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Martha Jefferson House door replacement deferred after board questions about historic character and accessibility
Summary
The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review discussed a Certificate of Appropriateness request to replace the front door and sidelights at the Martha Jefferson House. Applicants cited accessibility and security needs; multiple commissioners said the door and sidelights appear historic and urged retrofit options. The applicant requested and the board accepted a deferral to pursue alternatives.
Charlottesville — The Board of Architectural Review deferred a Certificate of Appropriateness request from the Martha Jefferson House after members questioned whether the existing entry is a character‑defining historic feature and urged the applicant to pursue less‑destructive security and accessibility options.
What was proposed: The applicant proposed replacing the exterior front door and sidelights with a wider aluminum storefront-style door and an automatic opener to improve accessibility for residents using wheelchairs and walkers and to address security concerns.
Applicant argument: Mark Barstow, who identified himself as the director of building and grounds/special projects at Martha Jefferson House, said residents face a bottleneck when entering because the current configuration includes an interior secure door and an exterior wood door; he said the exterior unit is difficult to use and some residents need assistance. "We feel like from a practical standpoint, we need to change to a more secure entrance," Barstow said.
Board concerns and alternatives: Several commissioners and staff members said the molding profiles and archival floor plans suggest the door and sidelights are original and therefore character-defining under the BAR’s rehabilitation guidelines. Commissioners repeatedly raised retrofit options: adding an electronic strike, a push‑button door operator, or storm glazing/safety glass over the sidelights to increase security while preserving historic fabric. One commissioner noted successful retrofits on similar projects and recommended consulting a hardware specialist.
Outcome: Given unresolved questions about historicity and acceptable alternatives, the applicant requested a deferral to pursue hardware and configuration options. The BAR moved to accept the applicant's deferral; the motion passed by voice vote.
Provenance: Staff report and applicant presentation; board discussion and the applicant's request for deferral are recorded in the BAR transcript for the Martha Jefferson House COA item (see staff report, applicant comments and the subsequent motion accepting deferral).
