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Board prefers brick or lattice over stone veneer; railing style split between wood and minimalist metal
Summary
Board members debated materials for the proposed deck and base: several opposed a full stone veneer, recommending brick foundation or brick piers with lattice infill; railing options discussed included simple black metal, wood, or modern cable systems to reduce visual weight.
Material choices for the proposed Main Street porch and deck drew sustained comment. The applicant initially proposed an ashlar stone veneer for the porch fascia and a wrought-iron railing; several board members objected to a stone veneer and to ornate wrought-iron on a plain building.
"I don't really think wrought iron would be appropriate for this building," one committee member said, arguing a simple wood railing or a minimalist modern cable rail would better fit the building's plain character. Another member said stone veneer reads wrong for this facade and that brick — which appears on the building's east side below grade — would be a more historically consistent choice.
The applicant said he is open to brick, stucco or different railing options and can present samples. Board members suggested a hybrid approach—brick piers with lattice infill under a wood deck or a simple metal platform with cable or black rails to visually 'disappear'—and asked the applicant to show material samples and cost implications in the next submission.
The board emphasized that material choices should both respect the historic district and also be maintainable for the applicant and tenant.
