HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC_2025 04 03April3, 2025
Roll Call
Historic District Commission
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435
www.littlerock.gov
LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTE RECORD
Thursday, April 3, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Board Room, Little Rock City Hall, 500 W. Markham
Members Present: Christina Aleman, Chair
Amber Jones, Vice Chair
Tom Fennell
Dr. Thomas DeGraff III
Chase Waters
Members Absent: Scott Green
Diane Thomas -Holliday
Staff Present: Hannah Ratzlaff
Raeanne Gardner
Cameron Bowden
il. Finding a Quorum
A quorum was present being five (5) in number.
III. Citizen Communication
Ms. Donna Colon addressed the commission. Ms. Colon expressed concern
regarding HDC2025-005 and enforcement action regarding the property at 1420
Commerce Street. The item was deferred to the May 1 st meeting due to the applicant
providing the incorrect hearing date in the public notice letter.
IV. Minutes
None
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April 3, 2025
V.
VI.
VII.
National Register Nominations
None
Deferred Certificates of Appropriateness
None
New Certificates of Appropriateness
1. HDC2025-004
Historic District Commission
Joe Tollett
515 Rock Street
Rehabilitation, Site Improvements, Front
Porch Alterations and Reconstruction
2. HDC2025-005 CPA OZ Investments LLC
1420 S. Commerce Street
Skylights, Front Porch Alterations, Fencing
Deferred to May 1s`, 2025 meeting due to
failure to meet public notice
requirements
3. HDC2025-006 First Lutheran Church
700 S. Rock Street
Rehabilitation, Site Improvements, Rear
Two -Story Enclosed Porch Alteration
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April3, 2025
ITEM NO.: 1 _
NAME: Narkinsky House -Certificate of Appropriateness
LOCATION: 515 S. Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT: Joe Tollett
Joe and Eri Tollett
515 S Rock Street
Little Rock, AR
Figure 1. Narkinsky House at 515 S. Rock Street.
Historic District Commission
April 3, 2025
AREA: 0.16 acres
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1
DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District
HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing
CURRENTZONING: UU — Urban Use
A. PROPOSALIBEQ_UEELA_PPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
Historic District Commission
WARD: 1
The application proposes various exterior alterations, site improvements, and the
reconstruction of original front porch elements. Proposed exterior alterations include
the enclosure of the brick masonry foundation, installation of crawl space vents and
doors, realignment of side elevation baseboards, reconstruction of original chimneys,
and replacement of rear porch steps. Proposed porch reconstruction includes the
replacement of the porch foundation, porch steps, and porch lighting, the realignment
of porch columns and
4ve = arHs
replacement of column bases with siss.a ,
a substitute material, the removal
of non -historic supports, and the n Wit❑ .�`
reconstruction of eave brackets. � A a Q pier
a
Proposed site improvements 8,„r -° co� ;
include the replacement of the argi+
existing concrete sidewalk with 9"5r rY,
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brick and the installation of
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security lighting and cameras.
B. BACKGROUND
Location
The subject property is located at
515 South Rock Street. The
property's legal description is "Lot
4, Block 150, Original City of Little
Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas"
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Context E16715r 9 --- J
The subject property is located at
515 S. Rock Street and is the site of the Figure 2. Narkinsky House at 515 Rock Street located in MacArthur Park
Narkinsky House, a single -story, wood Historic District.
frame Italianate structure built as a
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April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
residence in 1867. The structure is Contributing to the MacArthur Park Historic District
and the most recent Arkansas Architectural Resource Form (PU2977, 2007) is provided
as Attachment C.
Development History
The Narkinsky House is supported by a brick masonry pier foundation and features a
rectangular plan covered by composite shingle, low-pitched hipped roof with gable
dormers on the front and side elevations. The home features elaborate Italianate
architectural detailing for a one-story dwelling, such as decorative eave brackets, tall,
narrow six -over -six wood windows with segmental arches, and a central wood frame
porch with Doric columns. The home's historic architectural detail are well documented
through photographs of the Narkinsky family, c. 1917-1942 (Attachment D). The
Narkinsky's were a Jewish family who lived in the structure during the early 201" century.
