HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC_2025 05 01DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1 334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435
www.littlerock.gov
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTE RECORD
Thursday, May 1, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Board Room, Little Rock City Hall, 500 W. Markham
Roll Call
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Christina Aleman, Chair
Amber Jones, Vice Chair
Tom Fennell
Dr. Thomas DeGraff III
Chase Waters
Diane Thomas -Holladay
Scott Green
Hannah Ratzlaff
Raeanne Gardner
Staff, Ratzlaff, introduced the newest commissioner, Diane Thomas -Holladay.
Commissioner Thomas -Holladay addressed the commission as shared her
personal history with Little Rock and expressed her excitement in joiningthe
commission.
II. Finding a Quorum
A quorum was present being six (6) in number.
III. Citizen Communication
No citizens chose to speak at this time.
IV. Minutes
1. March 6, 2025 Minutes
The minutes were presented to the commission. Commissioner Jones made
a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Commissioner Waters
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May 1, 2025 Historic District Commission
seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote as
submitted.
V. National Register Nominations
None
VI. Deferred Certificates of Appropriateness
1. HDC2025-005 CPA OZ Investments LLC
1420 S. Commerce Street
Skylights, Front Porch Alterations, Parking
Pad, Fencing
VII. New Certificates of Appropriateness
1. HDC2025-009 McGowan Street Apartments LLC
1016 McGowan
Signage
2. HDC2025-010 Linda Pollock
1116 Rock Street
Demolition of Accessory Building, New
Construction of Accessory Building,
Fencing
Deferred to June 5th, 2025 meeting due
to failure to meet public notice
requirements.
VIII. Other Matters
1. Bi-fold Mailer Design
2. Enforcement Issues
Lot 9, Block 45 City of Little Rock—unpermitted installation of fencing
3. Certificates of Compliance
HDC2025-011-700 S Rock Street —rehabilitation and historic marker
IX. Adjournment
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May 1, 2025
V a, I -:[!Dj I I A u 101•
Historic District Commission
NAME: 1420 Commerce Street- Certificate of Appropriateness
LOCATION: 1420 Commerce Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
❑WNERIAUTHORIZED AGENT:
Gabe Holmstrom, CPA OZ Investments LLC
2102 Louisiana Street
Little Rock, AR 72206
Figure 1. 1420 Commerce Street, Little Rock, 2025.
May 1, 2025
AREA: 0.10 acres
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1
HISTORIC DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District
HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing
CURRENT ZONING: R4A- Low Density Residential
A. PQPOSLREQU�STIAPPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
Historic District Commission
WARD: 1
The application seeks retroactive approval for the installation of two skylights, front
porch handrail, rear parking pad, and front porch lighting. Additionally, the application
proposes the installation of rear yard privacy fencing.
Location
The subject property is located at 1420 S. Commerce Street. The property's legal
description is "Lot 8, Block 54,
Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski _
County, Arkansas".
Context
The subject property is the site of the
structure at 1420 S. Commerce
Street, a single -story wood frame
dwelling constructed as a residence
circa 1910 in the Folk Victorian style.
This residence is the last of originally
three Folk Victorian residences on
the 1400 block of Commerce Street.
The other two residences were
demolished in c. 1970 and 1994. In
2012, the structure was determined
to be in violation of the City of Little
Rock minimum housing code and
was identified as unsafe and vacant
(see Attachment A, Figure 15). The
property has been vacant and on the
UNV list since 2012 and was
removed from the list in 2025. The
current property owner has applied
Figure 2. 1420 S. Commerce located in MacArthur Park Historic District.
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
for and been issued relevant permits for the restoration of the structure and is
concurrently pursuing state and federal historic tax credits. The structure is Contributing
to the MacArthur Park Historic District and the most recent Arkansas Architectural
Resource Form (PU2966, 2007) is provided as Attachment D.
