Commission tables large renovation at 41 W. Columbus but allows vinyl removal and window rough‑ins

The Landmarks Commission reviewed a complex renovation and conversion at 41 West Columbus Street (CA26023) that would convert a duplex into a single-family home and add roughly 687 square feet of new construction across two additions. The applicant sought plan approval for new LP SmartSide siding (4.5" exposure, smooth), a standing‑seam metal roof on the original gable, Andersens or comparable windows with either full divided-light or simulated divided-light (SDL) details, stone tuckpointing and a new east-side addition that will require a zoning variance.

Commissioners and staff focused on three substantive issues: how to treat the front gable’s horizontal ‘freeze’ board, whether full divided-light windows are required or if spacer-bar SDLs suffice, and how to handle the front rubble-stone foundation versus CMU on the Liberty Street side. After extended discussion, the commission did not grant final approval for the full project. Instead it voted to table the application for the additions and remaining exterior details but approved a narrowly scoped motion allowing the removal of existing vinyl siding and to rough in window openings so the building can be framed and dried in. As the Chair explained at the motion, “we will allow the removal of the existing vinyl siding, so you can start framing for windows,” and the tabling motion (with that limited permission) passed on roll call.