HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2011-0032 Letter To LRHDC From Department Of Planning and Development 11/14/201113 C R. � E, L L
November 14, 2011
Department of Planning and Development
Little Rock Historic District Commission
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
RE — Rainwater Building Renovation
Little Rock Historic District Commission:
The building is a circa 1915 Craftsman Style Apartment building. Originally built as
apartments the building was most recently used as office space and is currently vacant.
The interior has been gutted to the wall studs and structural flooring. The intent of this
project is to return the structure to residential use. Its historical name is the "Rainwater
Apartments" and it is considered a "Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park
Historic District. Prominent features of this building are the low pitch tile roof,
symmetrical design, brick and stucco exterior, wood windows, and brick chimneys. In
the 1970s a stair tower was added to the south facade of the building in a style that is not
consistent with the original design. Otherwise the exterior of the building remains largely
as it was originally designed and constructed.
The following list outlines the changes to the exterior of the building:
Windows
The windows in the original building are in a various state of repair with some glass
panes missing and others not operable. Windows in the 1970s addition are fixed panel
in painted hollow metal frames. Existing windows in the original building will be
repaired and repainted. Any windows that are deteriorated beyond repair will be
replaced with a new window that matches the original type, grid/lite pattern and
casing. New glass will be installed only when existing panes are broken or missing.
Triangle windows in the 1970s addition will be removed and wall surface installed to
match existing painted bead board siding.
2. Guardrails
Existing guardrails at the balconies are black cast-iron 36" tall with vertical pickets at
6" o.c. Although the railings are structurally sound they to do not meet current
building code. If required by City Code Officials the existing guard rails will be
modified so they will meet code. A new horizontal rail of similar finish and section
will be added to the existing top rail and new wide opening metal mesh added along
the main body of the rails. Both materials will be added with mechanical fasteners
and can be removed in the future. If Code officials do NOT require modification then
rails will be cleaned and painted as required.
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3. Downspouts
Existing downspouts are residential style light gauge aluminum painted to match wall
finish. They were likely added around the same period of the 1970s addition. The
On existing downspouts will be removed and replaced with new 4" round metal
downspouts with dark bronze metallic finish. This will be more historically accurate
and provide added capacity for drainage.
4. Awning, at South Enta
An exterior canvas awning with aluminum frame will be added at the rear stair exit
door. The installation of the awning will be added with mechanical fasteners and can
be removed in the future.
5. Mechanical Condenser Units
The new residential units will each have a separate mechanical system. This will be a
split system with one condenser unit per unit on the exterior. The condenser units will
be located on a platform mounted to the shingle roof of the circa 1970's addition
flanking each side of the added stair tower on the rear fagade of the building.
We look forward to discussing this exciting project with you in the near future.
f Regards,
Daniel K. Fowler, AIA
Chief Operating Officer
CC: Chris Moses, Applicant