The structure is first depicted in the 1897 Sanborn map as a single -story frame dwelling
with a central, three-quarter front porch covered by non-combustible roofing, likely
metal, and a rear Ell wing, and rear porch covered by wood shake roofing (Figure 3). By
1913, the structure's rear wing and porch were removed, an addition was constructed,
and the front porch roof was covered with composite shingles (Figure 4). A rear room and
stoop were constructed at the rear of the addition and was covered by a wood shake
roof. By 1939, the rear stoop was enclosed and all roofing material was composite
shingle (Figure 5). Sometime between 1978 and 1987, the structure's front porch floor
and foundation was modified sometime between 1978 and 1987 with the original brick
masonry pierfoundation and wood floor being replaced with a solid brickfoundation and
brickfloor (Figure 6).
Previous Action
On February 12, 2025, a COC (HDC2025-002) was issued to Joe Tolletforwindow repairs
and HVAC unit replacement.
On July 18, 2024, a COC (HDC2024-023) was issued to Joe Toilet for gutter installation
along the rear enclosed porch.
On May 3, 2024, a COC (HDC2024-012) was issued to Joe Tollett for the installation of a
ridge vent.
On May 29, 2025, a COC (HDC2024-007) was issued to Joe Tollett for the removal of non -
historic signage, removal of a handicap ramp on the front facade, and siding repair.
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April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
On June 15, 2023, a COC (HDC2023-015) was issued to Jean Madden and Camellia
Walker for porch repair, wood siding and trim board repair, wood soffit, fascia, and
bracket repair, painting, and roofing repair.
On April 4, 1991, a COA (HDC1 991 -001) was issued to Jean Madden for the renovation
and repair to front porch and an addition of a handicap ramp.
On September 3, 1987, a COA (HDC1987-003) was issued to Jean Madden for restoration
of a front porch.
11
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Figure 3, 515 Rock Street, 1987, Sanborn Map, Little Rock.
Figure 5. 515 Rock Street, 1939, Sanborn Map, Little Rock.
site.
Sanborn Maps:
C. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
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Figure 4. 515 Rock Street, 1913, Sanborn Map, Little Rock.
No previous actions were found on this
Figure 6. 515 Rock Street, 1950, Sanborn Map, Little Rock.
See site photos (Attachment A) and application packet (Attachment B). The application
packet includes cover letter, application, site plan, architectural illustration, and
product sheets and specifications. Historical photographs of the site are found in
Attachment D.
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April 3, 2025
D. NEGHB._QRH000 COMMENTS:
Historic District Commission
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 Rockthat surround the site were notified of
the public hearing.
E. ANALYSIS:
Pier Foundation Enclosure, Crawl Space Vents and Doors
The application proposes removing the existing painted plywood boards and enclosing
the brick masonry pierfoundation with salvaged brick, set back by 2 inches. Additionally,
the proposal includes installingcast iron crawlspace vents and three smooth steel crawl
space doors.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline
4.3 (4). The proposal uses appropriate infill material and sets the new material back a
few inches to differentiate between the historic pier system and the new infill material.
The crawl space vents and doors will be installed into the infill brick and the products are
compatible and subordinate to the historic feature.
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 9:
"New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy
historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated
from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural
features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment."
Front Porch Reconstruction
The application proposes several improvements and repairs to the front porch.
These include installing new flashing and metal roofing, removing the non -historic,
existing foundation (Figure 7), and reconstructing the pier and beam foundation
displayed in the Narkinsky family photographs (Attachment D). The porch
foundation will have a tongue -and -groove floor and foundation openings will be
covered in lattice. The front steps will be rebuilt using brick, wood, or concrete, and
black handrails will be added to meet code requirements.
The existing columns will be repositioned to align with the original foundation
Location and roof elements. Missing eave brackets will be reconstructed, and the
fascia will be repaired and rebuilt as needed, based on physical evidence of the
original fascia found in the structure's attic (Figure 17, 18). The existing porch light
will be replaced (Figure 16), and the porch ceilingwill undergo plaster repair (Figure
April3, 2025
Historic District Commission
13, 14). Lastly, the non -original horizontal support beams attaching the columns to
the front fagade wall will be removed (Figure 15).
