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Commission approves metal board-and-batten for 418 E. Locust over neighborhood objections
Summary
The Historic and Design Review Commission approved the final material selection for a new house at 418 East Locust, accepting a metal board-and-batten siding alternative favored by the architect despite comments from the Tobin Hill Community Association urging wood or fiber-cement siding.
SAN ANTONIO — The Historic and Design Review Commission on Feb. 18 approved the final material selection for a new house at 418 East Locust, endorsing a metal board-and-batten siding product proposed by the project architect.
Staff had recommended final approval only if the applicant used wood or fiber-cement vertical siding and met setback requirements. At the hearing, the Tobin Hill Community Association’s historic preservation committee urged the commission to stick to the staff recommendation, saying it was concerned about metal siding and overall lot coverage. “We agree with the staff recommendation and with the staff stipulations for wood or fiber cement vertical siding,” Frederica Kushner, speaking for the association, said during public comment.
Joseph Smith of JMS Architects told commissioners the metal board-and-batten product was developed specifically to replicate older board-and-batten profiles while offering concealed fasteners and longer panel lengths. He said the product carries a 30-year finish warranty and will produce continuous vertical panels rather than repeating 8‑ to 10‑foot seams common with cement board. “This material frankly exists for that exact reason,” Smith said, arguing it will be more durable and present a cleaner finish than cement board.
Commissioners questioned the visual effect of large battens on a tall wall and whether approving metal here would set a precedent. Some members voiced aesthetic reservations; others cited durability and the fact the product can better achieve continuous vertical lines. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the proposal with only staff stipulation No. 2 (roof/panel specifications). The motion passed on a roll-call vote.
The commission’s approval is advisory to the city; any required building permits and a certificate of appropriateness still must be obtained, and staff will prepare the commission’s action letter and email it to the applicant within 10 days. The architect and owner may proceed to follow-up permitting with the Office of Historic Preservation according to the approved stipulations.
The commission did not adopt staff’s preferred blanket requirement for wood or fiber-cement vertical siding. The case will be subject to the commission’s and staff’s standard review and inspection process to verify materials and details match the approved specifications.
