ARC approves two‑story house in Tampa Heights with conditions on proportions and materials

The City of Tampa Architectural Review Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness on July 8 for a two‑story single‑family house at 2804 North Morgan Street in the Tampa Heights Historic District, subject to conditions that require the applicant to finalize materials and certain proportions with staff.

Alex Rios, architect for the applicant, described a two‑story footprint with an 8‑foot front porch and 7‑foot rear porch, an uncovered tandem driveway and retention of a large protected tree at the rear of the lot. Rios said the design would use Hardie siding, shingle roofing, 4‑over‑1 windows and a stucco stem wall, while noting some material choices and manufacturer specifications were left to be finalized.

Historic preservation staff (Elaine Lund) told the commission the application was generally consistent with the Tampa Heights design guidelines but stressed two items before issuance: a transportation/design exception must be approved for the truncated driveway apron at the north side of the driveway apron, and soffit material should be cementitious or similar (not vinyl).

Commissioners questioned window muntin patterns, foundation material (suggesting brick in lieu of stucco in key locations), column proportions, downspout placement and screening for the HVAC. Rios agreed to relocate and screen the AC unit, provide fencing details, and work with staff to increase column heft and window‑trim proportions for a stronger historic presence.

A motion to grant the certificate with conditions to work with staff on HVAC/ mechanical locations, increase column and window‑trim proportions, finalize the material palette, and move the first‑floor plane to a single face was moved and seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The commission then voted to receive and file exhibits and adjourned the meeting.