Staff finds the reconstruction of missing or altered architectural elements based on
physical and pictorial evidence (Attachment D) to be Cnsistent with Guideline
4.13(4). The proposed reconstruction ofthe missing architectural elements —porch
foundation, metal roofing, flooring, column realignment, eave brackets, fascia —
are supported by the Narkinsky family photos, the Sanborn maps, and the physical
evidence assessed on site. Additionally, the proposed porch handrail is consistent
with Guideline 4.13(7) and is simple and subordinate in design and compatible with
the historic attributes of the property. Staff finds wood to be the most compatible
material for the reconstruction of the front steps, based on pictorial evidence.
Staff finds the proposal is cQtljStnf with the SOI Standards, specifically standard
6: "Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the
severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new
feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and,
where possible, materials. Replacement of missingfeatures shall be substantiated
by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence."
Porch Column Base Substitute Material
The application proposed to replace the existing front porch wood column bases
with fiber -reinforced polymer to reduce the risk of rot. Fiberglass and the related
Fiber Reinforced Polymers (collectively FRP) are synthetic materials that can be
molded into decorative shapes and details. They are lightweight and are often used
as a substitute for decorative wood or masonry elements. More information
regarding FRP can be found on page 56 of the Design Guidelines.
Staff finds the proposal to be inconsistent with the Design Guidelines. Guideline
3.6(3) discourages the removal of architectural features that are in good condition
and Guideline 4.13(1) encourages the replacement of historic materials too
deteriorated to repair with in kind materials. Staff finds that the requested
substitute material is not inappropriate for this use if replacement was necessary,
however the condition of the column bases has not deteriorated to the extent that
they cannot be repaired through ordinary maintenance.
Staff finds the proposal is inconsistent with the SOI Standards, specifically
standard 6: "Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced.
Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature,
the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual
E3
April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missingfeatures shall be
substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence."
Realignment of Side Elevation Baseboards
The application proposes realigning the exterior, horizontal trim boards on the
historic rear addition with the trim boards of the original structure (Figure 9,12). The
addition was constructed sometime between 1897 and 1913 and is considered to
be historic. The misaligned trim boards showcase the expansion of the dwelling to
accommodate the occupants and is historic in its own right (Attachment D).
Staff finds the realignment of the side elevation baseboards to be iP.cansisfnt with
Guideline 4.8. The proposal alters an existing historic feature and is not
substantiated by documentation.
Staff finds the proposal is inLanjstent with SOI Standards, specifically standard 4:
"Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic
significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved."
Reconstruction of Chimneys
The application proposes to reconstruct two original chimneys that were once
prominent to the exterior: one near the front of the structure along the north
elevation and one near the rear of the structure along the south elevation, see front
fagade illustration in Attachment B. The two chimneys are visible in historic
photographs (Figure x and x), were removed by 1978, and the interior elements
remain beneath the roofline.
Staff finds the reconstruction of the two prominent chimneys consistent with
Guideline 4.26. The proposed reconstruction of the chimneys are supported by the
Narkinsky family photos and the physical evidence assessed on site.
Staff finds the proposal is Comfattent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard
6: "Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired ratherthan replaced. Where the
severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new
feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and,
where possible, materials. Replacement of missingfeatures shall be substantiated
by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence."
9
April 3, 2025 Historic District Commission
Rear Porch Step Replacement
The application proposes replacing the rear porch steps with brick and the installation
of a handrail (Figure 10). The existing wood steps are deteriorated and require
replacement. As currently constructed, the steps and risers do not meet code. The rear
of the structure, inclusive of the steps, is visible from the public alley.
Staff finds the replacement of the rear steps to be necessary and finds the proposed
material to be inconsLs-tent with Guideline 4.13 (1). Staff finds that brick steps may
appear as conjecture and that concrete steps would be more appropriate. The rear
steps are not protected by a covering, were humbly constructed, and are located on
the rear fagade. Concrete is a more compatible replacement as it is simple in design
and affords durability. Additionally, the proposed porch handrail is consistent with
Guideline 4.13(7) and is simple and subordinate in design and compatible with the
historic attributes of the property.
Staff finds the proposal is mostly consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically
standard 6: "Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced.
Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the
newfeature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and othervisual qualities and,
where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by
documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence."
