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Proposed Martha’s Road addition at 1911 draws preservation debate over entryway and windows
Summary
A proposed primary‑suite and window‑replacement project at 1911 Marcus/Martha’s Road sparked extended discussion about preserving Holland Hills’ characteristic entrance and chimney massing; board members asked for alternatives, lower roof slopes, and clearer window plans.
An application to modify the exterior and interior of 1911 Marcus Road (Martha’s Road) generated the evening’s most extended preservation debate at the Jan. 8 ARB meeting. The applicant seeks to relocate and upgrade a kitchen, add a bathroom and make window and siding changes; an entry modification was central to board concerns.
The applicant’s architect described replacing several non‑traditional windows, restoring an infilled living‑room opening with insulated glass, and adding a primary suite and altered entry pavilion. “When we’re done, we’ll have three bays of windows,” the presenter said while explaining options for window material and arrangement.
Board members focused on three issues: whether the primary entrance, chimney composition and porch geometry are character‑defining and should remain unaltered; how much new glazing is appropriate given existing double‑pane replacements with greenish tint; and whether the submitted plans reflect true scope.
“I recall that entryways were something that we considered characteristic of Holland Hills homes,” a board member said, urging caution about altering the entrance. Another member asked that the applicant consider lower roof slopes for shed roofs and a master glass plan if multiple window replacements are anticipated.
After extensive discussion the board approved the application as submitted with a modification (and friendly amendment) that the replacement panel glazing must match adjacent glazing characteristics and that the first‑floor solid‑panel infill be stricken from the current submission and returned for future review. The applicant was advised to return with clearer drawings documenting which windows will be replaced, glass specifications (to avoid mismatched green tint), and roof‑edge and material details that respect the Holland Hills guidelines.
