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Commission gives conceptual approval for 136 Gorman rear addition with requirement to return to DRC
Summary
The commission granted conceptual approval for a reduced rear addition at 136 Gorman St. (HDFC case 202027) after the owner agreed to shrink the footprint from about 937 to 700 square feet and accepted staff stipulations; neighborhood groups asked the commission to deny the larger proposal citing guideline limits.
The Historic Design Review Commission granted conceptual approval Dec. 3, 2025, for a reduced rear addition and front-porch modifications at 136 Gorman Street, but required the applicant to return to the DRC with detailed drawings to address staff stipulations and neighborhood concerns.
Staff recommended denial of the originally requested footprint because it exceeded guidelines, but listed conditions under which the commission could approve the project, including reuse of salvageable siding, a standing-seam metal roof with specified panel widths and profiles, wood windows with historically appropriate profiles, and other material and detail stipulations. The applicant, owner Ricky Gonzales, said he would reduce the rear addition to 700 square feet, keep historic fabric on the front facade and accept staff stipulations.
A recorded voicemail from Lulu Francois, chair of the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association Historic Review Committee, urged denial based on a footprint exceeding 40% of the original structure, asked whether a proposed wooden front porch would replace an existing cement porch, and questioned fenestration and the proposed sliding glass door.
Commissioners raised questions about porch detailing, whether portions of the front porch were original, the exact lot coverage, and fenestration for the reduced addition. One commissioner said the smaller footprint and the applicant's willingness to return to DRC were sufficient to allow conceptual approval with the requirement to address staff recommendations and neighborhood concerns at a subsequent DRC meeting. The motion passed by roll call.
The commission's approval is conceptual; the applicant must present final construction documents, material samples and additional details to staff and the DRC for final action.
