HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2023-025 Staff ReportNovember 2, 2023
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
NAME: Solar Panels
LOCATION: The Powers House, 1402 Commerce, Little Rock, 72202
OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT:
Danny and Jannette Brickey Brandyn Thomas, Shine Solar
1402 Commerce 5214 W Village Pkwy #100
Little Rock, AR, 72202 Rogers, AR, 72758
Figure 1. 1402 Commerce, front facade, looking west.
November 2, 2023
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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AREA: 0.31 acres NUMBER OF LOTS : 1 WARD: 1
HISTORIC DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District
HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing
CURRENT ZONING: R4A – Low Density Residential, Conditional Use Permit
A. BACKGROUND
Location
The subject property is located at 1402 Commerce Street. The property’s legal
description is “Lot 12 and North 48 ½ ft of Lot 11, Block 54, Original City of Little
Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas”.
Context
The subject property is the site of
a two-story residential structure
in the American Foursquare form
and Colonial Revival style with
neoclassical influences, built c.
1904. The property sits at the
southwest corner of Commerce
and Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive.
The home displays a shallow
hipped roof, timber weatherboard
cladding, full-width single-story
front porch, classical columns—
both Doric and Ionic—two-story
pilasters as corner boards,
gabled dormers, a central two
door entrance, and classical and
neoclassical detailing—such as
dentil work. This Colonial Revival
subtype is often referred to as the
Classic Box. Structures of this
style were typically built before
1915.
Figure 2. Location of 1402 Commerce within the MacArthur Park Historic
District.
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ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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This structure is considered Contributing to
the MacArthur Park Historic District
according to the most recent Arkansas
Architectural Resources Form (2007), see
Attachment C.
The subject property first appears in the
1913 Little Rock Sanborn map (Figure 3)
as a two-story frame dwelling covered by a
wood shingle roof with a full-width one-
story front porch covered by non-
combustible roofing, likely standing seam
metal.
According to research by the Quapaw
Quarter Association for the 2019 Tour of
Homes and a 1975 Pulaski County
Historical Society Review, the Powers
House was built by local contractor Patrick
Powers as a home for his wife and seven
children. The Powers family continued to
live in the home until the 1920s, when the
home was purchased by Dr. William C.
Green in 1923.
Dr. Green built a two-story, brick clad
structure along the western edge of the
property—facing 14th Street—and opened
the entire property up as a private
psychiatric clinic known as Battle Creek
Sanatorium. This small residential clinic
operated as the only private psychiatric
facility in Little Rock, and possibly the state,
until Dr. Green’s death in 1941.
The property then operated for a short time
as a nursing home before being converted
into apartments. The property was
extensively repaired following damage by
the 1999 tornado. Following foreclosure
and fire damage in the 2000s, the Powers
House was purchased by Danny and
Figure 3. 1402 Commerce, Sanborn Map, 1913.
Figure 4. 1402 Commerce, Sanborn Map, 1939.
Figure 5. 1402 Commerce, Sanborn Map, 1950.
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ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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Jannette Brickey in 2015 and has undergone major restoration work and is now a
single-family residence again.
Recent Action
On February 8, 2023, a COC, HDC2023-002 was issued for storm windows to
Danny and Jannette Brickey.
On February 26, 2017, a COC, HDC2017-014, was issued for exterior repairs
following fire damage to Danny and Jannette Brickey.
On January 9, 2010, a COA, HDC2010-019, was issued to Clevetta Weems for
the demolition of the two-story brick building on the west side of the property.
On February 5, 2001, a COC, HDC2001-022, was issued for a privacy fence to
replace fencing lost in the 1999 tornado.
On February 23, 1999, a COA, HDC1999-008, was issued to Wyatt and Clevetta
Weems for exterior repairs and reconstruction following the 1999 tornado damage
and the demolition of an outbuilding. Note: the structure was not an outbuilding,
but the one-story dwelling unit on the south side of the property shown in the 1950
Sanborn map.
Figure 6. Contributing (blue diamond) and non-contributing (red diamond) shown in the
MacArthur Park Historic District. Red building outline showing demolished two -story building
in 2011.
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ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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On January 27, 1999, a COC, HDC1999-003, was issued to Wyatt and Clevetta
Weems for exterior repairs following the 1999 tornado.
On August 5, 1998, a COA, HDC1998-015, was issued to Argie Austin for the
demolition of a garage on the south side of the property.
