Landmarks panel conditionally approves Villa Dolce deck extension at Weinberg–Schroeder House

The Middleton Landmarks Commission voted to approve a conditional landmark alteration Monday that will allow a deck extension at the Weinberg–Schroeder House — the first-floor business Villa Dolce — to increase outdoor seating.

Wendell Chamberlain, representing the property owners, told the commission the project removes a nonperiod door framing and reroutes a downspout to reveal four ornamental columns along the porch, extends the existing deck, and removes two intervening railing sections to achieve continuity between the existing deck and the proposed extension. "The design has that door framing to be removed ... all four of those ornamental columns will be revealed," Chamberlain said.

Commissioners discussed building-code and accessibility items: the ramp grade in the plans exceeds 5 percent, classifying it as a ramp that must meet a minimum width of 3 feet (Chamberlain said the design provides 3'6" in the key areas) and referenced step riser guidance (roughly 4–7 inches). Daphne, the zoning administrator, confirmed staff had discussed permit requirements with the applicant and that the elevation and code details shown on the drawings meet current fire- and building-code expectations.

Design and historic appearance were central to the commission’s conditions. Commissioners said the new handrail posts and balustrade should "match the existing columns," and asked that the property owner or their representative consult with Landmarks Commissioner Elizabeth Hilton, an advisory design consultant for the commission, to confirm that the handrail style and spacing align with historic character. Commissioner S4 moved to approve the alteration with that condition; Commissioner S5 seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote.

The commission directed staff to follow up with the applicant on sign placement and permitting steps. Because the approval is conditional on the design confirmation from Commissioner Hilton, staff said the applicant will not need to return to Landmarks unless the consultant requests changes.

Next steps: staff will notify the applicant of the condition and confirm permitting requirements with building department staff. The commission recorded the approval in the meeting minutes and moved on to other items on the agenda.