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Commission approves multi‑part addition and attic dormer at 552 5th Street amid concerns about dormer scale
Summary
The commission approved a 215‑square‑foot north‑side addition, an attic dormer, new doors and other repairs at 552 5th Street, while several commissioners and staff expressed concern about the dormer's scale and placement but accepted the applicants' structural and code-related rationale.
The Ann Arbor Historic District Commission on July 9 approved a comprehensive renovation at 552 5th Street that includes a 215‑square‑foot north‑side addition, a new door and stoop, replacement windows, a capped chimney, and an attic dormer to create usable attic space.
Planning staff described the house as a contributing property in the Old West Side Historic District and recommended approval with caution about the dormer’s size and relationship to roof character. Staff noted the project would remove non‑original features (plastic window infills), restore appropriate cladding in areas to be exposed by demolition, and add a one‑story kitchen addition on a crawlspace that aligns with existing massing on site.
The design team (Catherine Filmore, Ford Design Build) and the homeowners explained the dormer was necessary to achieve legal attic headroom and to realign internal stairs for safety and code compliance. Filmore said resolving interior trip hazards and stacking the two stairways required bringing the dormer up to the ridge to meet code and structural constraints.
Commissioner discussion centered on the dormer’s visual effect on the roofline and whether it could be pushed back or reduced in width; commissioners noted the dormer starts at the historic ridge and spans to the exterior wall, making it visually prominent from some approaches. The project team responded that structural and code reasons limited options and that the dormer was set back as far as practicable.
After discussion and questions, Commissioner Nisbett moved to approve the application as proposed; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff reminded the applicants to follow approved materials, preserve character‑defining features where possible, and obtain required permits.