No previous actions were found on this site.
B. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT’S STATEMENT:
The application requests for the installation of sixteen (16) solar panels dispersed
on the east (front), south, and west (rear) roof surfaces.
C. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
See site photos (Attachment A) and application packet (Attachment B).
D. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
At 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 surrounding the site were
notified of the public hearing.
E. ANALYSIS:
The application proposes installing sixteen (16) solar panels on the roof of
the Powers House. The roof is shallow and hipped and covered with
architectural shingles. The proposal shows two (2) panels on the west roof
surface, ten (10) panels on the south roof surface, and four (4) panels on the
east (front) roof surface with two (2) panels on either side of the front dormer.
The panels will be installed with aluminum rails and deck mounts with
staggered penetrations and be no more than 6” above the roof surface.
The panels would add 989.84 lbs. to the roof and cover 351.12 sq. ft. Twenty-
five percent (25%) of the array area will be located on the front roof surface,
which is the primary building elevation. Seventy-five (75%) of the array area
will be visible from the street public right-of-way (Commerce) and one
hundred (100%) visible from the public right-of-way when including alleys.
The panels will not be visible from Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive.
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ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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Existing utility meter and service panel are located at the southwest rear of
the building against the south exterior wall. Information was requested but not
provided concerning the installation of additional service panels on exterior
walls.
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation , Standard #9
states: “New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will
not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relations that characterize
the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be
compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion,
and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.”
The MacArthur Park Historic District Design Guidelines, “Section IV. Design
Guidelines for Additions, A. Additions to Historic Structures, 2. Sustainable
Technologies, b. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays”:
Figure 7. Site Plan Layout from Shine Solar submitted by applicant.
November 2, 2023
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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“In general, it is APPROPRIATE to:
Install solar collector equipment on a roof or wall that prevents visibility
from the main public way.
Install solar collector equipment on a pad or other suitable ground
surface that is concealed from the main public way by fencing or some
other obstruction.
Install solar collector equipment in such a way that their removal will
not damage existing historic building materials or features.
Install solar collector equipment flat to the roof surface of a secondary
elevation without altering the slope to limit visibility from the main
public way.
In general, it is NOT APPROPRIATE to:
Install solar collector equipment on a roof or wall that is visible from
the main public way.
Install solar collector equipment on a pad or other suitable surface that
is not concealed from the main public way.
Install solar collector equipment in such a way that would not allow for
its removal or maintenance without damaging existing historic building
materials or features.
Install solar collector equipment on any primary building elevation or
roof.
In no case is it appropriate to:
Remove existing historic roofing materials during installation.
Remove or otherwise alter historic roof configurations (dormers,
chimneys, etc.) to add solar collector equipment.
Remove or otherwise alter historic architectural building features to
add solar collector equipment.”
Staff finds the request is partially consistent with the MacArthur Park Historic
District Design Guidelines and Secretary of Interior’s Standards for
Rehabilitation.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the application with the following conditions:
1. Relocation of the four solar panels, Array MP-04, to either the south or
west roof surfaces.
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ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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2. Exterior service equipment will be located near existing mechanical
equipment and not be visible from the main public right-of-way.
3. Final site plans reflecting approved design to be submitted to staff
before a Certificate of Appropriateness can be issued.
November 2, 2023
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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Attachment A: Site Photos
Figure 9. 1402 Commerce, front facade, looking west.
Figure 8. 1402 Commerce, looking northwest.
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Figure 10. 1402 Commerce, looking southwest.
Figure 11. 1402 Commerce, from rear alley, looking east.
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Figure 12. 1402 Commerce, from rear alley, looking northeast.
Figure 13. 1402 Commerce, from rear alley, looking northeast.
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Attachment B
Application Packet
Historic District.docx Page 4 of 6 revised 5/18/2023
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 371-4546
www.littlerock.gov
City of Little Rock
APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Address of Property: ________________________________________________________________________
Legal Description of Property:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________
Owner/Agent (Printed Name): _________________________________________________________________
Owner /Agent Street, City, State, & Zip: _________________________________________________________
Owner /Agent Phone Number:_________________________________________________________________
Owner /Agent Email: ________________________________________________________________________
Name of Applicant as it will appear on all correspondence and in Staff report:
Brief Project Description:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated Cost of Improvements: ______________________________________________________________
Zoning Classification: Is the proposed change a permitted use? Yes No
Signature of Owner or Agent: _________________________________________________________________
NOTE: Should there be changes during construction (design, materials, size, etc.) from the approved COA,
applicant shall notify Commission staff and take appropriate actions. Approval by the Commission does not
excuse applicant or property from compliance with other applicable codes, ordinances or policies of the city
unless stated by the Commission or staff. Responsibility for identifying such codes, ordinances, or policies rests
with the applicant, owner, or agent.
