HDC_12 01 2022Little Rock HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435
www.littlerock.gov
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
AGENDA
Thursday, December 1, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th Street
I. Roll Call
Members Present: Vice Chair, Christina Aleman
Jonathan Nunn
Tom Fennell
Amber Haugen
Members Absent: Chair, Amber Jones
Mark Hinson
Vacant Position
Staff Present: Hannah Ratzlaff
Walter Malone
Shawn Overton
Citizens Present: lain Montgomery
Greg Hiegel
Joe Flaherty
II. Finding a Quorum
Quorum was present being four 4) in number with one vacant position.
III. Minutes
A. November 3, 2022
Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the minutes as
submitted. Commissioner Haugen seconded. The motion passed by a
voice vote.
B. November 16, 2022
Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the minutes as
submitted. Commissioner Nunn seconded. The motion passed by a voice
vote.
IV. National Register Nominations
1. None
V. Deferred Certificates of Appropriateness
1.None
VI. New Certificates of Appropriateness
1.HDC2022-025 418-422 E. 15th Street
Porch Column Replacement
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December 1 , 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
NAME: Porch Column Replacement
LOCATION: 418-422 E. 15th
OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT:
Zach Saxion/ Saxion Enterprises LLC
418-422 E 15th Street,
Little Rock, AR
Greg Hiegel/ Hiegel Building Solutions
278 Hwy 65 N,
Conway, AR
Figure 1. 418-422 E 15th Street front elevation, March 2022.
Figure 2. 418-422 E 15th Street front elevation, November 2022.
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December 1, 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
AREA: 0.21 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 WARD: 1
HISTORIC DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District
HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing
CURRENT ZONING: R4A -Low Density Residential
A. BACKGROUND
Location
The subject property is located at 418-422 E 15th Street. The property's legal
description is "Lot 7 and the South 14 feet of Lot 8, Block 54, Original City of Little
Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas"
Context
The most recent National Register
survey form, 2007, PU2933,
describes the structure: "c. 1930's
apartment building with Art
Moderne style influences
including smooth wall surfaces,
small coping at roof edge and
emphasis on horizontal lines in the
fac;ade". See Attachment A. This
structure is considered
Contributing to the MacArthur
Park Historic District.
The lot is shown vacant on the
1939 Sanborn Map (Figure 3),
indicating it was constructed c.
1940's rather than 1930's. The
structure is first shown on the
1950 Sanborn Map (Figure 4) as a
two-story, concrete block
construction, multi-family dwelling.
The principal form of the structure
is irregular with three two-story
flats set side by side with each
stepping back further into the lot.
Figure 3. 418-422 E 15th Location in MacArthur Park Historic District
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December 1 , 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
The setbacks create a stair stepped effect when looking down the fagade from
Figure 4 . 418-422 E 15th. 1939 Sanborn Map of Little Rock.
Figure 5. 418-422 E 15th. 1950 Sanborn Map of Little Rock.
Commerce Street. The concrete
block construction is clad in brick veneer and topped with a flat roof with coping at
the edge. Each two-story sub-section has a one-story wraparound front porch with
a hipped asphalt roof. Porches were supported by ornamental scroll wrought iron
porch columns and decorative bracket corners (now removed). The structure's
fenestration is primarily eight pane steel casements with one replacement two
over-two horizontal pane casement on the western elevation. Windows are
supported by concrete sills and lintels. Two doors are beneath each porch,
providing separate entries to the bottom and top living areas of each section. In
summary, the 1940's apartment building displays Art Moderne and International
style influences with a
painted brick veneer
(possibly to resemble
stucco), metal
casements, and a strong
emphasis on orthogonal
form.
The exterior of the
building has been
relatively unaltered,
except for repainting, until
recently when the porch
columns and brackets
were removed and
replaced with cedar
posts.
Figure 6. 418-422 E 15th, 1978 Quapaw Quarter Association Survey.
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December 1, 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
Ornamental wrought iron porch columns were historically more prevalent in
the district than what is present today. Many single-family homes that had
decorative metal porch columns near 418-422 E. 15th have been lost due to
demolition, such as 1416 Commerce and 1517 Commerce. The lost porch
columns were the most ornate feature of the structure apart from its irregular
form.
Figure 7. 1517 Commerce, Quapaw Quarter Association 1978 Survey.
Figure 8. 1416 Commerce, Quapaw Quarter
Association 1978 Survey.
Recent Action
On December 19, 2022, a Certificate of
Compliance was issued for roof repairs.
On October 12, 2022, a Stop Work Order was issued for unpermitted exterior
alterations.
No other actions were found.
B. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
The application request is a result of enforcement action. The applicant applied for
a building permit to remodel the six apartment units and the scope listed was
interior only and did not include exterior plans. The decorative scroll porch columns
and brackets were removed and replaced with cedar posts without review.
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December 1 , 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
This application seeks to mend the unpermitted work by replacing the cedar posts
with steel decorative porch columns similar in design to the originals. The
application does not include a submission for the replacement of the ornamental
brackets.
C. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
See Application Packet Photos and Attachment B-site photos.
D. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
The time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application.
All owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site and all neighborhood
associations registered with the City of Little Rock that surround the site were
notified of the public hearing.
E. ANALYSIS:
The porch columns proposed are steel
8' tall and 9" width scroll design
decorative corner columns. They are
Figure 9. Close upof front porch hefore alterations.
manufactured with 1" square tubing
and are decorative only, not
designed for structural support. See
Attachment C for product details.
Figure 10. Close up of front porch after alterations.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standard #2 states: "The historic character of
a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials
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December 1, 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
or the alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be
Figure 11. Original porch column.
Figure 12. Applicant proposed
replacement column.
avoided".
Concerning the MacArthur Park Historic District Design Guidelines, Section
Ill. 8. 4. Porches: Porch Details and Steps, Stair Railing states:
"Porches on the front and sides facades should be maintained in their original
configuration and with original materials and detailing."
"Porch details should be retained intact, with repair or replacement of missing
parts (columns, posts, railings, balusters, decorative molding and trim work)
to match the original in design, materials, scale, and placement."
The National Register staff at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
determined that the removal of the wrought iron columns and installation of
the cedar posts would not delist the structure but would place it in jeopardy of
delisting if other additional alterations were made. The NR team stated that
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December 1 , 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
wood was not an appropriate material for this style and metal would be a more
appropriate replacement if the original was lost.
The proposed replacement columns meet the expectation of the Guidelines
in scale and placement. The replacement material of steel is comparable to
wrought iron for this feature. The design is similar in theme to the original in
that it utilizes scrolls; however, the substitute element is much simpler in
design than the original and is missing scroll brackets in comparison to the
original. Staff finds the request is partially consistent with the design
guidelines and Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
During further research, staff identified another replacement option which
more closely resembles the original porch columns. See Attachment D for
product details. Staff identified an 8' tall and 9" to 12" width aluminum
decorative ornamental column, Series 60 column style 304/305. The columns
are manufactured with 1 1/2"' tubing, are load bearing, and are available in
both flat straight and corner configurations. Staff finds that this column design
more closely resembles the detailing of the missing original columns and
would be supportive if the applicant is open to considering this alternative
option.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of the repiacement of the porch columns with the
steel decorative porch columns submitted, with the following conditions:
1.Provide evidence that structural supports are not necessary for the
porches.
2.Decorative porch columns will be installed in both the flat and corner
configurations in the same arrangement and location as the originals.
G. COMMISSION ACTION: December 1 , 2022
Hannah Ratzlaff, Staff, made a presentation to the Commission. She provided an
update to the application and staff report. She stated the applicant was willing to
install the suggested Series 60 porch columns rather than the decorative porch
columns originally submitted. Ratzlaff stated, in this case, the new
recommendation was approval with the condition that columns be installed in both
flat and corner configurations in the same arrangement and location as the
originals.
Greg Hiegel, authorized agent and applicant, welcomed questions from the
Commission concerning the application. Vice Chair Aleman opened Commission
discussion. Commissioner Fennell said he agreed with staff's recommendation
and product suggestion. Vice Char Aleman asked if the applicant was amenable
to staff's product suggestion. Mr. Hiegel confirmed that they are amenable to the
staff recommended porch columns and have already discussed pricing and
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December 1 , 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
shipping with the manufacturer and all looked good. He felt it would be a better
solution.
Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the application with staff's
recommendation, that the aluminum decorative ornamental columns, Series 60
column style 304/305, be installed with the condition that they are installed in the
flat and corner configurations in the same arrangement and location as the
originals. Commissioner Haugen seconded the motion. The motion passed with a
vote of 4 ayes, 0 noes, 2 absent (Jones and Hinson), and 1 vacant position.
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December 1, 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
Attachment D from Item One Staff Report
Approved Product -Series 6D 304/305
11122122. 4:25 PM Senes 60: Ornamental ColU1TM1s· S14>0rior Aluminum
SUPERIOR <n
ALUMINUM PRODUCTS
Call Superior Aluminum at 800-548-8656 (tel:8005488656)
SERIES 60 DECORATIVE ORNAMENTAL
COLUMNS
Many projects aim to be unique and exciting, feats that typical round and square columns
cannot always accomplish. For these scenarios, Superior Aluminum offers a full range of
decorative aluminum columns. Ten unique designs, utilizing the same scrolls as our 6E
Economy Picket Railing Series, can be seen above. These designs assure that no matter what
type of project you are working with, from a quick renovation to a fresh and unique design;
Superior Aluminum has a decorative column to match.
Decorative Ornamental Columns by Superior offer architectural interest in residential and
small commercial spaces while still supplying the load-bec1ring support you require*. Columns
are available in multiple size combinations utilizing different sizes of tubing as noted in the
chart below. Each column design type is available** in both straight and corner configurations
for your convenience.
https://www.superioraluminurn.com/rpoducts/aluminum-railingseries06E-residential/decorative-columns/
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December 1, 2022
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2022-025
11/22/22. 4:25 PM
"'1 W square tubing columns (9. and 12") load bearing at 2,500 Jbs for flat applications and
6,500 lbs for corner applications
*"' Please note that Series 6D column styles 314/315, 3161317. 352/353, and 3541355 are
subject to limited availability and stock.
