HDC_12 03 1998City of Little Rock
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
3 DECEMBER 1998 MEETING
MINUTES
Commissioners Present: John Greer, Chair Howard H. Gordon, Vice Chair
Judy Gardner Charles Marratt
Commissioners Absent: Mark Zoeller
Staff: V.Anne Guthrie
Guest: Mona Hughes, CLG staff from AHPP
The meeting of the Little Rock Historic District Commission (LRHDC) opened and roll call was
taken. As there was a quorum, the minutes were approved.
As the agenda order was reversed, the first COA application (deferred from the November
meeting) was:
Applicant:
Address:
Raymon Hill, agent for Graves Litho Inc.
Southwest corner 9th & Cumberland streets
Request: Exterior changes to windows, doors and entrance
The applicant's agent, Raymon Hill, handed out copies of the property deed, which confirmed
that Graves Litho owns the subject property; this was the reason why the application was
deferred previously. Based on the fact that there were no changes to the proposed plans, as
presented at the previous meeting, Gordon made a motion that the COA application be approved
with staff recommendations. Gardner asked that an amendment be made to the recommendation
regarding landscaping on the front elevation; there was discussion about the landscaping and
Gordon recommended that landscaping be approved administratively. The vote on the motion,
to approve the COA along with the amendment, was unanimous.
The second application was:
Applicant: Robert Kennedy
Address: 514 East 9th Street
Request: Rehabilitate multi-family structure
This application was deferred three times previously. The applicant began by telling the group
about himself; he then presented the architect's plans. He stated that work on the interior had
been undergoing but that the exterior rehab project is divided into three different phases: the first
is what he has funds for; the second is what he thinks he has funds for depending on the variables
in the first phase; and the last is the parking issue and what he thinks he has money for but can't
guarantee.
Little Rock Historic District Commission
3 December 1998 Minutes, Page 2
He explained the proposed exterior changes according to the architectural plans: repairs to the
front porch, facia, soffits and replacement with likeness; replace rotten balusters; trim detail
(skirt, etc.); reset steps; repairs to columns, etc. On the other elevations, there is repair to the
steps, railings in order to meet code requirements; the west elevation needs stabilization and
vanous repairs.
On the front elevation, there is an addition to the architectural plans, which is to remove the
second floor balconies and to rebuild the full length second storied porch. John Jarrard, as
architect, explained the porch detailing regarding the materials and construction. Also, he
explained the proposed alterations to the first floor deck, which was added late summer.
Marratt raised the issue of the property's parking for the proposed apartments, which was
discussed briefly at the first meeting. Greer stated that the LRHDC has as its responsibility only
to review the exterior alterations to the structure; he confirmed that parking is an issue for the
zoning division. A plat map was reviewed by the LRHDC to clarify ownership in the rear, which
serves as interior parking for several structures on the block. Marratt reinforced his opinion of
parking and that the issue needs to be addressed with the adjacent property owners.
The applicant explained the window detailing on the front elevation opening onto the porch; he
also explained the western-most window on the front elevation, which serves as entry for an
apartment. Greer asked for confirmation that the proposed rehab project is multi-phased; the
applicant stated that he doesn't know whether he'll have enough funds to reconstruct the second
storied porch. Greer asked about deadlines and how the LRHDC approves a multi-phased
application. The applicant stated that he plans to gut the interior of the carriage house (which has
no roof and is piled with decaying building materials) and clean it out; he will come back for its
approval.
Gardner made a motion that the application be approved as presented; a vote was taken, and
it was three in favor and one abstaining. The time frame in which to accomplish the proposed
work was discussed; a motion was made that if the deadline is not met, the extension of time may
be approved administratively.
The 1999 schedule for LRHDC meetings was approved. Also, a brief update on Curran Hall was
presented; additional monies allow more work on its stabilization. Discussion of the proposed
work was presented by Greer --in an effort to minimize money, some of the itemized work
(minimal grading and selected demolition of outbuildings) will be done by Public Works. Staff
summarized the historic presentation grants, which was just completed; however, the grant
funding did not make the 1999 City budget. Also, the draft letter from the LRHDC, in response
to a request by the MacArthur Park Neighborhood Association to write the Mayor supporting the
adaptive use of the old firestation as an alert center, was approved.
With no other business, the LRHDC adjourned at 6:00 p.m.