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Commission revisits 817 Spring Street and approves smooth vinyl siding after debate
Summary
After revisiting a prior denial, the Michigan City Historic Preservation Commission approved a smooth-profile vinyl siding application for 817 Spring Street, citing precedent, cost considerations and lack of rebutting evidence; one commissioner abstained.
The commission revisited a previously denied Certificate of Appropriateness for siding at 817 Spring Street and approved smooth-profile vinyl siding at its Feb. 2 meeting after discussion about precedent, material authenticity and cost.
Representatives from the contractor (JB West) presented physical samples and cited two prior, staff-approved projects where smooth siding was used after hailstorm repairs. Commissioners questioned whether decisions should hinge on material or texture, and asked staff to provide prior COAs to ensure consistent precedent. Staff and contractors said smooth vinyl is an acceptable profile where it closely matches historic sightlines, whereas textured (woodgrain) vinyl had been the reason for earlier denial at this address.
Commission debate highlighted trade-offs: preservation purists warned that approving vinyl repeatedly could erode the district’s integrity, while others argued affordability and the practical inability of some property owners to pay substantially more for Hardie or LP SmartSide options (contractor estimated these alternatives to cost roughly 50% more). One commissioner urged exploring grants or other funding to close that gap.
On a roll call the motion to accept smooth vinyl as presented passed with five yes votes and one abstention (Mister Zimmer). The applicant will receive a decision letter with conditions and staff will track precedent and past COAs to inform future reviews.
