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City project to rehabilitate Harlinsdale worker houses advances with design guidance
Summary
City and 906 Studio presented plans to rehabilitate two worker houses at Harlinsdale Farm for reuse as a welcome center and staff space. Staff and commissioners urged in‑kind repairs, careful window replication, simple porch/rail designs, and further structural assessment for foundation repair; applicants said they will pursue structural engineering and preserve materials where feasible.
Brandon Pretty of 906 Studio presented rehabilitation plans for two historic worker houses at Harlinsdale Farm, proposed for restoration to serve as a welcome center and small on‑site staff space.
Staff said the project is a city parks department initiative and described repairs: in‑kind wood siding repair, replacement asphalt shingle roofs, in‑kind window repair or replacement to match originals, new accessible parking behind the buildings and screened walkways with ramps. Staff asked for additional documentation on how much fabric can be preserved versus replaced and more detail on proposed gutter profiles and window repair strategies.
Commissioners pressed for salvaging original window sashes and panes where feasible, requested simpler handrail designs where code permits, and recommended looking at thermally modified real wood or other durable, historically appropriate decking options rather than standard composite decking for visible porches. The applicant acknowledged the likelihood of significant foundation or structural work on the most deteriorated facades and said a structural engineer will assess options to shore and save what is feasible.
No formal vote was taken. Staff requested that the project return with material samples and a clearer scope of preserved vs. replaced elements.