Width Tubing Sizes Standard Height
9" 1 1/2" 8' or Custom Heights Availab
12" 11/2"or 2"or21/2" 8' or Custom Heights Availab
PRODUCTS
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l>t1pr,:/,..,__.upe,;oralumlntan.DJm/llrodUC15'aluminoowailing,'ser185-6E-1861dentieVdeoorabve-oolumnsl 2/4
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December 1, 2022
VI I. Other Matters
A.Certified Local Government Program with lain Montgomery (AHPP)
lain Montgomery, CLG Coordinator and Historic Preservation Fund at the
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, gave a short presentation on
the role of the Little Rock Certified Local Government. Montgomery said
the Certified Local Government Program's purpose is to facilitate state
and local government cooperation with federal partners to promote
nationwide preservation initiatives. At the local level, state and federal
programs look for ways to partner with local CLG's to assist in local
preservation initiatives. The roles of a local CLG goes beyond the review
of local ordinance district applications and design review. CLG's also
have a role in National Register nomination review, the inventory of
historic properties, providing or assisting in local incentives for
preservation efforts, the management of brick-and-mortar grants, and
sometimes local property acquisition.
Montgomery talked about the CLG grant program funded through the
Historic Preservation Fund-appropriated by Congress through the
National Parks Service-available to local CLG communities and
administered through the state's historic preservation office, Arkansas
Historic Preservation Program. There are twenty-one CLG programs in
the State, including the Little Rock Historic District Commission. He
shared that CLG's are not required to apply for the grant every year, but
Little Rock is one of the most activH programs with the grant. He shared
that the grant fills in some gaps in project funding that other AHPP grants
do not target, such as Commissioner training, National Register
nominations, National Register surveys, and design guidelines. Local
CLG programs also have access to the technical services provided by
AHPP. Montgomery asked if there were any questions by the
Commission and stated that Little Rock had a very well run Certified Local
Government program.
Montgomery asked if the Commission had discussed grant projects for
the 2023-2024 grant cycle. Ratzlaff said they had discussed continuing
the Hillcrest resurvey efforts and hiring a consultant to prepare future
design guidelines for the Central High School Neighborhood Historic
District, pending on if it passes.
Montgomery said that Eureka Springs just finished new design guidelines
prepared by The Lakota Group out of Chicago. Ratzlaff said it is good to
know possible firm names, but the project would be bid out per the City's
procurement policy. Commissioner Fennell said it would be appropriate
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December 1 , 2022
to ask for letters of interest ahead of advertising the bid to gauge interest.
Ratzlaff agreed.
B.Enforcement Issues
None
C.Certificates of Compliance
None
D.Citizen Communication
No citizens chose to speak during this time.
Ratzlaff shared that the Quapaw Quarter Association was hosting tax
credit and grant sessions with the Wright Avenue Neighborhood
Association at WANA's meetings. Heather Carter, who manages the
Historic Restoration Preservation Grants (HPRG), and Ralph Wilcox,
National Register and Survey Coordinator, from the AHPP will present at
WANA's next meeting. This education initiative by the QQA and the
AHPP with be beneficial to the community regardless of the LOO
proposal and is a great opportunity to answer more in-depth questions
about grants and the National Register.
Ratzlaff also stated that there is still an open position on the Commission
and the City was accepting applications. Commissioner Fennell asked if
the Board appoints the position. Walter Malone, staff, said that the Mayor
seeks an appointment with the consent of the Board of Directors. Malone
stated that someone can apply online at any time in the year for a position
on any Commission; they do not have to wait for a position to be open.
When the position is open, the City will request applications for several
weeks and any applications submitted during that time and any
applications submitted that year will be reviewed.
Ratzlaff stated the current open position on the HOC is for an owner and
occupant of a structure located in a National Register Historic District
other than the MacArthur Park Historic District.
Vice Chair Aleman asked if anyone had applied yet. Ratzlaff said she
would check in with the city clerk's office.
Ratzlaff updated the Commission on the Resolution of Support initiative
resulting from the last meeting on November 15th . She said the
presentation to the Board had been moved from December 5th to one of
the Board meetings in January. A presentation was ready to go, prepared
by Commissioner Nunn. Commissioner Aleman said she was glad the
resolution and presentation were prepared even though they now had
more time.
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December 1, 2022
Malone said that all HOC meetings for 2023 were scheduled to be held
in the current room-Auditorium Room at the Willie Hinton Neighb orhood
Resource Center-except for the May 2023 meeting. There was a conflict
with the time and staff would let the Commission know when a different
location was secured.
VIII.Adjournment
There was a motion to adjourn, and the meeting ended at 4:25pm.
Attest:
Chair Date
Staff Date
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