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Historic Spencer House granted approval to replace deteriorating roof with metal panels
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum's request to replace a failing shingle roof with metal panels after the applicant presented historical maps and assessor records suggesting an original metal roof; commissioners recommended a folded (hand‑crimped) seam instead of a snap‑lock profile and questioned ridge vent scale.
Sean Spencer Hester, representing the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum, told the Lynchburg Historic Preservation Commission he was seeking permission to replace a shingle roof with metal panels at the property the agenda lists as 1314 Buchanan Street (the presenter gave the museum address as 1313 Pierce Street).
Hester said his research, including Sanborn map symbols and information from the Lynchburg assessor's office, supports the idea the house originally had a metal roof. "I believe originally had a metal roof," he said, and presented contractor specifications and a sample for the commission to review.
Commissioners discussed installation details. One commissioner recommended a folded, hand‑crimped seam — which they said would be more historically accurate — rather than a modern snap‑lock profile, and advised care on the size and visibility of a ridge vent. "A folding seam…it'll be much more accurate," a commissioner said during the discussion.
After the presenter noted the existing shingle roof was leaking and part of a larger restoration effort, a commissioner moved to approve the application as submitted with the commission's minor comments on seam style and ridge vent scale. The motion passed with the recorded affirmative votes.
The commission closed the item by wishing the applicant luck and inviting follow‑up contact. No formal condition beyond the recommended seam and ridge vent guidance was recorded in the discussion.
Next steps: the applicant may work with the contractor to implement the folded seam detail and address ridge vent scale per the commission's guidance before installation.