Sidewalk Replacement
The application proposes replacingthe concrete segment of the public sidewalkforthe
length of the property with brick masonry based on evidence from historic photographs
(Attachment D). The bricks will be laid in a herringbone pattern to reconstruct the
pattern visible in the historic photographs. Staff finds the sidewalk replacement
conaListent with Guideline 9.8(5). The proposal is substantiated by pictorial evidence.
Staff finds the proposal is ponsistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 6:
"Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the
severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature
shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where
possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by
documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence."
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April 3, 2025
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Historic District Commission
Staff recommends the approval of the application, as submitted, excluding approval
for the realignment of the exterior trim boards and the replacement of the column
base with substitute materials, with the following conditions:
1. Chimneys: The location and design of the reconstructed chimneys will be
based directly on physical and documented evidence. Chimney flashing
to be installed in step pattern in the mortarjoints of the masonry. Brick
masonry and mortarwill match existing in dimension, scale, color,
texture and other physical attributes.
2. Sidewalk: Reconstruction of the brick masonry sidewalk will be based
directly on documented evidence. Additional engineering review and
inspection is required by the Planning & Development Department to
assure that the resulting sidewalk meets relevant accessibility and
environmental codes.
3. Exterior Porch Light: New lighting will conform to Guideline 9.22 and
require final review and approval by the staff.
4. Rear porch steps will be constructed of wood or concrete.
5. Front porch steps will be constructed of wood.
G. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
� 1+ :1-014-'1]
Staff member Ratzlaff presented the application to the commission. Commissioner
Fennell asked whether any historic documentation existed regarding the railing along
the rear steps. Ratzlaff identified a historic photograph included in the staff report that
depicted the railing.
Mr. Joe Tollett, the property owner and applicant, addressed the Commission. He
noted that the current railing is made of galvanized pipe and is not original, as shown in
the historic photographs.
Commissioner Aleman asked Mr. Tollett whether he was amenable to staff's
recommendations. Mr. Tollett responded that most of staff's comments had been
anticipated and were addressed during the Design Review Committee meeting. He
expressed agreement with all staff recommendations except for one: his request to use
a substitute material for the front porch column bases. Mr. Tollett explained that he
believed the current bases were not original and had been previously repaired with
profiles inconsistent with those shown in the historic photographs. He expressed a
desire to recreate the original profile using a substitute material.
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April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
Commissioner Jones commended the application for its alignment with the Design
Guidelines and the applicant's attention to detail in the restoration effort. She
acknowledged that the current column bases were not original and stated that, while
restoring the original profiles was appropriate, using wood rather than a substitute
material would be more consistent with the Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards. Commissioner Aleman concurred.
Mr. Tollett also requested an extension of the standard one-year expiration term for the
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to three years, explaining that he would be
completing the work himself. Staff member Ratzlaff confirmed that the request was
reasonable given the scope of work and noted that the ordinance permits the
commission to extend the COA expiration term at the applicant's request based on
project scope.
Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the application with staff's
recommendations, specifying that wood steps be used for the rear porch, and granting
a three-year extension of the COA expiration term. Commissioner Jones seconded the
motion. The motion passed with 5 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 absent.
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April3, 2025
ITEM NO.: .
NAME: Welch -Cherry House - Certificate of Appropriateness
LOCATION: 700 S. Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
01TINUAZY-11111 noM _.�,
First Lutheran Church
314 E 8th Street
Little Rock, AR, 72202
Figure 3. Welch -Cherry House, 700 S. Rock Street.
13
Historic District Commission
Edward R. Sergeant,
Sergeant Architecture PLLC
1858 S Arch Street
Little Rock, AR, 72206
April3, 2025
AREA: 0.36 acres
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1
HISTORIC QIS�TR1cT: MacArthur Park Historic District
HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing
CURRENT ZONING: R4A—Low Density Residential
Historic District Commission
WARD: 1
CON &TLQN_EASMENT:. 2016, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
A. PROPOSAL/RE(QUEST/APPLICA.NT'S.STA.T.EMFN_T...:
The application requests for the alteration of the rear (west) two-story enclosed porch,
the removal and replacement of the existing ADA ramp, the installation of new porch
handrails on the south side porch and eastfront porch, the enclosure of the south porch
pier foundation.
