New owners ask to replace rotten siding with LP SmartSide; commission demands contractor details and authorizes emergency repairs

New owners of a large historic house near Carroll University asked the Landmarks Commission for permission to replace failing wood siding and repair water-damaged areas, prompting a sustained debate over appropriate materials.

Nick and Emma Vasek told commissioners that extensive rot and a substantial gap had developed in some siding areas after recent storms and that water was already entering the sunroom. Staff described the property's significant architectural detailing and showed photos of rot, missing soffit and a hole allowing water intrusion. The applicants said contractors advised full siding replacement and that wood would be cost-prohibitive; they proposed LP SmartSide brush-smooth lap siding to match existing dimensions.

Commissioners pressed for more detail. "If you could actually get, some kind of a plan or print from the actual contractor on some of his intentions on how he's going to keep some of the detail on this house," one commissioner said, noting that LP SmartSide has limited profiles and that important corner panels, window trim and moldings must be re-created in detail. Concerns focused on preserving historic corner caps, window surrounds and other ornamentation so the house's character is not lost.

Given the urgency of active water infiltration, the commission voted to grant preliminary emergency water-repair authorization contingent on a future full Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and to return with contractor drawings and material callouts for final approval. Chair Carmen Dela Paz noted the commission's role is to protect homeowners from making costly mistakes that they might later have to undo.

Staff advised the owners to provide material profiles and contractor plans for the commission's next meeting, and commissioners suggested temporary weather-proofing measures (Tyvek, tape) to limit further damage while details are prepared.