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Commission approves basement egress window at 217 North 5th to meet code
Summary
The commission approved an application to install a basement egress window and well at 217 North 5th Street, finding the proposed opening preserves historic foundation materials while satisfying safety and egress requirements; approval carried with a condition limiting the well to code‑minimum dimensions.
The Ann Arbor Historic District Commission on May 14 approved a request to construct a basement egress window and well near the front of 217 North 5th Street.
Staff explained that the property’s cut‑stone foundation is historically significant and that carving a deeper existing opening rather than creating a new opening would spare historic materials. The applicant, owners Sarah and Ryan Ball, said the work is required to create a code‑compliant second means of egress for a basement bedroom; they stated the proposed well will be black metal and about 36 inches wide.
The commission approved the application with a condition that the egress well’s width and horizontal depth be the minimum required to meet egress code. Commissioners and staff agreed the location is acceptable given interior constraints and that the design is compatible with the Secretary of the Interior Standards.
Next steps: Owner may proceed under the approved certificate subject to the dimensional condition and permitting.
