Webster Groves architecture board approves multiple home projects, asks for refinements on larger proposals

The Webster Groves Architecture Review Board approved a series of residential renovation and addition applications on Thursday, approving several preapproval items and a set of design submissions while asking applicants for clearer drawings or conditions where plans were thin.

The board voted to approve preapproval items 239 Simmons Avenue, 849 Atlanta (Adelana), and 905 Providence Avenue; it later approved design submissions including 805 Greeley (with a revision to replace the above-garage glider with two double-hung windows), 713 Hurstgreen Road, 530 East Lockwood (addition), 103 Pearl Avenue (garage rebuild), 54 Summit Avenue (retroactive window replacement), and paired approvals for 308 and 312 Oak Tree. Votes on routine approvals were voice votes recorded as ayes by the chair.

Why it matters: the board’s actions move multiple projects forward in the permit process, but several approvals included design conditions or clarifications that applicants must record with city plans. Those conditions — for example, matching trim widths to the existing house or providing specific elevation and setback confirmation for accessory structures — are meant to preserve neighborhood character and ensure code compliance before permits are finalized.

What the board asked for

- 301 North Bumpart: The contractor described replacing a leaky basement double door with a secure three-bolt door. Board members suggested the homeowner retain the existing historic doors on the property for possible future reuse rather than demolishing them. As one member put it during the hearing, "I would strongly recommend that they hang on to those doors because you never know." That suggestion was read into the motion approving the work.

- 137 Plant Avenue and other garage projects: For detached garages visible from the street, the board repeatedly asked applicants to match trim widths and siding profiles so new structures read as cohesive with the existing house.

- 463 Pasadena (siding and infill): The board declined to approve the submission as presented and requested more complete elevation graphics showing siding width, trim, rake details and proposals for how removed second‑floor doors would be handled. Members flagged loss of existing stucco detail as a concern and suggested alternatives (repairing stucco, infilling and using trim to disguise differences, or showing realistic siding/trim renderings).

- 232 Worthing Drive: A rebuild/addition received conditional approval with a list of clarifications: simplify and standardize window grid patterns, replace tapered columns with square columns with cap/base trim, and add a band board at the base of the side gables.

Votes and formal actions

The meeting recorded a series of motions and voice votes. Where board members voted, the motions passed by voice vote (ayes), except one noted opposition on 232 Worthing Drive. Where the board required conditions, those items were incorporated into approvals or recorded as items to be added to the city plan set for permit review.

Looking ahead

The board closed the meeting after approving the listed projects and tabling items that required more information. Several applicants were told to supply more-detailed, scaled elevation drawings, context streetscape views, or to have planning/zoning review proposed accessory‑structure setbacks before final permits are issued.

(Reporting note: quotes and attributions come from participants who spoke on the record during the meeting; addresses and project names are taken from the official agenda and spoken record.)