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Commission refers St. John’s Lutheran Church front gate to site DRC after questions over design and placement
Summary
Commissioners approved parts of the church’s security gates request but referred the front gate design to the site Design Review Committee for a focused review after questions about whether ornate ironwork would obscure historic limestone and stained glass.
The Historic and Design Review Commission on Jan. 21 approved several elements of a request by Saint John’s Lutheran Church to install security gates and grills but sent the front‑door gate design to the Design Review Committee for a site visit and closer review.
Pastor Toby Burke explained the project is aimed at protecting historic wooden doors and stained glass from repeated vandalism and unauthorized use, saying the gates are designed to "compliment the architecture and let the history shine through." Commissioner Fetzer and others asked whether the proposed ornate ironwork might obscure carved limestone and recommended exploring simpler vertical infill or transparent protective glazing. The applicant said the team had considered reinforced glass but favored metalwork for long‑term durability and to reflect interior architectural motifs.
What the commission did: Commissioners approved items 2–5 of the application with staff stipulations and moved item 1 (front gate) to a site DRC for more detailed review and a site visit by commissioners to observe how the gate would interact with existing stonework and accessibility features. The motion passed on roll call.
Next steps: A DRC meeting and site visit will be scheduled. The applicant said he is open to simplifying the gate’s top ornamentation and will coordinate with staff to find a balance between security, visibility of carved stonework and long‑term durability.
Sources: Applicant testimony by Pastor Toby Burke; commissioner questions and roll call recorded at the Historic and Design Review Commission meeting on Jan. 21.
