Crested Butte board splits on connector and window revisions for 319/321 Whiterock Avenue

The Town of Crested Butte Board of Zoning and Architectural Review considered follow‑up revisions April 28 for a previously approved addition at 319/321 Whiterock Avenue and recorded split votes on motions to deny changes to the connector and to the west‑elevation windows.

Staff member Earley explained that the revisions—submitted on behalf of owner David Owen and represented at the meeting by Jonathan Augello—include removal of a step in the connector (creating asymmetric roof pitches) and changes to the west elevation that place taller windows unusually low on the wall plane. Earley noted that several elements had been approved earlier by the vice chair and asked the full board to review two specific revisions.

Augello described the revisions and showed neighborhood context photos. Board members debated whether the connector change represented a substantial departure from the originally approved design. Member Schmidt said the cumulative changes gave him pause and would reopen full review; batchman dourson and Davol argued the connector could be considered insubstantial in a straw poll. On the window issue, members expressed concern that the low window heights broke floor plane conventions and were excessively dissimilar from the neighborhood context.

The board’s written findings stated the revisions were opposed, citing guideline sections including 4.26 (dissimilarity), 3.17–3.19 and 3.36–3.37 (mass/scale/forms for additions to historic buildings), 4.49 (compatibility), 4.53–4.54 and 4.57 (windows). Davol moved to deny the connector revision; batchman dourson seconded. The minutes record the vote as batchman dourson and Davol 'against' and Schmidt and Spann Labato 'in favor' (2–2). A separate motion by Davol to deny the west‑elevation window revision, seconded by Schmidt, produced the same recorded split (batchman dourson and Davol 'against'; Schmidt and Spann Labato 'in favor'). The minutes do not record a tie‑breaking action or the final disposition of either motion.

Augello expressed frustration with the process during deliberations and was not in favor of removing the taller west window when asked by the board. The board also noted that public notice requirements had been met and that members relied on the applicable design guidelines in reaching their findings.

Nauman had recused himself from the second project review before deliberations. The matter may return for additional consideration or clarification of guideline application in a future meeting.