Historic district panel approves garage addition at 38 Mountain

The Eureka Springs Historic District Commission voted July 15 to issue a certificate of appropriateness for a new rear garage at 38 Mountain, a contributing structure with a stated construction date of 1906.

The chair, Debbie Davis, opened the Level 3 application and Commissioner Corey O'Hara read the facts of the proposal, including the scope: construction of a new garage at the rear of the property. No applicant representative appeared at the meeting. "The construction date is 1906 and the scope of work is to construct a new garage on the rear of the property," O'Hara said while reading the application materials.

Commissioners discussed jurisdictional limits and confirmed that setback concerns had been addressed. One commissioner reported the property owner received a setback variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment the previous night and that neighbors had not submitted objections after receiving notice. That commissioner summarized the materials called out on the elevation pages as "Fiber cement lap siding, fiber cement based trim, Exterior fiberglass door," and noted proposed windows as single-hung units with trim to match the existing house.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to issue the certificate of appropriateness based on the agreed summary of facts; another commissioner seconded the motion. The body responded with affirmative votes and the chair announced the motion passed.

The Commission also reviewed administrative approvals listed by the City Historic Preservation Officer, set deadlines for new applications (Level 3 due July 22; Level 2 due July 29), and noted the next regular meeting is Aug. 5, 2026. During commissioner comments, Dee Bright highlighted upcoming community volunteer opportunities, the second annual Unicorn Run on Sept. 20, and the Tour of Homes on Dec. 5.

The meeting adjourned following a motion to close the session.