Winchester BAR approves exterior alterations, marker and museum rooftop exhibit; mural concept questioned

The Board of Architectural Review for the City of Winchester approved a slate of certificates of appropriateness on motions taken during its meeting, including gutter replacements, brick repairs, rear additions, a 20x30 interpretive marker and a removable helicopter exhibit proposed for the Discovery Museum’s rooftop. A conceptual mural proposal at 120 West Cork Street drew concern from members, who said the design’s scale would overwhelm a residential context.

Most items were considered on individual agenda lines and approved by voice vote after brief discussion. For BAR26‑44 (gutter work affecting properties in the 600 block of South Cameron and Monmouth Street) the board amended staff recommendations to require half‑round gutters and round downspouts on the two primary elevations and allow K‑style at the rear; the motion passed with the addresses clarified as 601 and 603 South Cameron. For BAR26‑47 (19 Peyton Street) members approved half‑round gutters and round downspouts for the entire house. For BAR26‑48 (20 North Washington Street) the board required reuse of existing brick where feasible and that any new brick match size, finish and color. For BAR26‑49 (115 West Clifford Street) the applicant’s plans to replace asbestos siding with stucco or match historic material where found, restore windows and construct a low‑profile three‑bay garage were approved as presented.

The board approved BAR26‑50 to install an interpretive panel at 32 West Cork Street proposed by the Winchester‑Frederick County Historical Society; Sissy Scholl described the 20x30 mahogany‑surrounded metal panel as part of a multi‑panel series about George Washington’s time in Winchester. "We wanted our visitors to have something to learn about George Washington," Scholl said during her presentation.

BAR26‑53, Don Devine’s application for a removable Bell helicopter exhibit on the Discovery Museum’s rooftop, received extended discussion about engineering and visibility. Presenters said the exhibit would rest on the parapet using steel supports, overhang the sidewalk by about 10 feet, be fully removable and serve an educational purpose tied to school SOLs and aviation exhibits. Chair (speaking as the meeting chair) called the idea “wonderful” during discussion; the board approved the proposal.

At BAR26‑45 (120 West Cork Street), the Peter Bullock Foundation’s executive director presented a mural concept for the rear façade and said the foundation was willing to scale the work down and consult neighbors. Several board members said a full‑wall mural would dominate the house and that a smaller, human‑scale treatment would be more appropriate. Because this was a conceptual review, no motion was required; the board’s guidance was that the full‑facade proposal, as shown, did not conceptually work in that location.

The meeting concluded with administrative items and outreach plans to recruit additional board members. The board adjourned after confirming the next meeting date.