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Historic Preservation Commission reviews roof and gutter replacement at 529 Western Avenue
Summary
Davenport City staff presented KCOA26-02 to replace the roof and gutters at the Charles and Charlotte French House (529 Western Ave), recommending approval as a like‑for‑like repair. Commissioners questioned gutter profile, color and porch roof work; no final action is recorded in the transcript.
Davenport City’s Historic Preservation Commission received a staff presentation on April 14 seeking approval for a roof and gutter replacement at 529 Western Avenue, the Charles and Charlotte French House, a contributing structure in the Hamburg local landmark historic district.
City staff described the house as an L‑shaped, single‑family structure built about 1860 that faces the Mississippi River. The application, filed as KCOA26‑02 by petitioner Iowa Holdings LLC, proposes removing existing asphalt shingles and galvanized half‑round gutters and installing Certainty Landmark Pro Designer architectural shingles in a proposed "colonial slate" color along with K‑style aluminum gutters. Staff recommended approval, characterizing the project as a replacement in kind that meets the historic preservation ordinance standard to repair when possible and to match original design, color and texture when replacement is necessary.
Commissioners questioned the change from half‑round to K‑style gutters. According to staff, the contractor advised that half‑round gutters would be significantly more expensive, and cost was described as the primary driver of the selection. Staff also noted that existing half‑round gutters are not original to the house. Commissioners and meeting participants discussed aesthetic preferences and the practical durability of different gutter profiles; one commissioner said the current half‑round gutters appear to be in poor condition.
Color and material choices were discussed but identified as ultimately the owner’s decision. Meeting participants raised a theft concern if gutters were copper or appeared to be copper; staff suggested a muted galvanized or gray similar to the proposed roof color could minimize visibility while addressing durability concerns.
The transcript includes a staff note that the most recent roof permit found for the property dated from 1980, indicating the current roofing material may be past its expected lifespan, though several commissioners expressed uncertainty about the precise age of the roof. Staff confirmed that the porch roof, which several speakers described as in poor condition and likely in need of re‑decking and reshingling, is included in the scope of work.
City staff’s presentation and the commissioners’ questions and comments are recorded in the transcript; the provided record ends with clarifications about porch work and gutter choices. The transcript does not record a final vote or formal decision on KCOA26‑02 within the segments supplied.
