Architecture Review Board approves exterior renovation at 20 South High Street, requires open porch railing

The New Albany Architecture Review Board on April 14 unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior alterations at 20 South High Street, subject to staff conditions that the project architect closely coordinate with the builder on porch trim details and that an open porch railing be used on the front porch.

Chair Epstein opened the case (ARB 80-20-24) and staff reported that the applicant, Bush Real Estate LLC, resubmitted revised drawings after the board tabled the application in February. A city architect reviewed the resubmission and recommended a condition that the architect coordinate with the builder to ensure porch trim details are executed consistent with approved plans.

Paul, an architect with Arcluence representing the applicant, told the board the revised packet clarifies details and includes before-and-after renderings. "We wanna try to keep as much character as we can on the front porch," he said, describing efforts to retain decorative brackets and to frame and trim the archways rather than remove them.

Board discussion centered on porch railing treatment and exterior cladding. One board member suggested cladding the porch balustrade with a smooth Hardie panel framed to differentiate it from the house, while others recommended an open metal railing to match neighboring properties. Chair Epstein said, "I think an open railing is more welcoming from the street," and moved approval with the staff-recommended coordination condition plus the open-rail requirement.

A board member seconded the motion. The board voted and the motion carried "with all votes to approve the certificate, subject to the condition in the staff report and the following additional condition that open railing be used on the porch, subject to staff approval." The applicant team and architect thanked the board and left the meeting.

What this means: the project can proceed with the approved exterior changes (siding, window replacements, garage/door adjustments and the clarified porch details) but must meet the staff coordination requirement and use an open porch railing acceptable to staff. Any substantial deviations from the approved plans will require further review.

Next steps: the board’s approval is subject to staff sign-off on the detail coordination called for in the condition; the applicant will work with the builder to finalize those details.