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Commission critiques ‘barn-like’ design in conceptual review for 3922 Nelson View Drive; builder agrees to revise
Summary
At a March 18 workshop, commissioners and neighborhood representatives said a proposed 5,400 sq ft home at 3922 Nelson View Drive reads like a barn or commercial building; the builder (Morton Buildings) agreed to provide more complete elevations and a site plan that better reflects the local community character.
During a conceptual workshop on March 18, the Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission and neighborhood participants questioned whether a proposed 5,400-square-foot residence at 3922 Nelson View Drive reflects the surrounding community’s character.
Builder Blake Severson of Morton Buildings said the two-story structure will incorporate Charleston-style elements, columns and a porch and that large garage doors are intended to house vehicles and an RV inside rather than outdoors. Commissioners and attendees repeatedly characterized the current conceptual elevations as resembling a barn or a commercial building and asked for more complete drawings, a site plan and alternative elevations that better respond to the immediate neighborhood rather than downtown Charleston references.
Commissioner comment included: “No disrespect, sir, but this looks like a barn,” and concerns that large doors and limited windows on some facades make the structure read as a workshop rather than a residence. Morton area supervisor Brett Becker apologized for the primitive drawings on display and said the company will return with more historically sympathetic elevations and engage with the local community. Commissioners asked the applicant to prioritize the surrounding community’s vernacular rather than trying to mimic downtown Charleston architecture. The workshop did not produce a vote; the applicant will return with revised materials.
