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Historic Landmarks Commission approves retaining wall at 105 East Congress Street
Summary
The commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a 2-foot stone retaining wall to protect the foundation at 105 East Congress Street after staff presentation and public comment; commissioners noted material options and allowed flexibility for natural stone.
The Historic Landmarks Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a 2-foot-tall retaining wall along about 82 feet of the western property line at 105 East Congress Street.
Staff member James presented the application, describing the property as a "classical revival circa 1900" three-story brick commercial building and recommending approval to protect the foundation from ivy encroachment, loose soil and stormwater. "The proposal is to construct a 2 foot tall stone wall along approximately 82 feet of the Western property line," James said.
During the public hearing the applicant testified that the house has a log-front character and said she would prefer a more natural stone look than the manufactured concrete-block product shown in the submission. She described extensive drainage problems and added, "I've got a lot of work to do because of this whole issue," referring to water in her basement.
A neighboring property owner, who identified himself as Randy, also spoke in favor and described past maintenance of hedges and the relationship between adjacent properties. He said the proposed wall was an "upgrade" over the existing cement barrier on the neighbor's lot.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether substituting natural stone for the manufactured product would require a new application. James said that changing the wall material alone could be handled as a condition of approval, while broader alterations to the house exterior would require a separate exterior-review application.
The chair called for a motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness; a motion was made and seconded and the chair announced "motion carries" after ayes were voiced.
The approval allows the retaining wall to proceed; staff advised that if the applicant later seeks wider exterior changes to the house, those would need a separate submission. The commission encouraged the applicant to work with staff on selecting an appropriate, more natural-looking material if feasible.
