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Commission denies porch railings between arches, approves step and roof rail work at Dan German building
Summary
The commission denied retroactive railings between the Dan German building’s stone arches, approved a simplified step handrail, and approved a porch roof balustrade tied to historic photographs, all with staff conditions.
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on May 11 split action on several railing requests for the Dan German building at 157 4th Avenue South.
Elizabeth, staff, told the commission the white wooden railing between the stone columns was not historically present and therefore not appropriate; staff recommended denial of that element and recommended approval of a simplified step handrail and a porch roof railing supported by historic photographs. "Based on historic imagery, the railing between the stone columns does not appear to have been historically present on the front porch," she said.
Applicant representative David Grothamel said safety and insurance concerns motivated the installed rail elements, noting the owner requested the representation "through Williamson County." He said the team sought to balance safety and historic accuracy.
The commission voted to approve the porch roof balustrade with staff conditions, vote to deny the rails between the arches per staff recommendation, and approved the front step handrail with staff conditions. Commissioners emphasized that handrails required by building code must meet code but that guardrails where not historically present should be simplified to minimize visual impact.
Staff will require the applicant to return materials and final details for review to ensure the approved step railing and porch roof balustrade meet the conditions set by the commission.