Development History
The residence is a single -story, wood frame structure supported by an enclosed brick
pier foundation, enclosed with wood weatherboard siding, and topped by a pyramidal
architectural shingle roof with front facing and side facing gables. A half front porch sits
against the front facing gable, is supported by a parged brick foundation, concrete floor,
and thin wood support columns with concrete steps leading up to the entrance. The
porch columns and arched brackets are thoughtto be unoriginal to the structure and are
considered a historic modification. The porch is covered by a low-pitched shed roof. The
front entrance includes a nine -pane wood door flanked by full view sidelights. The
residence displays primarily one -over -one wood windows with the addition of a six -over -
one front gable wood window and a vinyl replacement window on the rear elevation. The
structure contains simplified architectural detailing reflective of its folk house form.
The residence is thought to have been constructed in c. 1910 and first appears in the
1913 series of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Little Rock as a frame dwelling with
a wood shake roof, an open front porch covered by a non-combustible material —likely
metal —an open back porch and closed back room covered by wood shake (Figure 3).
Except for the replacement of roofing materials from wood shake and metal to
composite shingles by 1939, the structure remained largely unaltered up to 1960
(Figures 4-6). Sometime between 1978 and 2011, the front porch support elements were
altered, and railings were installed. Additionally, other non -historic modifications to the
residence that occurred within this period include a fullview replacement window atthe
rear of the north elevation, the addition of a skylight to the rear shed roof form and a rear
wood deck (see Attachment A, Figure 12).
Previous Action
On July 4, 2024, a COC (HDC 2024-021) was issued to CPA OZ Investments LLC for
exterior repairs, reroof, non -historic rear deck removal, and gutter installation.
On November 4, 2016, a COC (HDC2016-042) was issued to Cleveland Thomas for
siding repair.
On December 16, 2014, a COC (HDC2014-033) was issued to Cleveland Thomas for
siding, windows, roofing, soffits and fascia, and porch repairs.
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
On February 11, 2011, a COC (HDC2011-001) was issued to Cleveland Thomas for
siding, windows, roofing, soffits and fascia, and porch repairs.
No additional previous actions were found on this site.
San n M"s—&Aarial_s
2
Figure 3, 1420 Commerce, Sanbonr daps. 1913, Sheet 202.
Figure 3, 1420 Commerce, Sanhorn AhWs, 1950, Sheet 46.
7
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Figure 4. 1420 Commerce, Sanborn Maps, 1939, Sheel 46,
Figure h, 1420 Commerce, 19ab0 aerial image_
Figure 7. 1420 Commerce,
1998 aerial image,
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May 1, 2025
[. I = .• 7MM
Figure S. 1420 Co►rrmercep-ont and south facades, looking
northwest. Photo from 1978 Quapaw Quarter Architectural
Survey.
C. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
Historic District Commission
See site photos (Attachment A), application packet (Attachment B), and HDC2024-021
(Attachment C). The application packet includes cover letter, application, site plan, and
product sheets and specifications, etc.
:i; fee s zwk,
The time of distribution, staff received one (1) letter of opposition and thirteen (13) letters
of support (Attachment E).
All owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site and all neighborhood
associations registered with the City of Little Rock that surround the site were notified of
the public hearing.
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May 1, 2025
E. ANALYSIS:
Skylight Installation
Historic District Commission
The application requests the retroactive approval of the installation of two
skylights, one rectangular -shaped skylight on the south -facing roof slope and one
tubular skylight on the west -facing side gable roof slope. Both skylights are located
on roof slopes that are minimally visible from public right-of-way. The south -facing
skylight is aluminum and 21 inches x 45 3/a inches with laminated low-E3 glass. The
west -facing skylight is acrylic and 10 inches in diameter, with an elevated profile.
The skylights bring light into the attic space that has been converted into a half -
story loft.
Staff finds the installation of the two skylights to be consistent with the Design
Guidelines, specifically Guideline 4.26(9). The proposed roof alterations do not
alter the front fagade and do not destroy historic materials, features, or spatial
relationships that characterize the property. The skylights are installed on rear and
secondary roof slopes and are minimally visible from the public right-of-way. The
roof alterations are differentiated and compatible with the historic roof form and do
not threaten the structure's historic integrity.
