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Historic commission continues COA for 902 S. York, asks for brick and mortar samples
Summary
The Gastonia Historic District Commission continued review of a certificate of appropriateness for 902 South York after commissioners said the applicant must provide full brick and mortar samples and specifications to ensure an exterior match; the applicant said interior water damage from a bathroom shower motivated the request.
The Gastonia Historic District Commission on May 28 continued an application to remove one window and infill the opening with brick at 902 South York, a contributing 1938 building in the York Chester Historic District.
Chair Caitlin Peeler opened the quasi‑judicial hearing and staff described the application (file PLCA202600140), showed staff renderings of the proposed infill and noted the property’s contributing status. Trebel “JC” Cruz, the applicant’s representative, told commissioners the window is exposed to shower moisture and has caused repeated interior water damage: "It's just literally just causing problem after problems," Cruz said, adding the owners plan to renovate the units.
Commissioners focused on exterior material compatibility. Commissioner Ben Pruitt warned that the wrong mortar or a smooth‑faced replacement brick would “stand out like a sore thumb,” and urged attention to mortar composition and bond patterns so the new work would breathe and move with the historic masonry. Several commissioners said staff’s image was a helpful preview but not a substitute for physical samples.
Because the application lacked full brick samples, mortar specifications and a clear plan for bonding the infill into the existing wall, the commission voted to continue the COA and asked the applicant to return with: physical full‑size brick samples, mortar specification (including lime content), and clear details showing a toothed‑in or running‑bond repair.
The commission also asked staff to accept high‑quality close‑up photos and physical samples from a local brick supplier if in‑person samples are not feasible. The continuance will bring the item back at the next regular meeting.
