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Historic Preservation Commission approves rear‑porch enclosure at 509 Orange Street
Summary
The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the enclosure of a second‑floor rear porch at 509 Orange Street, with conditions to preserve trim and allow replacement of the window with a matching wooden unit if the existing sash cannot be reused.
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously May 14 to approve a certificate of appropriateness to enclose part of the second‑story rear porch at 509 Orange Street.
Staff had described the project as a limited enclosure that will span from the existing exterior side wall to the central porch column, keep the building footprint unchanged and use 5‑inch lap wood siding and painted trim to match the existing exterior. The plan relocates an existing window and exterior door into the new enclosure and adds painted PT wood trim to match the house’s profile.
The applicant, James Siver, identified himself to the commission as the owner of the house. Siver confirmed that the existing storm window would be reinstalled and that the relocated window and door would be handled consistently with building code requirements.
Commissioners asked for clarity on the condition of the window proposed for relocation and requested preservation of a small vertical trim board that marks the old porch edge. The commission’s approval included conditions requiring that no other alterations be made as part of this project, that historic landscaping and mature trees be preserved, and that the relocated window be inspected by the building inspector; if the window cannot be reused, the owner may install a new two‑over‑two wooden window matching the existing sash.
The motion to approve cited consistency with Wilmington’s design standards for historic districts and landmarks and relied on the application materials, testimony during the evidentiary hearing, and the staff report. The motion passed by voice vote.