Staff finds the proposal is cHj$istent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for
Rehabilitation, specifically Standard 9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or
related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial
relationships 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."
Rear Privacy Fence
The application proposes the installation of a solid, traditional wood privacy fence
with vertical boards located primarily in the rear yard. The fence line on the south
of the property is proposed to be six (6) feet tall and the remainingfence is proposed
as four (4) feet tall. Starting at the rear northwest corner of the structure, the fence
will follow the property line west to the rear alley, east around a rear parking area,
east along the south property line and terminating at a point on the front of the
south elevation side gable (see Attachment B, survey and site plan).
Staff finds the installation of the rear yard privacy fence to be co-Uistent with the
Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 9.19 (3), (5), and (6). The propose fence is
May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
at or below the allowable height limit of 72 inches and meets location and design
requirements.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard
9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy
historic materials, features, and spatial relationships 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."
Porch Light
The application requests the retroactive approval of the installation of an exterior
Lighting fixture at the entryway of the front porch. Suspended in front of the front
door, the fixture is a pendant light, traditional in design, and features beveled glass.
Staff finds the installation of the exterior lighting fixture to be canaialaW with the
Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 9.22(1) and (3). No documentary,
physical, or pictorial evidence exists of the previous historic porch lighting. The
proposed new lighting is compatible with the age, style, and character of the
building and is differentiated from the original historic materials and elements
present. The lighting color and intensity is in accordance with the Design
Guidelines.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard
9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy
historic materials, features, and spatial relationships 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."
Porch Step Handrail
The application requests the retroactive approval of the installation of one black,
metal handrail on the right side of the front porch steps. The handrail is required by
building code. Staff finds the installation of the porch step handrailto be cansis=
with Guideline 4.13(7), as the handrail is simple and subordinate in design and
compatible with the historic attributes of the property.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard
9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy
historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the
property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to
protect the integrity of the property and its environment."
Parking Area
The application requests the retroactive approval of the installation of a rear
concrete parking pad. The 18-foot by x 22-foot parking pad is located at the rear of
the property abutting the 20-foot public alleyway and is visible from the alley way
and E 15th Street.
Staff finds the installation of the parking area to be consistent with the Design
Guidelines, specifically Guideline 9.12. The parking area is located in the rear of the
Lot, accessed from the alley. As proposed with fencing, the parking area will be
visibly screened. The parking area does not require new curb cuts and does not
damage historic site features.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard
9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy
historic materials, features, and spatial relationships 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."
Staff recommends the approval of the application, as submitted.
(MAY L 2025)
Staff, Ratzlaff, made a presentation to the commission. The applicant, Mr. Holmstrom,
addressed the commission, stating that the restoration of the home required significant
effort. He expressed pride in the completed work and satisfaction with the outcome.
Commissioner Jones inquired whether the scope of work for which Mr. Holmstrom was
retroactively seeking approval had been included in the items approved by the National
Park Service as part of his Historic Tax Credit application. Mr. Holmstrom confirmed that
he had pursued both state and federal tax credits and that all items for which he was
seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness had been approved by the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program and the National Park Service, agency of the within the U.S.
Department of the Interior.
Ms. Donna Colon, owner of adjacent lots, addressed the commission with concerns that
approval of the application would authorize construction of a fence on her property. Staff
clarified that the COA application pertained solely to work on the applicant's property at
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
1420 S. Commerce and that the commission lacks authority to approve work on any
property other than the subject property.
There was further discussion regarding property line disputes. Commissioner Aleman
reiterated that the commission has no jurisdiction over property boundary
determinations. Commissioner Aleman asked Staff if Mr. Holmstrom's application was
complete and met all requirements for commission review. Ratzlaff confirmed that it
was complete and met all requirements for commission review.
