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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC_2026 02 05DEPARTMENT 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, February 5, 4:00 p.m. Board Room, Little Rock City Hall, 500 W. Markham 1. Roll Call Members Present: Christina Aleman, Chair Amber Jones, Vice Chair Dr. Thomas DeGraff III Tom Fennell Scott Green Chase Waters Diane Thomas -Holladay Members Absent: None Staff Present: Sarah Spakes Hannah Ratzlaff Raeanne Gardner 2. Finding a Quorum A quorum was present being seven (7) in number. 3. Citizen Communication No citizen chose to speak at this time. 4. Minutes November 6, 2025 Minutes The minutes were presented to the commission. Commissioner Waters made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Commissioner Scott 1 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote as submitted. 5. National Register Nominations None 6. Deferred Certificates of Appropriateness None 7. New Certificates of Appropriateness 1. HDC2025-030 Edward Haddock 718 & 720 E. 101h Street Exterior alterations, signage, screening Oj February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-030 NAME: 718 & 720 E. 10' Street- Certificate of Appropriateness LOCATION: 718 & 720 E. 1011 Street, Little Rock, AR 72202 Edward Haddock (owner) MacArthur Place LLC 1518 Commerce St. Little Rock, AR 72202 r. Figure 1. Apartment building at 720 E. 10" Street, 2025. Figure 2. Apartment building at 718 E. 10`h Street, 2025. Gerald Avery Architect (architect) 1921 Scott St. Little Rock, AR 72206 a-.F. _. 3 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission AREA: 0.32 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 iii a I vili` JI J ill I. r IdC il'['!U! ."Jrk.His,'OrIC SJlsu! i HISTORIC STATUS_ Non -Contributing C lJR„FNT ,Ni.Nt_ A. PRO P05AL11 iRQUEST/APeLICA - SS�'ATEMEIIjT: WARD: 1 The application proposes exterior alterations for both structures —including the removal of the mansard facade and replacement with gabled bays. the replacement of all windows, and the painting of exterior brick —the installation of two ground mounted signs and parking signs, the relocation and screening of an f existing dumpster. f -9 an B. BACKGROUND Location The subject property is located at 718 & 720 E. 10`h Street. The property's legal description is "All of the part of Lots 8 and 9, lying West of Interstate Highway No. 30 Service Road, Block 4, Masonic Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas" and "Lot 10, Block4, Masonic Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." Context The subject property is the site of two two-story, frame construction, multi -family residences in the Mansard style. Built circa 1978, these structures are non-contributing to the MacArthur Park Historic District. The most recent Arkansas Architectural Resource Form (PU2955 and ,W Its AV 4❑ f� sun Leff ' togAWto ply qa 4110 �f�g�� ❑ f LJ VC, 47.1 a - ` 718 E. 7Z0 E. aw $' 10th St, 10th St. ' 1a C:3 ` 1 L Figure 3: 718 and 720 E. 101h St. located in ,MacArthur Park Historic Distriet. Ell February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission 2956, 2007) is provided as Attachment A. North of the site is a historic wood frame, single story Folk Victorian residential structure (b. 1913) with a detached, rear, two-story accessory dwelling. The structure built in 1913 is the last remaining contributing structure on the block. South of the site is a two-story new construction mixed -use office and residential building (b. 2015) that is non-contributing to the district. The applicant attended a Pre -Application Meeting with the Design Review Committee on December 17, 2025. The Design Review Committee comments are provided as Attachment C. Development History The subject structures have been multi -family residences since circa 1978, with eight (8) units at 718 E. 10th and four (4) units at 720 E. 10th.From 1972-1978, the properties were the site of a motel, following the rezoning of the sites to "F" Commercial District and the issuance of a conditional use permit. The motel faced Interstate 30. Before 1972, the subject sites were zoned "C" Two -Family Districts and contained a historic Queen Anne style home addressed at 718 E. 10th St. (demolished circa 1971 forthe motel) and a large two-story residence where 720 E. 10th St. now stands that was demolished for Interstate 1-30. Previous Action On November 10, 2020, a COA (HDC2020-020) was issued to Doug Melkovitz at 923 McMath Ave. to allow for the installation of a new gravel parking lot on the corner of McMath Ave. And E. 10th St., on the parcel with 718 E. 10th St. On October 14, 2014, a COA (HDC2014-031) was issued to Doug Melkovitz to allow the replacement of the aluminum, single -hung windows with aluminum, single -hung windows of the same sash configuration at 718 and 720 E. 10th St. On April 21, 2013, a COA (HDC2013-009) was issued to Doug Melkovitz to allow the installation of an additional layer of asphalt shingles to the structure at 718 E. 10th St. On April 14, 1999, a COA (HDC1999-018) was issued to Quiet Water Development to allow the installation of a new roof system of 720 E. 10th St. following tornado damage. On December 22, 1977, a variance (Z-3070-A) was issued to P. E. Munnerlyn to allow for no fencing to screen on the north border of parcel at 720 E. 101h St. On January 24, 1977, a variance (Z-3070) was issued to P. E. Munnerlyn to allow 10-foot front yard setbacks. 5 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission On November 20, 1972, conditional use permit (Z-2463-A) was issued to W. A. Saunders -I- ... .