DO NOT FILL IN - FOR STAFF USE ONLY
Application Date: ________________________________________ HDC File # ________________
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION DOCKETED __________________________________________ at 4:00 p.m.
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ACTION:
__ DENIED __ WITHDRAWN __ APPROVED __ APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS __ SEE ATTACHED CONDITIONS
DOCUMENTING OFFICIAL SIGNATURE:________________________________________ DATE: _____________
1402 Commerce St, Little Rock AR 72202
1402 Commerce St, Little Rock AR 72202
Danny Bricky
16 panel solar panel installation
$43,914
Brandyn Thomas (agent)Danny Bricky (homeowner)
danprop03@gmail.com
501-993-0335
1402 Commerce St, Little Rock AR 72202
Historic District.docx Page 5 of 6 revised 5/18/2023
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 371-4546
www.littlerock.gov
City of Little Rock
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
ON AN APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
To all owners of land lying within 200 feet of the boundary of property at:
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: ________________________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________
OWNED BY:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness on the above described
property has been filed with the Department of Planning and Development requesting the following changes:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A Public Hearing on said application will be held by the Historic District Commission at
_______________________________________________________________________________(location) on
(date)_____________________________________________at 4:00 p.m.
ALL PARTIES IN INTEREST MAY APPEAR and be heard at said time and place or may notify the Little Rock Historic
District Commission of their views on this matter by letter. All persons interested in this request are invited to
call or visit the Department of Planning and Development to review the application with Commission Staff.
The City of Little Rock complies with all civil rights provisions of federal laws and related authorities that prohibit discrimination in
programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The City of Little Rock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, income status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic
information, political opinions or affiliation, in admissi
Complaints of alleged discrimination and inquiries regarding the City's
nondiscrimination policies may be directed to: Title VI Coordinator, 500 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501- 371-4475.
This notice is available from the Title VI Coordinator in large print or recording. Free language assistance for those with Limited English
Proficiency is available upon request.
La ciudad de Little Rock cumple con todas las disposiciones de derechos civiles de los estatutos federales y autoridades relacionadas
que prohíben la discriminación en programas y actividades que reciben asistencia financiera federal. La ciudad de Little Rock no
discrimina por motivos de raza, color, credo, religión, sexo, origen nacional, edad, discapacidad, estado de ingresos, estado civil,
orientación sexual, identidad de género, información genética, las opiniones políticas o afiliación, en la admisión o acceso y tratamiento
en los programas y actividades de la ciudad, así como de contratación de empleados de la ciudad. Las quejas de supuesta discriminación
y consultas sobre la politica antidiscriminatoria de la ciudad pueden ser dirigidas a Coordinador del Titulo VI, 500 West Markham
Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-371-4475.
AFFIDAVIT
I hereby certify that I have notified all the property owners as reflected on the abstract company list and all
those that are not reflected on that list that I have knowledge of within 200 feet of the above-described
property, that subject property is being considered for a Certificate of Appropriateness and that a Public Hearing
will be held before the Little Rock Historic District Commission at the time and place described.
_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________
Applicant (Owner or Authorized Agent): Date
1402 Commerce St, Little Rock AR 72202
Danny Bricky
16 panel solar panel installation
9/27/23
Historic District.docx Page 6 of 6 revised 5/18/2023
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 371-4546
www.littlerock.gov
City of Little Rock
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS AUTHORIZATION OF REPRESENTATION AFFIDAVIT
I, ______________________________________________________________________ do hereby authorize
Property owner (print)
_________________________________________________________ to represent me and my interests in an
Agent/representative name and business (print)
Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness on the following property described below. I have reviewed the
proposed application and I have indicated so by initialing a copy of the submittals that are attached.
Street Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________ ______________________________
Date
______________________________________________ ______________________________
Date
Subscribed and sworn to me, a Notary Public on this ______ day of ___________, ________.
____________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: ________________
November 2, 2023
ITEM NO.: ONE FILE NO.: HDC2023-025
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Attachment C
AARF 2007 PU2921