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HDC approves two-story rear addition at 512 West Liberty, with condition on kitchen window
Summary
The Ann Arbor Historic District Commission approved a 361-square-foot two-story rear addition and front-porch restoration at 512 West Liberty, but added a condition requiring either two casement replacement windows with simulated divided lights or double-hung windows with an appropriately sized mullion; staff will review final window details.
The Ann Arbor Historic District Commission voted to approve a two-story, 361-square-foot rear addition and associated porch work at 512 West Liberty in the Old West Side Historic District, with a condition on the design of a replacement kitchen window.
Planning staff recommended approval, finding the proposed addition’s size, materials and placement compatible with the house and neighboring properties. Staff noted the addition would remain subordinate in plane and massing, would not exceed the commission’s 50% footprint rule, and would sit about 5 feet 7 inches from the detached garage. The proposed siding is cementitious lap with a six-inch reveal.
Applicant Nicole Ridenour, who attended in person, described the addition as an interior-improvement-driven change: the house currently has one and a half bathrooms and the addition would allow a first-floor laundry, an additional bathroom and a reworked main-floor room. A nearby resident who said they live directly behind the property asked about long-term plans; the applicant said the intent is long-term rental or sale and that the city does not permit short-term rentals at the site.
Commissioners agreed the addition and porch orientation were compatible but spent substantial time debating a non-original casement kitchen window of uncertain age. Commissioners suggested alternatives—either two modern casements with an applied center mullion (simulated divided lights) or double-hung windows with an appropriately dimensioned mullion—to better match the house’s character. The commission amended the approval to require that the kitchen window replacement meet one of those design options, and authorized staff to review and approve the final window details. Commissioner Ross moved the motion; Commissioner Smith seconded. The chair announced the motion carries and the application was approved as amended.
Staff advised the applicant that permit plans and the final window specification should be included in the building permit and that staff will check them against the approved design.
