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Neighbors win partial concession: HDRC approves alterations at 433 Madison but denies enclosed patio wall
Summary
The commission approved two requested modifications for 433 Madison but denied the owner’s request to enclose the two openings flanking a new fireplace, requiring the element be returned to the previously approved design and asking for a landscape plan to be reviewed by the commission.
The Historic and Design Review Commission approved two minor modifications for the property at 433 Madison but denied a request to enclose openings on the street-facing side of a new covered patio-fireplace structure, ruling that the infill materially changed the approved design and harmed the Madison Street streetscape.
Neighbors, led by Deborah Carrington and other King William residents, argued that the filled openings increased the wall’s visual impact on Madison Street and that the changes were built without the commission’s approval. Carrington asked the commission to require that the back wall be returned to the approved plan, which included open areas flanking the fireplace to reduce the visual mass facing the street. Several speakers, including architectural committee representatives, urged the commission to require a landscape plan and to have HDRC, not staff, review that plan before any certificate of appropriateness is issued.
The homeowner, Willie Hernandez, told the commission he engaged with the Office of Historic Preservation, accepted responsibility for missing a variance change and said a landscape plan is planned to screen the wall. Commissioners discussed alternatives including ornamental grillwork or returning to the original cutouts. Vice Chair Fetzer and others said restoring the original openings and adding landscaping would better preserve the walking, open character of King William.
Commissioner Sabino moved to approve items 1 and 2, deny item 3 and require item 3 be reverted to the originally approved form; the motion passed on roll call. The denial requires the owner to restore the openings or return to the approved design and to submit a landscape plan for HDRC review as part of conditions for a final certificate of appropriateness.
The commission’s action leaves items 1 and 2 ready to proceed under staff stipulations while directing the owner to alter the patio wall to reduce its visual impact on Madison Street and to present landscaping that will be reviewed by the commission before final approval.
