ARB approves Hawthorne Avenue garage despite preservation objections

The Webster Groves Architectural Review Board approved an attached garage and above‑garage living addition at 468 Hawthorne Avenue despite objections from members who said the design clashes with the district’s historic character.

Applicants explained the two‑car garage is set back roughly one car length from the house façade and that immediate neighbors have been kept informed. "We set it back far enough," an applicant said, and noted the garage replaced one damaged by fire. The designer also showed renderings and committed to matching bandboard and window details to the existing house.

Several board members countered that front‑facing overhead doors are not compatible with the home’s original style. One member referenced the ARB’s preservation guidelines and the ARB ordinance’s “suitable appearance” criteria and said the proposed garage doors were “unsuitable” and could be detrimental to surrounding properties. The applicant responded that a Board of Adjustment variance for the sideyard setback had been granted and that the design sought to minimize massing by setting the addition back and matching trim details.

After discussion and an abstention from one member, the board approved the application by recorded voice vote. The applicant was asked to submit final drawings that reflect the agreed details; the project will proceed subject to standard permitting and any clarifications the applicant provides.