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Historic preservation commission delays decision on Richardson Hotel skybridge facade
Summary
The Augusta City Historic Preservation Commission postponed action on COA 206-23 for exterior work on a skybridge connecting 725 Green Street and 744 Broad Street (Richardson Hotel), asking the applicant for a revised design that retains key mid-century features; the postponement passed unanimously (7-0).
The Augusta City Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to postpone action on a Certificate of Appropriateness for proposed exterior repairs and alterations to a skybridge connecting properties at 725 Green Street and 744 Broad Street (the Richardson Hotel), citing concerns that the proposed materials and appearance depart from the district’s mid-century character.
Staff presented COA 206-23 (Duckworth Development LLC on behalf of DWT Properties LLC), describing a proposal to repair and update the skybridge’s exterior and noting Historic Augusta’s comment that the revision was still "a significant departure from the original" and "does not look like a mid century modern design." Todd Kennedy, Planning and Development Services staff, read those advisory comments to the commission.
Patrick Duckworth, representing the owner, said the work was prompted when a dump truck struck the skybridge about a year and a half ago and that matching the original glazing system proved cost-prohibitive. Duckworth said insurance covered only the side that was struck and that the owner sought a feasible repair that could be done on both sides for consistency.
A commissioner urged the applicant to produce a revised design that more closely mimics defining features of the original bridge — specifically retaining round column supports and the historic window grouping — rather than the proposed EIFS siding. "It's just it's boring. And I think it's a poor substitute for that bridge," the commissioner said, arguing the skybridge is a defining mid-century element of the street.
After discussion about possible economical ways to echo historic mullions and retain visual rhythm, one commissioner moved to postpone the COA until a revised design is submitted; the motion was seconded and passed 7-0. The applicant said a 30-day revision period would not present an immediate hazard and that he could work with staff and commissioners on a revised rendering.
The commission’s action does not approve the proposed EIFS siding; instead it asks the applicant to return with a revised proposal that better reflects the skybridge's character and the downtown design guidelines.