B. BACKGROUND
Location
The subject property is located at
700 S. Rock Street. The property's
Legal description is "W40' of Lot 10
and All of Lots 11 and 12, Block 42,
City of Little Rock, Pulaski County,
Arkansas."
Context
The subject property sits at the
southwest corner of E 7t" Street and
S Rock Street and is the site of the
Welch -Cherry House, a two-story
brick masonry structure built as a
residence in 1881 in the Italianate
style. The structure is Contributing
to the MacArthur Park Historic
District and the most recent
Arkansas Architectural Resource
Form (PU2830, 2007) is provided as
Attachment C.
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Figure 4. Welch -Cherry House, 700 S Rock Street, located in MacArthur Park
Historic District.
14
April 3, 2025
Development History
Historic District Commission
The Welch -Cherry House displays a compound front-facingT plan with an asymmetrical
front gable and cross -gable roof. The home displays subdued Italianate details, such as
tall and narrow two -over -two wood windows with hooded, segmental arches, and simple
eaves with built-in gutters. Frame partial porches, single -story and two-story, sit against
each elevation with collective square porch supports with beveled (chamfered) corners.
Masonry details include brick window hoods and courses parged and painted to appear
Like stone. The first story belt course along the street facing facades is precast concrete
or stone. Uniquely, the home retains its original slate tile roof and five brick chimneys.
The home lacks common ornate Italianate details such as cornices and eave brackets.
The structure is first depicted in the 1897 Sanborn map as a two-story brick masonry
dwelling with a slate roof with various single -story wood frame porches along each
elevation with roofing made of non-combustible material, likely metal (Figure 4). By
1913, the rear (west) elevation porch was replaced with a two-story wood frame porch
with roofing made of a non-combustible material, likely metal (Figure 4). By 1939, the
south elevation porch was raised to two stories with the upper story enclosed (Figure 5).
The second storywas enclosed and the first story partially enclosed by the 1980s (Figure
8).
The residence was built for Reverend Thomas R. Welch who was a prominent Mason and
served as the pastor of Little Rock's First Presbyterian Church, at 800 Scott Street, for 25
years. Upon his death, Welch left the home to the directors of the Southwestern
Presbyterian University in Tennessee. In 1892, the university sold the house to Lewis W.
Cherry who was in the ice manufacturing business and later became president of the
Peoples Building and Loan and president of the State National Bank in Little Rock. After
Cherry's death in 1922, his widow occupied the house until her death in 1957. The home
was later converted to apartments. In 1984, the First Lutheran Church, at 314 E 8th
Street, received a Conditional Use Permit to convert the structure to office space and
utilize the interior land of Block 42 for shared parking between the church, the Winthrop
Rockefeller Foundation, and J. Tucker Morse. The Welch -Cherry House was leased by J.
Tucker Morse and RPM until recently. The church plans to continue the use of the home
as office space.
Previous Action
On May 30, 2024, a COC (HDC2024-022) was issued to First Lutheran Church for exterior
masonry and wood repairs, installation of handrail on front pathway steps, porch repairs,
concrete walkway replacement, box gutter repairs, fencing repair, and HVAC
replacement and screening.
15
April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
On January 25, 2017, a COC (HDC2017-001) was issued to the First Lutheran Church for
replacement of the slate roof with architectural shingle and exterior wood repair.
On August 16, 2002, a COA (HDC2002-010) was issued to the First Lutheran Church for
a wood side ADA ramp on the south porch facing the shared parking.
On December 6, 1990, a COA (HDC1990-010) was denied for signage.
On April 5, 1984, a COA (HDC1984-004) was issued to the First Lutheran Church for
restoration and repair, rear (west) porch alterations and enclosure, and shared parking
Lot design for Block 42.
No previous actions were found on this site.
16
April 3, 2025
Figure 6. 700 S Rock Street, 1897, Sanborn Map, Little
Rock.
Figure 7. 700 SRock Street, 1939, Sanborn Map, Little
Rock.
Sanborn Maps
17
Historic District Commission
Figure 5. 700 S Rock Street, 1913, Sanborn Map, Little
Rock.
Figure 5. 700 S Rock Street, 1950, Sanborn Map, Little
Rock.
