Hyde Park ARC approves demolition of accessory building; approves new accessory structure and rear addition with conditions

In a lengthy hearing, the Architectural Review Commission granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish a contributing accessory structure at 709 South Boulevard in the Hyde Park Historic District (ARCDash26‑0000058). Applicant testimony and a structural‑engineer report showed extensive non‑original siding, structural deterioration, below‑grade floors, frequent interior flooding and encroachment of eaves across the north property line. The applicant provided contractor estimates showing relocation and rehabilitation would be substantially more expensive and risky than building new.

Staff (Ron Veil) and applicant Alan Dobbs documented site constraints including a narrow alley, overlapping eaves, insufficient alley backup depth for modern vehicle storage, noncompliant fire separation and below‑grade floor elevations that regularly flood. After discussion the commission found substantial and competent evidence of unique site constraints and approved demolition of the accessory structure.

Following demolition approval, the commission reviewed a new two‑story accessory building sited to meet setbacks and a rear addition to the primary house to enlarge the family room and add a first‑floor bathroom. Commissioners raised concerns about cladding choices — the applicant proposed a painted thin‑brick veneer at the base with stucco and wood siding above — and asked the applicant to work with staff on finalizing window, door, hardware and lighting details and on the thin‑wall material for the alley. The board approved the accessory building and the primary‑structure addition with conditions to supply final specs and to pursue a design exception for the accessory height where required.