HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1999-029 Staff Report And Recommendations 06/23/1999City of Little Rock
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PREPARED BY: V. Anne Guthrie DATE: 23 June 1999
APPLICANT: Tim Heiple, agent
ADDRESS: 916 - 924 Commerce Street
COA REQUEST: Replace roof, rehabilitate structure's exterior and interior
PROJECT BACKGROUND, DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS: The structure was
constructed in 1947 and was one of the city's first apartment building with air-conditioning and
elevators. In June 1998, a fire gutted the building's top floor and attic; it was added to the listing
of properties to be condemned due to fire damage. The structure has been vacant and secured
since the 1998 fire. The condo association's application for the structure's demolition was
before the LRHDC in 18 March; the request was deferred.
The proposed changes to the structure's facade are as follows:
0 change of roof pitch from 7/12 to 8/12
n addition of new balcony for each apartment; balconies are located on existing
windows, which will be converted to doors
n number of dormers is decreased from 13 to 6, but the size of the dormers is
larger than previous; three dormers on east, one each on north, south and west;
pre-existing material was artificial siding and the proposed is vinyl
n the eaves overhang is greater by approximately one foot (4')
n parking spaces are changed to 45 ° with new spaces along the structure's west,
or rear, elevation; the number is increased from 15 to 22 spaces
The proposed rehab project: converts the structure from condos to apartments; increases the
number of units from 22 to 27; average unit size is 700 square feet; and rent costs range from
$450 to $900.
The subject property is located north of I-630, on the northwest corner of Commerce and IOth
streets. It was apartments when first constructed and was converted to condos in the mid 1980s.
The majority of the structures on the block are multi -family. There is one commercial building
to the west (southeast corner of 9th and Rock); a vacant business due east and adjoining the
previous; and a vacant structure on the east side of Rock (Maxie's house). The subject property
is the sole three -storied structure on the block. Property due west was before the LRHDC last
year for new construction of townhouses.
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT AND REACTION: This structure is of primary importance to
the neighborhood due to its location, size and proximity to MacArthur Park and the Arkansas
Arts Center. To date, there has been no neighborhood reaction (adverse or other) regarding the
structure's conversion and rehabilitation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of staff that the project be approved
with the following conditions:
♦ due to the damage, staff will be notified if new windows are required or added, or new
materials are included in the project.
♦ should fencing be added as a security measure for parking, staff will be notified and
the appropriate measures taken by the applicant to have the fence approved.
♦ should the project scope change that requires additional approval or administrative
review, the applicant will notify LRHDC staff.