The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission voted Dec. 2 to grant retroactive approval for siding, roof and gutter work at 201 Franklin Avenue East, subject to three staff conditions that prohibit vinyl siding and require a compatible alternative and metal gutters.

Erin Kaye, senior city planner, told the commission the house (built in 1885 and later converted to multifamily) was damaged in an August 2023 hailstorm and that the applicant had installed vinyl siding. Kaye said the Washburn Fair Oaks design guidelines “indicate that vinyl siding is not considered an appropriate substitute material” for houses that originally had wood siding and recommended the commission require replacement siding in fiber cement, composite wood or a similar material.

Owner Nicholas David Bates of Concepts 26 (Franklin Flats) told the commission the property is a six‑unit building housing roughly six people and that, after insurance limited payment because of depreciation, he chose a higher‑grade synthetic siding to make the whole building consistent and affordable. Bates asked the commission to approve staff conditions 2 and 3 while striking condition 1 that disallows vinyl, saying he could not afford to replace the siding twice. “I’m asking that the HBC approve items 2 and 3 while striking out number 1,” Bates said.

Commissioners questioned the owner on occupancy and costs; the owner estimated an alternate siding approach would cost approximately $60,000 while the installed vinyl cost about $35,000. Commissioners discussed whether requiring replacement only on primary street facades would reduce cost and waste. Preservation staff and Andrea Burke, supervisor of the historic preservation team, told the commission the district guidelines (adopted July 2024) clearly prohibit vinyl siding and that the commission does not consider economic hardship as part of its review.

Commissioner Melblum moved to approve the retroactive certificate of appropriateness for 201 Franklin Avenue East with staff conditions 1–3 as presented; Commissioner Rodriguez seconded. The roll call recorded eight ayes and the motion passed.

The commission’s approval requires the owner to select an approved siding material and work with staff on siding dimensions and gutters before permits can be finalized. The owner was advised to coordinate with planning staff about alternatives and next steps.

This decision allows the property to remain occupied while compliance and final material approvals are completed.