April 3, 2025 Historic District Commission
.H-..ist-oric_Pho.togra.p.h.s & Drawings
Figure h. Welch -Chem• House, 1978, QQA architectural resource
survey.
Figure 7. Welch -Cherry East Elevation Drawing, Allison Moses
Reddin, 1984.
f
South Elevation
S.W. iw-. r,.
18
Figure 8. Welch -Cherry, approved
alterations to south elevation, Allison
Moses Reddin, 1984.
April 3, 2025
C. Ex1STING CONDITIONS:
Historic District Commission
See site photos (Attachment A) and application packet (Attachment B). The application
packet includes cover letter, application, architectural plans, and email
correspondence related to a state conservation easement, etc.
The property owner has applied for a Historic Preservation Restoration Grant (HPRG)
Option 2 with the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for the same scope of work.
The property has an active conservation easement held by the State of Arkansas.
D. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
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 Rockthat surround the site were notified of
the public hearing.
E. ANALYSIS:
Rear Enclosed Porch Alteration
The application proposes to remove existing lattice panels and metal floor -to -ceiling
window wall system installed in the 1984-1985 restoration and rehabilitation of the
property. The porch enclosure system will be replaced with wood (Spanish cedar) one -
over -one non -operable windows with exterior mullions, arranged two and three per bay.
Wood horizontal siding and trim in the same dimensions and exposure are proposed
beneath the windows to match the south elevation porch.
The proposal includes the restoration of all existing and original chamfered porch
columns, pilasters, and remaining brackets. One existing column that is non-originalwill
be replaced with a column that matches the originals in design and material. The four (4)
existing brackets are proposed to be relocated from the second story to the first story,
south elevation, of the porch. The brick masonry porch foundation will be deconstructed
and rebuilt for stabilization with concrete footings and CMU (concrete masonry unit)
bearing, with brick veneer salvaged from the existing foundation.
It is staff's understanding that the existing horizontal siding covering the eaves, soffit,
fascia, and foundation of the rear porch will be removed. These porch elements will be
replaced with wood boards of the appropriate dimensions to be compatible with the
other porches on the structure.
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April3, 2025
Historic District Commission
Staff finds the proposed rear porch alterations are mostly consistent with the Design
Guidelines, specifically Section 4.13(5). The proposed alterations preserve identified
historic porch features, such as the columns and brackets. The proposed non -historic
elements will be installed behind existing architectural details and the existing large
single pane windows will be replaced with pairs and groupings of one -over -one wood
windows dimensionally compatible to the existing openings. Staff finds that the
proposed wood siding beneath the windows are too similar to the wood siding of the
historically enclosed south elevation porch and recommends the use of simple solid
panels for this element. Examples of enclosed secondary porches in this configuration
in the MacArthur Park Historic District are shown below:
Figure 9. Holmnan-Vinsonhaler House, 500E 8th, 2023.
Figure 11. Hanger House, 1010 Scott Street, 2023.
Figure 10. 601 Rock Street, 2023.
go
April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
Staff finds the proposal is inconsistent with standard 3 of the Secretary of Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation: "Each property shall be recognized as a physical
record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical
development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from
other buildings, shall not be undertaken."
Staff finds the proposal is consistent with standard 9 of the Secretary of Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new
construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new
work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size,
scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its
environment."
Accessibility Ramp
The application proposes the removal of the existing wood accessibility ramp on the
south elevation and replacement with a concrete ramp and metal handrails. The ramp
will connect the south porch to designated handicap parking.
Staff finds the proposed accessibility ramp is mostly consistent with the Design
Guidelines, specifically Section 4.30, regarding material and screening. The ramp is
Located on a secondary facade, is visible from Rock Street, and is made of concrete
rather than wood. Staff recommends a wood accessibility ramp in consideration of the
structure's architectural style, historic use, and the ability to be more easily removed.
Concrete accessibility ramps are more appropriate on commercial and institutional
structures that are an extension of the sidewalkto a storefront or entrance.
Staff finds the proposal is jagDaai.5tent with standard 9 of the Secretary of Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new
construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new
work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size,
scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its
environment."
