HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1999-030 Staff Report And Recommendations. Prroject Backgound, Description And Analysis. 12/28/1999City of Little Rock
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
(Z
STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PREPARED BY: V. Anne Guthrie DATE: 28 December 1999
APPLICANT: Art Place, LLC
ADDRESS: 916-924 Commerce
COA REQUEST: Construction of new fence and signage, landscaping and improved parking
PROJECT BACKGROUND, DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS: The subject property is
located north of I-630, on the west side of Commerce between 9th and I Oth streets; it is on the
northwest corner of 1 Oth and Commerce streets.
The three -storied structure is multi -family and was a condominium prior to a fire 1998. The on-
going rehabilitation was approved conditionally by this Commission in 1999; the work included
the following: roof pitch change; addition of balconies on each elevation; decrease in number of
dormers but increase in size; increase in eaves overhang; and increase in parking spaces.
This project request involves the following: addition of brackets at the exterior corners of the
structure; construction of a perimeter fence; landscaping; improved parking; and new signage on
the east elevation. The brackets are requested due to aesthetics and the increase of the overhang.
The perimeter fence is on the north, east and south elevations; it connects with the structure on
the north, runs approximately 140 linear feet along the east, or front elevation, and joins the
structure on the south. The entrance gate is recessed about seven feet from the existing steps.
The proposed fence is iron and four feet in height; the posts are 2V" square, placed every eight
feet; the pickets are W', 6" on center. There is a six-foot fence proposed along the site's western
side, copying the existing one along the north; this fence runs in a north -south fashion along the
fourteen parking spaces. The accompanying landscaping, as required, is detailed.
The landscape plan meets city landscape regulations and has been approved by city landscaper,
Bob Brown. It involves plantings on the east elevation, by the front gate and by the a/c units;
there is additional landscaping on the structure's west elevation by the a/c units and the space
where the existing curb cut is removed (the old entrance for parking on the west, off 1 Oth Street
and between the alley and Commerce). New plantings in the form of holly and additional ground
cover are along the proposed wooden fence on the western perimeter. Crepe myrtles are also
included in the landscape plan.