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HARB approves courtyard redesign at 58 Charlotte Street with limits on fire pit and materials
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Summary
The board approved revised outdoor-space designs for 58 Charlotte Street, accepting reduced bench seating, reclaimed brick pavers, and a low fire pit (recommended coquina or stucco-like finish) with maximum dimensions and conditions on cushions and plantings.
The Historic Architecture Review Board approved revised outdoor-space plans for 58 Charlotte Street on Feb. 19 after extended discussion about materials, a proposed fire pit, and landscape choices. Applicant Fem Clang presented a redesign that reduced bench seating visible from the street, proposed reclaimed brick herringbone pavers, and replaced a previously proposed large fountain with a smaller fire pit feature.
Board members debated historical appropriateness and safety for a fire pit in a colonial-era courtyard. One member suggested a modified well or a non-fountain water feature; others noted colonial-era lots commonly had fire/well features. The applicant said she selected the design based on prior feedback and research, noting similar small fire pits exist on nearby restaurant sites. The board recommended a maximum of 4 feet diameter and around 2 feet height, favored coquina or white stucco texture, accepted reuse of existing wood-mold bricks in the front and 4-inch modular bricks in rear sand-set, and approved cushions in canvas. Staff will handle plant approvals and film details administratively where appropriate.
Why it matters: The project modifies a reconstructed Spanish colonial building visible from Charlotte Street; decisions about materials (brick type, coquina accents, stucco finishes) affect how new work integrates with the street’s historic character.
