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Historic zoning commission approves series of house additions and The Hermitage demolition plan; votes at a glance
Summary
The commission approved several staff-recommended projects including additions and outbuildings at 3512 Central, 4204 Park, 3508 Richland, 3608 Meadowbrook, and 901 Gilmore, and approved the Andrew Jackson Foundation's plan to remove five 20th-century outbuildings at The Hermitage with documentation and state-review conditions.
The Metro Historic Zoning Commission approved a slate of staff-recommended projects and a demolition package for The Hermitage during its regular meeting.
Key approvals included a revised rooftop addition at 3512 Central Avenue, an outbuilding dormer configuration at 4204 Park Avenue, a rear addition with a reduced rear setback at 3508 Richland Avenue, a porch addition at 3608 Meadowbrook Avenue, and a 125-square-foot screened porch at 901 Gilmore Avenue. In each case staff found the proposals met applicable design guidelines with listed conditions such as final materials review, dormer setbacks and eave/ridge-height limitations.
Commissioners also approved the Andrew Jackson Foundation's proposal at 4580 Rachel's Lane (The Hermitage) to remove or relocate five 20th-century outbuildings within the historic core as part of a master-plan effort to restore the Jackson-era landscape. Staff noted that the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office had reviewed the structures and approved a mitigation and documentation plan; commissioners approved demolition with conditions requiring the foundation provide documentation to Metro and consult with Metro archeology on any archaeological work.
Architect Matt Schutz, representing an outbuilding application, argued for context-based design where strict dimensional rules would hinder compatible outcomes. "Approving our design in this large on this large lot and this unique context will not set a precedent, formal or informal," Schutz said while asking for flexibility on dormer width. Jason Zajac, president and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation, said the work is part of a multi-year master plan "to recreate the site as nearly as possible to its appearance in the time of Jackson's life." Commissioners adopted staff recommendations on these items by voice votes.
Votes at a glance: 3512 Central Avenue — approved (staff recommendations); 4204 Park Avenue — approved (staff recommendations with dormer-width conditions); 3508 Richland Avenue — approved (setback reduced to 10 feet with materials review); 3608 Meadowbrook Avenue — approved (porch addition); 901 Gilmore Avenue — approved (screened porch with materials and skylight conditions); 4580 Rachel's Lane, The Hermitage — approved (demolition/removal with documentation and state review conditions).
