade stairs and a lift with limited visual impact from public rights-of-way; the University District plan does not expressly address means of egress but recommends that additions use compatible, high-quality materials. The applicant said the new egress creates a separate entrance and exit for the lower unit and provides a safer, more direct route to the exterior than the existing shared stair serving upper apartments.

After brief clarifying questions about the existing conditions and lift location, Mister Fleming moved and Mister Reeds seconded a motion to approve the proposal as submitted. The board voted in the affirmative (Fleming, Reeds, Sublett, Smanski, Mather)—motion carries.

Next steps: staff will note the approval in the record and the applicant may proceed with the approved work, subject to building and zoning services permits.