Ms. Colon expressed opposition to the application on the basis of property line disputes
and asked whether the commission had received her submitted materials. Ratzlaff and
Assistant City Attorney Gardner confirmed that her full submission was included in the
staff report provided to the commission and made publicly available. In response to
request by Ms. Colon for the commission to consider her survey, Ratzlaff noted that Ms.
Colon did not have an application before the commission for review. Commissioner
Aleman again clarified that the commission lacks authority to adjudicate property
disputes.
Commissioner Fennell advised Ms. Colon that any dispute regardingthe survey prepared
by Brooks Surveying, Inc. should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
Tricia Bean, Executive Director of the Quapaw Quarter Association ("QQA"), addressed
the commission and stated the QQA unequivocally supported the COA application
submitted by Mr. Holmstrom and read aloud the letter of supported submitted to the
commission on behalf of the QQA.
Mr. Holmstrom was welcomed by Commission Aleman to address the commission
again for rebuttal and he declined rebuttal.
The commission then discussed the application. Commissioner Aleman stated that
application, inclusive of the work that was originally performed outside of the issued
administrative approval, was in keeping with the Design Guidelines. Commissioner
Fennell made a motion to approve the application as submitted. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner DeGraff. The motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6
ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent.
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
��[m:I�IF►k�'i�I��:�
NAME: McGowan Street Apartments -Certificate of Appropriateness
LOCATION: 1016 McGowan Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
OWN ER/AUTHORIZEG�N_T...:.
McGowan Street Apartments LLC
3053 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45209-1741
Figure 3. McGowan Street Apartments at 1016 McGowan Street, 2025.
12
Tanner Glover, Pinnacle Signs
7610 Counts Massie North
Little Rock, AR 72113
May 1, 2025
AREA: 0.81 acres
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1
HISTORIC DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District
HISTORIC STATUS: Non -Contributing
CURRENT ZONING: UU- Urban Use
Historic District Commission
OW•-O
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT'SSTATEMENT:
The application proposes the installation of two new signs: a wall mounted sign and a
ground mounted sign.
B. BACKGROUND
Location
The subject property is located at 1016 McGowan Street. The property's legal description
is "Lot 6, Block 5, Masonic Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas".
Context
The subject property is the site of
the McGowan Street Apartments,
previously the Graduate Flats, a
three-story, red -brown brick multi-
family structure containing 84 one -
bedroom apartment units
constructed in 2006 with Neo-
Traditional architectural
influences. The structure is
classified as Non -Contributing to
the MacArthur Park Historic
District. The most recent Arkansas
Architectural Resource Form
(PU5619, 2007) is provided as
Attachment C.
Development History
The apartment building was
constructed in 2006 following the
issuance of COA in 2004 for new
infill construction. The building has
primary served as rental units for
J
Figure 4. McGowan Street Apartments at 1016 McGowan Street located in
MacArthur Park Historic District.
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
student attending the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law. Before the land was
consolidated for the existing development, the parcel of record previously consisted of
six residential parcels, occupied by single-family and two-family dwellings, facing
McGowan Street. The area experienced significant demolition and vacancy following the
construction of 1-30 in the 1970s and the original dwellings previously occupyingthe area
were all demolished by 1998.
Previous Action
On October 14, 2024, a COC (HDC2024-030) was issued to McGowan Apartments LLC
for the construction of a rear parking area along the west alley.
On May 8, 2006, a COA (HDC2006-007) was issued to Michael Wood for exterior lighting.
On December 2, 2004, a COA (HDC2004-019) was issued to Jim Etters for air
conditioning units placed along the front and rear of the property.
On April 2, 2004, a COA (H DC2004-01 0) was issued to Jim Etters for the construction of
an 86-unit, three-story apartment building.
No previous actions were found on this site.
C. EX
J_STING CONDITIONS_.:
See application packet (Attachment B). The application packet includes cover letter,
application, survey, site photos, signage site plan, product sheets and specifications,
and quotes.
