The Madison Historic District Board of Review voted to grant a certificate of appropriateness for a new single-family home at 205 Saint Michael's after hearing a presentation from applicant Gary Taylor and a staff compatibility review.

Taylor told the board he had purchased the empty lot and chosen a design with a front porch aligned to neighboring porches and a front-loaded garage set back from the facade. "The front porch is gonna be even with the other neighbors," Taylor said (SEG 148–151). City staff reviewed the application and concluded the proposal "harmonize[s]" with the block, citing applicable guideline sections (23.1, 23.2, 24.2 and 24.8) that address setbacks, building separation, heights and garage placement.

Neighbors and board members debated the precedent of front-facing garages in the area: one neighbor pointed to 29 nearby examples of similar facades (staff reviewer, SEG 393–404), while another board member said garages are usually rear-loaded but agreed the unusual alley ownership made a rear garage difficult. "I would hope that it blend in," one board member said, acknowledging the applicant's efforts with staff (SEG 380–386). Staff recommended the application as conformant and the board moved, seconded and approved the certificate; the applicant was instructed to file for city permits to begin construction (SEG 549–576).

The board's findings of fact referenced the most up-to-date architectural drawing dated 11/21/25. The approval allows the applicant to apply for building permits; staff will verify permit paperwork and conformance before work begins.