+ c+h P n rnnp .+,, + rnn C 1171+ + i On March 2, 1972, the Planning Commission recommend approval to rezone (Z-2463) the property at 720 E. 10th St. from "C" Two-family District to "F" Commercial District to allow for a service station; motel; or other "F" commercial uses. The historic Queen Anne style residence on 718 E. 10" St. was demolished. On July 19, 1971, the Board of Directors denied the appeal to rezone (Z-2463) the property at 720 E. 10th St. from "C" Two-family District to "F" Commercial District. On June 3, 1971, the Planning Commission denied the rezoning (Z-2463) of the property at 720 E. 10t" St. from "C" Two-family District to "F" Commercial District. No previous actions were found on this site. Sanborn Maps and_Aeri_als; Y °; t krgure 1: 716 and _' i E. IOth St. (fornrerlr 923 McAlmont St. and 920 McGowan St.), Sanborn Maps, 1897, Volume 1, Sheet 56. rigure 6:718 and 720 E. 1011i Sl. (ror•nrerl1• 9 25 Mc 1mootu St. and 920 McGowan St.), Sanborn Maps, 1939, Volume 1, Sheet 67. Figure 5. 718 and 720 E: 10th St. &riner�%- 925 ,WcWinont St- and 920 McGowan Si. j, Sanborn ;Jags, i Y i 3, P oiume 2, Sheet 193. 0 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission 4 r Millis ,I Figure 7: 718 and 720 E. 10dr St.. 1961) aerial view. Figure 8: 71A and 720 E. 101h St.. 1998 aerial rieu- Figure 9: 718 E. 101h St.. 2007. photo courtesy af'Arkansas Architectural Resources Fonn. C. EXISTING CONDITIONS: Figure 10: 720 E. 10th St., 2007, photo courtesy of Arkansas Architectural Resources Form. See application packet (Attachment B). The application packet includes a cover letter, application, survey, site plan, architectural. plans, product sheets and specifications, current site photos, a project inspiration picture, and clarifying answers. D. NEIGHBORHOODCOMMENTS: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. 7 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission All owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site and all neighborhood a Jsociatlons r-GlJtered vVith lne Civ, of I idle iivr. is inu'. Si.l iYvunu ine .c,iiw lv�/Are riv.lTlw�n v7 the public hearing. E. ANALYSIS: Sec. 23-120(c) of the little Rock Municipal, Code states: "When evaluating the general compatibility of alterations to the exterior of any building in the Historic District, the commission shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors within the building's area of influence: (1) Siting. (2) Height. (3) Proportion. (4) Rhythm. (5) Roof area. (6) Entrance area. (7) Wall areas. (8) Detailing. (9) Facade. (10) Scale. (11) Massing." Siting The application does not include a change in siting. Height The application does not include a change in height. Proportion The application proposes to remove the mansard roofing over buildings' front facades. The application proposes to construct gabled window bays on the second story front facades of both buildings. On 718 E. 10th St., the cornerwindow bays are approximately 6.8 feet wide, the second and fourih window bays are approxiinateLy 5.04 feet wide, and the center window bay is approximately 10 feet wide. On 720 E. 10th St., the corner window bays are approximately 6.8 feet wide, and the middle window bay is approximately 5.04 feet wide. All window bays are approximately 10.8 feet in height from base to the gable peak and project two feet out from the facades. Staff finds the removal of the mansard roof alongthe frontfacades and the addition of gabled bays on the second stories to be consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.3. The gabled window bays are compatible in overall proportion with the width and height of the buildings and the transition from mansard to gable improves compatibility with the district. Rhythm The proposed alterations to the second story facades create patterns, spacing, and proportion that are more compatible with the design rhythm of the district. See Proportion section. February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission Staff finds the proposed project's rhythm to be consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.4. Scale and Massing The application does not include changes to the scale and massing of the structures. Entrance Area The application does not include changes to the entrance areas of the structures. Wall Areas The application proposes to apply smooth vertical fiber cement board and batten on the proposed second story bays and smooth horizontal fiber cement siding in between the bays. Windows will be installed within the bays on the upper front facade and window size and location will not be altered for the other facades. Staff finds the wall areas of the application to be pa Miallyconsistentwiththe Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.7. The proportion, rhythm, and scale of the proposed wall areas are compatible with structures within the area of influence. The proposed wall areas reflect the historic context of MacArthur Park while distinguishing the structure through the use of contemporary architectural materials that are inspired by historic materials. Roof Areas The application proposes to remove the mansard roof covering the second -story frontfagades while maintaining the hipped roof on 718 E. 10th St. and the pyramidal roof on 720 E. 10th St. Staff finds the removal of the mansard roof facade and retention of the existing primary roofs to be consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.8. Facades Smooth horizontal and smooth board