D. NEIGFiBOFi.H.QOi7 COMME-Ni :
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 that surround the site were notified of
the public hearing.
E. ANALYS-I.S:
Wall Mounted Sign
The application proposes the installation of a new wall mounted signage located
above the central entrance of the structure alongthe parapetwall, facing McGowan
Street and 1-30. The sign is composed of/4" inch depth, flat cut, brushed aluminum,
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
single -sided dimensional lettering. The lettering is 20 inches in height. The sign is
proposed to be installed flush mounted to the exterior brick. .
Staff finds the installation of a new wall mounted sign to be consistent with the
Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 5.21 (2). The proposal aligns with the
building's architectural character and complies with guidelines concerning
materials, scale, location, proportion, design, and lighting.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard
9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy
historic materials, features, and spatial relationships 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."
Ground Mounted Sign
The application proposes the installation of a new ground -mounted sign located on
the north lawn between the structure and the parking area, facing E 10th Street. The
sign is composed of adhesive vinyl applied to 3mm black, aluminum composite
material (ACM), mounted into a four (4) inch black aluminum frame. The frame is
39.5 inches tall by 72 inches wide and supported by 8-foot posts which will be
installed two feet into the ground. The sign will be 6 feet in height, with an area of
19.75 square feet, and will be one-sided.
Staff finds the installation of new signage on the side grass lot to be mostly
cDnBj,3=t with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 5.21 (2). The proposal
aligns with the building's architectural character and complies with guidelines
concerning scale, location, proportion, design, and lighting. The proposal does not
use traditional materials by using aluminum support posts. The use of composite
materials for the sign face —such as High -Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and
Medium Density Plywood (MDO)—have been used in other signs in the district for
durability. However, the sign supports have been traditional wood.
15
May 1, 2025
Figure6 610 E Gdr Spe¢r, Burghs Law Firm c& Lane Firer signuge.
Historic District Commission
11
Figure 5. 523 E. CapimI Ase. AGC Arkansav signage.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard
9: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy
historic materials, features, and spatial relationships 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 property is in the Urban Use zoning district, where ground mounted signs are
discouraged and can only be permitted as a variance through the Board of
Adjustments. The sign may require additional review beyond this commission
before being able to be issued a sign permit.
alW:I0 IMINEW
Staff recommends the approval of the application, as submitted, with the following
conditions:
1. The ground mounted sign support posts shall be made of a quality traditional
material, such as wood.
i■ PIEL �' f
tl'uFi�i�►��Y�'1!1
Staff, Ratzlaff, made a presentation to the commission. The applicant, Mr. Glover,
agent of the applicant, addressed the commission, and shared that there are existing
banner signs on the building currently which will be removed upon installation of the
new signs. Mr. Glover said that they were amenable to staff's recommendation of using
more traditional materials for the support posts if that was a condition of approval.
W.
May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
Commissioner Fennell asked Mr. Glover if they would consider using wood posts. Mr.
Glover said they would. There was discussion regarding the wood support posts.
Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the application with staff's
recommendation, conditioning the use of wood support posts for the ground mounted
sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Waters. The motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent.
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May 1, 2025
Historic District Commission
VIII. Other Matters
a. Bi-fold Mailer Design
Staff provided an update on the design of bi-fold mailers that would be
mailed out to local ordinance district property owners twice a year. The
mailers were designed in-house byArjun Saatia, Communications and
Marketing Coordinator. The mailers were currently in queue for printing
and would be sent out to property owner within the next week or so.
b_ Enforcement Issues
Lot 9, Block 45 City of Little Rock—unpermitted installation of fencing
Assistant City Attorney Gardner said that there was currently no updates
to share and that the case was still active.
c. Certificates of Compliance
HDC2025-011-700 S Rock Street —rehabilitation and historic marker
IK Adjournment
There being no further business for the commission, the meeting was adjourned at
4:45 P.M.
A t:
Chair
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18
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