Historic commission approves exterior wall, iron fence and lighting for Triumph Palace at 613 Pollock Street

The New Bern Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 613 Pollock Street, the Triumph Palace property, after staff and applicants described a proposal to replace an existing chain‑link fence and hedges with a short masonry wall topped by metal fencing, add two pedestrian gates and install new lighting.

Staff said the application is complete and that the property owner is the State of North Carolina; the Palace’s executive director, Crystal Reagan, and authorized representatives Chris Bach and George Hemingway III presented the plan. In an overview, staff noted reviews from the zoning administrator and the chief building inspector and characterized the building as a contributing structure in the historic district.

Applicant Chris Bach, facilities manager, told commissioners: "We're proposing to take down that chain link fence and put up what you're seeing here ... it's going to be brick about 2½–3 ft up, then there's going to be iron going across with columns every 16 feet" and said recessed ground lighting and periodic column lights would improve nighttime safety and the building’s appearance. Staff said the project drawings show masonry piers, brick veneer over concrete masonry units and lighting integrated with the wall and gate details.

During discussion, commissioners noted that removing chain‑link fencing is generally preferred and that the proposed masonry base and metal fencing complement existing site features. Commissioners also discussed the applicant’s request for an exception to the 4‑foot maximum height in the primary ABC (historic district) on the grounds that the new wall/fence matches existing on‑site masonry walls and provides added security. Staff reminded the commission that any exterior changes beyond what was approved must be submitted to the HPC administrator for staff review and potential HPC reconsideration.

A commissioner moved to find the application "not incongruous with New Bern’s code of ordinances (sections 15‑411 to 15‑429) and the historic district guidelines," citing staff recommendations and design standards. The motion carried and the Commission instructed staff that any revisions beyond the approved elements would return to staff or the Commission for review.

The Commission entered the applicant’s full project packet and staff report into the record and closed the hearing on 613 Pollock Street with the COA approved. The decision noted reliance on staff findings and prior reviews by building and zoning officials.