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Commission approves amended certificate of appropriateness for historic house at 265 North Main
Summary
The commission approved changes to the COA for the Karstein Luckenbach House (265 North Main), including a darker metal roof color, lighter wall paint, a new awning and a detailed entry gate and fence; the applicant said the changes restore historic character and support a future wine‑tasting use.
The Boerne Historical Landmark Commission voted March 3 to amend a previously approved certificate of appropriateness for 265 North Main, a highly contributing Texas German vernacular house known as the Karstein Luckenbach House (circa 1870).
Frankie Linder of the planning department outlined the requested changes: switch the previously approved galvanized roof to an "Urbane bronze" metal roof, change the wall color from the previously approved Roycroft brass to a moderate white, add an awning and finalize details for a Main Street entry gate and perimeter masonry and iron fencing. Linder said staff finds the proposed exterior improvements meet Boerne's UDC regulations and historic district guidelines but asked the commission to determine whether the amendment should be approved.
Architect Frank Foladez, representing SA Partnership Architects, and owner Richard Lee presented design details and materials. Foladez described the concept as "a portal, a gateway off the Hill Country Mile, to bring customers through this entry," and explained the design uses reclaimed materials—wood, stone and steel—plus stained 8x8 timber columns and hand‑cut steel lettering. He said the main sign measures about 7.8 square feet with an additional 1.7‑square‑foot suspended sign, keeping signage well below allowed limits. Owner Richard Lee said the project will include a wine‑tasting use (Hillenbach Cellars) and that the changes aim to restore historic character while improving customer experience.
Commissioners asked about the reasons for reversing earlier color choices; Foladez explained the lighter wall would better complement adjacent limestone and the darker roof would match nearby buildings and the visitor center. After discussion, a motion to approve the amended COA was moved and seconded; the commission voted to approve the amendment.
