HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2005-008 APPLICATIONSCOTT MANUEL
April 25, 2005
Little Rock Historic District Commission
500 W. Markham Street, # 120 W
Little Rock, AR 72201
Dear Commission Members:
First, I would like to apologize for starting work without your permission. It neither was nor is
my intention to do any work that is inappropriate. I am 25 years, old and a first time home buyer
who respects his community and it's historic significance. If any of the work I have done is
deemed unsatisfactory, I will gladly take it down.
Around March, 17th 2005 I purchased a 4- plex located at 419 East 81h Street. Upon buying the
home I was given a manual on the rules and regulations regarding the neighborhood. When I
bought the property I had one vacancy and was eager to renovate the apartment as well as the
property's yard. After renovating the apartment, I started what I thought was a landscaping
project, which would not need approval. I read the rules on landscaping and started my work.
After the project was near completion, I was informed the work would need approval.
Before I started the project, I walked around the neighborhood to get design ideas. I saw a
landscape design I liked two houses down from mine. The materials I chose are the exact same
color, size and brand as my neighbors. I also chose plants native to the area.
The old retainer wall in my yard is slanted and buckled due to the tree's root system and
improper irrigation. After determining the wall was made from cinder blocks with no historic
significance, I placed a non -permanent wall in front of it to keep it from falling over and to also
hide the damage. This was the most cost effective solution to this problem.
I also replaced the pathway in the front yard. I was made from newer bricks and wood which
were damaged and had settled. My home inspection report said it was a tripping hazard so I
replaced it. Again, I matched the design and color with walkways throughout the neighborhood.
Please consider this as a formal request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the addition of a
pathway and a retainer wall at the front fagade located at 419 East 8th St.
I would also like to discuss future repairs/replacement of the mortar, roof, deck, gutter, system,
and the continuation of my landscape design if appropriate. I have provided pictures as well as
dimensions on additional sheets of paper.
Sincerely, M
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Scott Manuel
Explanation of Exhibits
Exhibit 1,2,3 and 4:
This is the retainer wall I put up. The old one is still there located directly
behind the new one. The dementions are 17 feet by 16 inches high. I am
requesting to finish this project due to the cinder blocks weak state. Exhibit
1 shows what is left to do as well as the wall's condition. When finished
it will be 10 feet by 16 inches high.
Exhibit 5:
The pathway I built connects the entrance to the driveway. The previous
pathway was a "tripping hazard" as stated in my home inspection report.
It was made from bricks and railroad ties as shown in exhibit 8. The pathway
is made from paving stones and is not permanent. It can be repaired and easily
maintained for the next several years.
Exhibit 6,7,9 and 10:
These are the cinder block's condition. These cinder blocks have some type of
stone facing that has been mortared to their exterior surface. In fact some of the
material used to make this wall is still in the back yard which is shown in exhibit
10.
Exhibit 11, 12, and 14:
Exhibit 11 and 12 are of my neighbor who lives on commerce street. The bricks used
in his yard are the same brand, size and color as the ones I have used. The difference
is his are two high, and mine are four high. Exhibit 14 is located on Rock street and 7th
which is a retainer wall made from boulders that have been dumped in the front yard.
Exhibit 15:
Overall front view of home.
Exhibit 16:
This is the deck in the back yard which cannot be seen from the road. It will
be replaced as suggested by my home inspection due to dry rot and spacing
problems. It will remain the same size and not overtake the home.
Exhibit 17:
Another view of pathway.
Exhibit 18 and 19:
Exhibit 18 shows the dementions of the front of the home. I would like
to install a partial gutter system along the eaves that measure ten and
seven feet. Exhibit 19 shows the fourteen foot eave which needs a
partial gutter system as well. The downspout will come down the
side of the home rather than the front.
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