HDC_04 13 2000City of Little Rock
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
13 APRIL 2000
MINUTES
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Commissioners Present:
John Greer, Chair Howard H. Gordon
Jean Ann Phillips Wyatt Weems
Commissioners Absent: Mark Zoeller
Staff: V. Anne Guthrie Anthony Black
The meeting of the Little Rock Historic District Commission (LRHDC) was called to order. Roll
call was taken; as there was a quorum, the minutes were approved unanimously.
The first Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application was:
Applicant: City of Little Rock, Curran Hall
Address: 615 East Capitol Avenue
Request: Rehabilitation & relocation of structures, reconstruction of two-
storied kitchen and parking lot on East 6th Street
(NOTE: as Greer is an employee of the Witsell Evans & Rasco architectural firm, he recused
himself from the application hearing). The architect for Curran's rehabilitation, Charles Witsell,
presented the project's request and discussed the overall approach to rehabilitating the historic
structure to its original construction date, ca. 1842. The main entrance to the structure is from 6th
Street, with a parking lot on the structure's south side.
Witsell reiterated the proposed site plan for the structure as a welcome center with the
reconstructed two-storied kitchen on the southwest as offices and restrooms; the one-storied
office, which is attached to the structure's southeast comer, will be removed and converted into
an outbuilding for storage and interpretation. The proposed use of Curran was discussed with the
eastern rooms as the primary visitor's information area and the western side for exhibits; the
back porch connects with the two-storied kitchen.
Witsell explained the historical and architectural significance and documentation of kitchens as
detached buildings and the reasoning of a two-storied kitchen on Curran's southwest side. He
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13 April 2000 Minutes, Page 2
reviewed documentation of the kitchen site, which is primarily from oral tradition and described
the historical setting and site arrangement of outbuildings as they relate to Curran. He listed
several historical resources, which were utilized for documenting the roof types, location and
proportion of Curran and its support outbuildings. Photographs illustrated city outbuildings,
several of which were two-storied kitchens; also, photos document sizes, shapes and locations of
specific and generic structures.
Staff recommendations were read to approve the project request with conditions that: (1) all work
follow the architectural plans as submitted; (2) progress reports submitted to the various entities
involved in the project; (3) all repairs meet city code and regulations, as well as approval of the
state Historic Preservation Program; (4) should the scope of work change, other than what is
submitted, staff is notified prior to implementation and appropriate actions taken. Phillips made
a motion to approve the request as presented aud with staff recommendations; it was
seconded and approved unanimously.
The next Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for consideration was:
Applicant: Christopher Pratt
Address: 308 East 14th Street
Request: Rehabilitation of structure into a single-family home
The applicant, as owner, presented his request to rehabilitate the structure and convert it from
multi-into single-family; it was vacant for several years. There are plans to close some doors,
windows, etc, which were utilized for the apartments. Photographs of the each elevation
illustrated the highlighted areas of features that would be removed or altered. His contractor was
not present for detailed explanations. The proposed work per elevation was discussed.
Regarding the modifications --some windows and doors will be closed if not original and some
remain as is or converted to previous use. The next issue was the locations of the two a/c units;
one on the east elevation along the alley and the second unit on the roof on the structure's rear.
There was much discussion about the roof mounted unit in regards to weight and primarily visual
perspective. Gordon emphasized the need for better rehab plans to ensure that the guidelines are
followed and what is requested, is what will be done. There was a motion to defer the request
until the next meeting in order to allow for a more detailed work description; it was
approved unanimously.
The last Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application was:
Applicant: Debby T. Nye, agent
Address: 521 East 6th Street
Request: Application of artificial siding and new construction of driveway
on East 6th Street
As agent, Nye presented the request in two parts or sections, the artificial siding and the new
construction of a driveway. The 1940s structure has asbestos siding as the sole exterior finish.
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13 April 2000 Minutes, Page 3
The siding company agent detailed the project, such as soffits, windows, siding style, etc. Greer
stated that the district's guidelines have a policy for artificial siding application, which must be
sent to the agent. There was a motion to approve the request for vinyl siding; it was
approved unanimously. (NOTE: Gordon left the meeting)
The second part of the request was the new construction of a driveway on 6th Street. Nye
reviewed the site and the need for a driveway. The property was accessed previously from
adjacent property driveways; now, fencing is on three sides of the subject lot. There is wooden
privacy fence in the rear, or the south, which is parking for apartments; there is a wooden fence
on the west extending from the front/sidewalk to the rear of the lot; and a chain link fence on the
east for about 50 feet or so. The east and west fences were installed within the past year; the
wooden was approved administratively and the chain link installed without approval.
The subject lot is unique in that it is nonconforming (43' wide) and the structure is sited on the
very rear of the property; the lot depth is ca. 154' and there is no alley. There is a small incline
from the sidewalk down to the street; two trees are on each side of where the driveway is
planned. There is no curb cut. They park their cars in the front yard by the iron fence, which is
missing a section; this missing section provides access to their parking and lot.
Two proposals were presented, each with parking in the front yard. It is planned to have a 20' x
15' pad against the iron fence and sidewalk on the property's northwest side. Discussion focused
on several aspects of the request --the fences, trees along the lot line, ROW, site layout, off-
street parking, parking pad and different aspects of each proposal.
It was stated that the second proposal was preferred; it has colored concrete and landscaping
between the sidewalk and the concrete pad to soften the visual perspective. It was decided that a
curb cut must be installed. It was agreed that better drawings would be provided to staff
illustrating the preferred option with landscaping. Weems made a motion to approve request
as presented with the above-agreed upon conditions; it was approved unanimously.
Under new business, there was discussion about 920 Rock and its proposed improvements; the
extent of improvements on the exterior was discussed, and it was decided that the owner should
come before the LRHDC for approval. As there was no other business, the LRHDC meeting
adjourned at 6: 15 p.m.