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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2005-015 STAFF REPORT MINUTES�s r � " DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT App LITTLE ROCK i1 723 West Markham Street r; HISTORIC Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 1,� i i DISTRICT Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 ' +;�' COMMISSION STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Two. DATE: October 6, 2005 APPLICANT: Frieda Tirado ADDRESS: 504 East 6`h Street, Little Rock, AR 72202 COA REQUEST: Enclose a wrought iron enclosure on the south entrance. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 504 East 6`h Street. The property's legal description is "Part of Trapnall Block in Stevenson's Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas: described as: Beginning on the North line east of 6`h Street at a point which is 260 feet West of the centerline of Sherman Street; run thence West on the said North line of East 6`h Street a distance of 60 feet; then North at right angles 124 feet; thence East at right angles 60 feet; then South 124 feet to the point of beginning. EXCEPT a strip off the east side 1 '/2 feet wide." The properly at 504 East 6`e Street. The building is a c 1920's Craftsman style apartment house and is considered a "Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District. The Craftsman style became the most common architectural style in America in the early part of the 20`h century and often coupled with the Bungalow House type. Craftsman Bungalows are characterized by irregular plans with low-pitched gable or hipped roofs, often with shed dormers. Windows are double hung -sash with six vertical lights in the top sash and a single light bottom sash. In many examples, rafter ends and knee braces are visible below. October 6, 2005 ITEM NO. Two (CONT.): Two This building has been involved in previous COA applications which has resulted in the demolition of an accessory building, construction of a paved parking area, reconstruction of a porch overhang, removal of inappropriate window shutters, and the painting of the exterior. This application is to allow for the addition of an iron enclosure over the front entranceway of the building to provide for added security. ANALYSIS: The design guidelines list several items that are relevant to this case. Most notably are the door design guidelines. Historically the Design Guidelines have always viewed the primary fagade as being the most important element of the structure. Presently the front entrance is set back in the building four feet and covered with a portico. The inner door has five vertical lights and a three light transom. The design guidelines have specific guidelines relating to the installation of security doors. stating that security doors "should not be located on the primary facades" and should be "full -view, without ornate or decorative grill work." Additionally graphics indicate examples of acceptable and unacceptable security door designs. Storm and security doors should not obscure or conceal the entrance. Excerpt from the Design GA deAnes While this is not a security door there are commonalities. This iron enclosure obscures the front door and architectural features, as does a bad storm or security door. The applicant has indicated that the proposed iron enclosure will be 5 feet wide by 9 feet tall. It will be divided into two "sections," one on the top (2 feet by 5 feet), which will have a half circle ornamental iron pattern, and the bottom (7 feet by 5 feet), which will have a vertical pattern of ornamental iron bars. These bars our '/z inch in diameter. The applicant has indicated that the door will be model # 13-155-3 and made by King Architectural Metals. The proposed iron design does not reflect any of the architectural features of the door or transoms. It is a totally foreign design element being introduced to a contributing structure. The round sunburst does not match the transom, the proposed iron gate is a double hung door that does not match the existing single door behind. October 6, 2003 TEM NO. Two (CONT.): Two The applicant has also indicated that the proposed iron enclosure will be located flush with the current entryway opening creating a non -weather resistant entranceway at the front entry. Craftsman construction styles on buildings of moderate means were based off of simplicity and typically did not feature separate or elaborate entryways. Since the iron enclosure will be located flush with the front facade, it will be visible from multiple angles on East 6`" Street. The proposed iron enclosure will obscure the front door and entranceway. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the application because it will obscure the entranceway, the front door, and is not in character with adjacent Craftsman apartment buildings. Exish'ng front door.