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ARB asks homeowner to revise Nathan Hill Drive addition plans over proportions and materials
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Summary
At its Feb. 17 meeting, the South Russell Village Architectural Review Board required the owner of 26-0255 Nathan Hill Drive to revise and resubmit plans for a rear addition, citing mismatched window types, unclear existing-material documentation and awkward façade proportions.
The South Russell Village Architectural Review Board on Feb. 17 asked the applicant for 26-0255 Nathan Hill Drive to revise and resubmit plans for a rear addition after questioning materials, windows and façade proportions.
Ron Fernberg, presenting the application on behalf of property owner Kathleen Adi, said the project replaces a temporary rear structure with a year-round family room. "It's a family room," Fernberg said, and added that "there's gonna be heat in there," indicating the space is intended for year-round occupancy. Fernberg also described the prior, nonpermanent addition as roughly 14 by 30 feet and said the existing back wall is brick and remains structurally intact.
Board members focused on exterior compatibility and proportions. One member said the new openings should match the existing house's fenestration and recommended double-hung windows to align with adjacent windows; another suggested raising head heights or adding a transom to bring more light into the new space. The board also noted that submitted photos appeared to include an older view of the property and asked for recent photos and clearer elevation drawings that explicitly show existing siding and window types.
Board members and the applicant discussed roof form and interior volume: the applicant said the addition would include a cathedral ceiling and that the design aims to match the pitch of the adjacent roof. Members raised potential conflicts with existing eaves if window head heights are raised and encouraged solutions that break up a large, blank façade, such as a belt trim or a change in siding texture.
After discussion, a motion was made to require a revised submittal showing existing materials and windows, reworked proportions, and updated elevations and photos; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously with the board voting "Aye." The board asked the applicant to return with the clarified drawings and material samples before the project is approved.
The board's action is procedural: it does not approve construction but sets explicit resubmission requirements. The applicant acknowledged the comments and said they would resubmit drawings and materials for further review.
