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Architect presents sanctuary plan behind historic 'corn house'; commissioners praise direction but flag overall size
Summary
Mike Hathaway for Cornerstone Presbyterian presented a large sanctuary proposal that tucks new massing behind the 1897 house and uses buried lower volumes to keep rooflines lower; staff said the proposed addition exceeds recommended addition square footage for historic residential buildings and may overpower the historic footprint, and commissioners asked for reduced perceived massing, restoration work and street‑facing views showing impacts.
Architect Mike Hathaway presented a revised concept for a new sanctuary behind a distinctive 1897 house (the 'corn house') that would allow Cornerstone Presbyterian Church to remain in town while providing seating for roughly 350 people. Hathaway said the design lowers portions of the sanctuary into the site ("we've dug out a hole for the main sanctuary so it's more underground") and simplified earlier high‑style elements to a more classical, subdued form so the original house remains the visual focus.
Staff noted the original house dates to 1897 and said more information is needed about the age and significance of later additions; staff warned the proposed addition exceeds recommended addition square footage for historic residential buildings and "appears to overpower the historic footprint of the building." Commissioners commended the design moves—particularly the courtyard connector and lower rooflines—but several asked the applicant to reduce the visible square footage, provide street‑level photo montages and consider removing or restoring aluminum siding on the historic house as part of the project.
