HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1994-012 Letter To Mollly Satterfield From Quapaw Quarter Association 03/01/1994'hill
Qu—apaw Quarter Association
1315 South Scott Street • P.O. Box 165023 • Little Rock, Arkansas 72216 • 501-371-0075 • FAX 501-374-8142
March 1, 1994
Ms. Molly Satterfield
Department of Neighborhoods and Planning
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Dear Molly:
The Quapaw Quarter Association's Historic Resources and Public Policy Committee
did not have the opportunity to discuss the proposed application of artificial siding
to the Scott House at 923 Cumberland Street, but I think it is appropriate to reiterate
the opposition to artificial siding that the QQA conveyed to the Little Rock Historic
District Commission in December of 1992, when the first proposal concerning 923
Cumberland was made.
The Scott House was designed by Frank Gibb and is an important example of the
turn -of -the -century transition from the Queen Anne style of architecture to the
Colonial Revival style. In the early 1970's, when it was purchased by architect and
preservationist Edwin Cromwell, the Scott House became one of the first structures
to be rehabilitated in the MacArthur Park Historic District. With its highly visible
corner location and picturesque design, the house is very prominent in the district.
The Scott House clearly is due for some maintenance. Not only is its paint peeling,
but it appears to need considerable carpentry work. Artificial siding can cover the
peeling paint but cannot address problems like the deterioration of the porch roof
balustrade. As was noted in the QQA's letter of December 2, 1992, to the Historic
District Commission, artificial siding should not be used to conceal problems, such
as rotting wood, which eventually can threaten a building's structural soundness.
In addition, artificial siding is not necessarily a permanent solution to maintenance
problems. Paints now are available specifically for artificial siding because
aluminum siding has been found to crack and peel while vinyl siding fades.
Molly Satterfield
3/1/94
Page 2
The QQA is aware that the Historic District Commission has approved the
application of vinyl siding on the side and rear facades of a few structures in the
historic district. In those cases, however, the side and rear facades were not visible
from the street. Because the Scott House is on a corner, only its north facade is not
visible from the street. In addition, the Scott House has many unusual architectural
details, such as the trim around the windows in the west and south gables, that
could not be covered with artificial siding without being obliterated.
Finally, the proposed application of artificial siding to the Scott House is out of
keeping with the new design guidelines for the MacArthur Park Historic District,
which state that "siding of artificial or substitute materials such as vinyl or
aluminum should not be used."
Sincerely,
Chery Nich s
Executive Director