Porch Handrails
The application proposes the installation of black, metal handrails with lamb's
tongue ends along the porch steps of the front and south porches. One handrail is
proposed for the front porch while retaining existing wood rails, two handrails are
proposed for the south porch. The handrails are required by building code. Staff
finds the proposed handrails are ngnsi tent with Guideline 4.13(7). The proposed
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April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
handrails are 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
with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to
protect the integrity of the property and its environment."
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of the application, as submitted, with the following
conditions:
1. Simple, solid panels shall be used below the windows of the proposed
rear enclosed porch to avoid conjecture with the early-201h century south
elevation porch.
2. The accessibility ramp shall be composed of wood with wood railings and
be screened with landscaping to reduce visibility, as viewable from Rock
Street.
G. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
_(ARRIL 3,_2025)
Staff member Ratzlaff presented the application to the Commission. Mr. Ed Sergeant,
representative of the property owner and project architect, addressed the Commission
and advocated for the use of brick on the accessibility ramp and siding that matched the
20th-century enclosed porch for the proposed rear porch enclosure.
Commissioner Aleman inquired how the proposed siding was inconsistent with the
Design Guidelines. Ratzlaff explained that staff found the siding to be inconsistent with
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, specifically Standard 3, as it could create a
false sense of historical development. She further referenced Section 4.13(5) of the
Design Guidelines, which encourages simplified architectural features for enclosed
porches to avoid conjectural designs.
Commissioners Fennell and Jones discussed the proposed siding. Commissioner
Aleman asked Mr. Sergeant whether the applicant would be amenable to staff's
recommendations or to using vertical beadboard. Mr. Sergeant confirmed the
applicant's openness to using beadboard.
The Commission also discussed materials for the accessibility ramp. Commissioner
Jones expressed opposition to the use of brick or concrete. Ratzlaff cited Section 4.30 of
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April 3, 2025
Historic District Commission
the Design Guidelines, which states: "Accessibility ramps shall be simple in design,
constructed of wood that is stained or painted, and be screened with landscaping where
visible from the public right-of-way." She noted that if the Commission wished to grant a
waiver of this guideline, it would need to provide a justification.
Following discussion, Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the application
with the following conditions:
• Simple solid panels or vertical beadboard shall be used below the windows of the
rear enclosed porch.
• The accessibility ramp shall feature wood railings, and the surface maybe composed
of a wood composite material, on the bases of durability.
Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed with 5 ayes, 0 noes, and
2 absent.
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April 3, 2025
VIII. Other Matters
1. Bi-Fold Mailer Design
Historic District Commission
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 by Arjun Saatia, Communications and
Marketing Coordinator. The commission expressed satisfaction with the
design, describing the design as "beautiful", "engaging", and "well done"
2. Grant Updates
Ratzlaff provided an update to the commission regarding active grant
projects and their status. Ratzlaff reported that the 2024 CLG grant project
to resurvey a section of the Hillcrest Historic District was on schedule and
the consultant team, SWCA Environmental Consulting, had submitted the
first 10 draft Arkansas Architectural Resource Forms (AARF) for the
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program's (AHPP) review. The next project
milestone is the submission of the full draft report and all draft AARFs by
May 9, 2025.
Ratzlaff reported that the Underrepresented Communities Grant project to
write a new National Register Nomination for the Dunbar Jr & Sr High
School & Junior College site submitted with national significance was on
schedule and the consultant, Clifton Historic Resources, LLC, completed
drafting 75% of the nomination and was working towards the next
milestone deadline of April 11th for a full draft.
Ratzlaff announced there would be two funded training opportunities
available this year:
Destination Downtown, September 10th-12th, El Dorado, AR
NAPC Past Forward Conference, September 15t1-19th, Milwaukee, WI
3. Enforcement Issues
Lot 9, Block 45 City of Little Rock—u n permitted installation of fencing
Cameron Bowden, Deputy City Attorney, addressed the commission and
provided a summary of the parties involved, and stated that the City had
filed a motion to dismiss regarding the case filed in Pulaski County Circuit
Court on the matter.
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April 3, 2025
4.
Historic District Commission
Certificates of Compliance
HDC2025-007-922-924 Cumberland—reroof
HDC2025-008-518 E 711 Street —fencing repair
VIII. Adjournment
There being no further business for the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at
5:34 P.M.
Atte
Chair
Sec ry
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