Commission approves facade restoration for Dogpatch contributor at 945–947 Minnesota Street

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for work at 945–947 Minnesota St., a contributor to the Dogpatch Landmark District, after questions about historic accuracy and design details.

Planning staff told the commission the project sponsor intends to restore the front facade based on physical evidence and adjacent building precedents; the proposal also includes new wood entry stairs, expanded window openings, new wood windows, and a roof deck set back from the front facade. The department reported two letters of public support and one neighbor request for discretionary review focused on rear stairs and previously issued permits.

The project sponsor, Suhail Shatara, described the property's damaged condition and said the work is intended to repair long‑standing disrepair, reconstruct a failing rear stair and provide better light and connections to the rear yard. Commissioners asked about "false historicism" and whether the proposed Italianate cornice and flat roof would create a speculative restoration. Staff responded that the building was adopted as a contributor in its altered condition, that limited physical evidence and nearby comparables informed the design, and that staff proposed a modified condition to allow minor refinements after discretionary review.

After discussion, the commission approved the COA with amended staff conditions requiring product cut sheets for windows/doors/railings, and authorizing staff discretion to review small refinements during permit review. Commissioner Cronin moved approval; the motion passed unanimously, 7-0.

The approval includes a variance pathway for the rear stair and notes that the zoning administrator may continue variance hearings to the discretionary-review date if requested.