Agenda Number: HDC 14-15 MEETING DATE: August 21, 2014 REPORT TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION SUBJECT: 196 E. Poplar Avenue - Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations INTRODUCTION: Mike Omar, owner of the property at 196-198 E. Poplar Avenue, is requesting Historic District Commission (HDC) approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA) for alteration to the exterior of the home (see Exhibit 1). The exterior alterations include the addition of railings on the porch, porch steps and steps at the EXHIBITS 1. Applicant s cover letter (8/5/14) 2. Photos of railings (7/15/14) 3. Photo of railings (1999) 4. Detail of 1993 Approved Railing 5. HD Design Guideline Excerpts 6. Historic Survey Data for 196 E. Poplar Ave. 7. Applicant s photo of New Orleans home sidewalk, and brick steps at the sidewalk (see Exhibit 2). The property is located on the north side of Poplar Avenue, east of Main Street, and is zoned R-1 Low Density Residential and surrounded by R-1. HISTORY: In 1993, a CofA was approved for exterior modifications to remove one of the front doors and to cover it to match the exterior of the home. The porch was approved to be modified to remove the two sets of stairs and replace them with one set of stairs with railings at the remaining front door (see Exhibit 4). The two sets of stairs were not replaced but did have the approved wood railings added. The railings depicted in Exhibit 2 were installed in 2014 without a permit or a HDC application. Staff notified the owner that a CofA is needed for the improvements and he was advised to file an application. In 1999, a CofA was approved for an addition to the rear of the home. ISSUES: There is one issue associated with this request. The style of the home is described as Colonial Revival influence in the Town s National Register Registration Form. Decorative metal railings might not be appropriate for a porch for the Colonial Revival style. The issue warrants review and discussion by the HDC. DISCUSSION: The home is a contributing resource to the Town s National Register District and is eligible for the National Register. According to the Town s National Register Registration Form, the 2,777 square foot home was built circa 1905-1910; however, according to the Shelby County Assessor or Property, the home was constructed in 1948. The Registration Form describes the home as a one-story, frame H-plan residence with Colonial Revival influence, converted from a duplex to single-family occupancy. Gable roofs with projecting gable end facing the street at each corner and boxed cornice, covered with asphalt shingles. Exterior wall surfaces covered with weatherboard siding. Porch covered with shed roof, in antis behind projecting gable ends, supported by boxed piers with Doric-like capitals. Entrances feature multi-light doors. Windows are 6/1 double-hung sashes, some in pairs. HISTORIC DISTRICT GUIDELINES: The Historic District (HD) Design Guidelines describe the Colonial Revival style (see Exhibit 5) as popular during the period from 1920 to 1960 and based loosely on Georgian 1
and Federal precedents, this style is constructed usually of brick or wood with gable or hipped roofs. Windows have more horizontal proportions than the original styles. The typical Colonial Revival has a symmetrical façade, a classically inspired small portico, and a center-hall plan. The Omar residence does not comply with this style fully, but has Colonial Revival influence. In introducing the architectural styles, the HD Design Guidelines note that many of the buildings actually are simplified, or vernacular, versions of these more ornate styles. Some buildings exhibit elements from several styles. Entries, porches, porticos, and fences: Regarding new construction of entries, porches and porticos (Section II.D.9.), the Guidelines state, many of Collierville s historic houses have some type of porch or portico. There is much variety in the size, location, and types of these features and this variety relates to the different residential architectural styles The majority of these elements are constructed of wood or brick in the historic district. Railings are often constructed of wood or metal in historic examples. On the subject of fences, the Guidelines suggest that the design of new fences should blend with materials and designs found in the district. Commonly used materials are iron, wood and plantings. Often the materials relate to the materials used elsewhere on the property and on the structures The scale and level of ornateness of the design of any new fences should relate to the scale and ornateness of the existing house. The applicant has installed iron railings at the porch steps, across the porch, and at the front steps near the sidewalk. The style of the railings is based on a home in New Orleans (see Exhibit 7). The style is more ornate than the railing at the porch steps that was replaced (see Exhibit 3). Driveways, parking and walks: The Guidelines discuss walks in Section II.B.5. noting, many lots, especially those on Poplar Avenue, have a central walk leading up to the house and suggest that appropriate materials are brick stone and patterned concrete. The use of identical or similar materials or combination of materials in both walks and driveways is recommended. Bricks are used on the front steps to the residence and would be appropriate for the steps at the sidewalk (see Exhibit 2). The applicant s cover letter mentions new shutters and a front door; however, no details have been provided and the applicant will return to the Historic District Commission in the future with a request for shutters and new front door. No approval for shutters or doors is included in this CofA. EXAMPLE MOTION: To approve the request for approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of front step rails with decorative wrought iron, the addition of decorative wrought iron railings at the front porch and front steps, and the replacement of the concrete steps at the sidewalk with brick steps. 1. A building permit is required for the porch and front step railings. 2. Any changes or deviations from the approved plans will require staff and/or HDC approval prior to construction of the outbuilding or related improvements. CONTACT INFORMATION: Contact: Organization: Applicant/Owners Mike Omar Property Owner Project Planner Nancy J. Boatwright, AICP (primary) Jaime W. Groce, AICP Town of Collierville Planning Division 500 Poplar View Parkway Collierville, TN 38017 Address: 196 E. Poplar Avenue Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-301-5483 457-2363 Fax: N/A 457-2354 Email: mikeomar@morgreenlandscape.com nboatwright@ci.collierville.tn.us 2
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