and batten fiber cement siding is proposed for the upper front facades. The existing brick facades are proposed to be painted off-white and the proposed replacement windows are submitted as aluminum. A product specification sheet for the replacement windows was not provided by the 9 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission applicant. It is staff's understanding that the applicant intends to use black or dark o2 ice. c 0niicuiutions. The existing windows on both buildings are single -pane aluminum windows. The front facade windows have storm windows and a configuration of 8-over-8; the side windows are 6-over-6 with no storm windows. The rear windows on 718 F. 10'h St. are 8-over { hile the 1'-n L � m c+ . c -$ Conflguration, Wiinc uic rear windows on i�u �. i0 St. are �i-o"vex-u configuration. Several rear windows have been altered during repair over the years, changing their configuration. Staff finds the materials for the proposed facades to be pjartial[yconSlStenwith the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.9. Staff finds the use of board and batten as a front facade material is uncommon and not typically recommended. The use of the material in this circumstance could be appropriate given its application on a non -historic, non-contributing structure and to a limited architectural element of the facade. Staff recommends that if the request to paint the existing non -historic brick is granted, that the applicant considers installing brick matching the size and texture of the existing brick along the upper front facade —in place of the proposed horizontal siding —and the gabled bays be clad with smooth horizontal, shingle, or board and batten fiber cement siding. Detailing The application proposes to replace all windows with single -hung dark coated aluminum and matching pane configuration. Staff clarifies that existing windows are eight -over -eight and six -over -six and proposed windows are uniformly six -over - six. Staff finds the application's architectural details to be pa_ M4 consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.10. Staff recommends that the new windows maintain the existing pane configuration to balance the contemporary design of the proposal with the historic character of the neighborhood. Staff recommends that the new windows have exterior muntin profiles rather than interior divides. Historic Site Features No historic site features —including monuments, markers, sidewalks, signs, or stone curbs —exist on the site. Parking, Lighting, and Landscaping The application does not include any changes to parking areas, curb cuts, driveways, or lighting. The applicant plans on improving landscaping across the 10 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission front of the buildings, around proposed ground mounted signage, and between the street and parking areas. Staff finds the proposed landscaping to be cojsistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guidelines 9.2 and 9.12. Mechanical Equipment, Collectors, and Structures The application proposes to move the dumpster to the northwest corner of the parcel on which 720 E. 10m St. sits and enclose the collector with a decorative, textured, cinder block fence with a closable chain link gate. Staff finds moving and enclosing the dumpster pfLiatly cc nai.stent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 9.23. Moving the garbage collector to the northwest corner is compatible, as it places it farther from the main public right- of-way while still aligning it with the alley. The materials for the screening of the dumpster are inconsistent with Guideline 9.19, as the utilization of non -historic masonry, chain link, and concrete blocks are discouraged for new fencing and screenings. Staff recommends traditional wood privacy fencing or simple aluminum fencing for the screening material. Signage The application proposes to add four new signs to the site —one (1) ground mounted sign facing McMath Ave., one (1) ground mounted sign on the corner of E. 10th St. and 1-30 Frontage Rd., and two parking signs in between the two parcels. The ground mounted signs are proposed as 35" tall and 67" wide, including the post, which are 4" by 4" polymer -covered posts with caps. It is staff's understanding that the parking lot signs will be made of the same material and have the same design as the building signs. Staff finds the proposed signage to be rrDgjy consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 5.21(2). The proposed building signs align with the building's architectural character. The building signs comply with guidelines concerning scale, location, proportion, design, and lighting. The proposal does not use traditional materials by using a polymer sign face and sign posts. Composite materials —such as high -density polyethylene (HDPE) and medium -density plywood (MDP)—have been used in other signs in the district for durability. However, the sign supports have been traditional wood. Staff recommends using traditional wood posts forthe ground mounted signs. 11 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission LAW FIRM 501-372-640D +� A7 SF[ LSp7 — Y: } AGCARKANSAS I '- •• ;- iE]Lw.1C[Att. H1�.Yw[C++.HI 1rm FL ��1i X'YT11M1i'�'FFt{K lAae iC.�• •N1..r�. i5�71.17-'Uf:4 .. .. �ii;/�: Grl� Sl Bi„•„r, L.r�. F,�n�.-.rlL�.-- ...,_ __.,. ._ �'. j. !,.,1 f,_ �(;{ �,•A:u;,a:•si,.�;,,,, The property is in the Urban Use Zoning District, where ground mounted signs are only permitted by obtaining a variance from the Board of Adjustments. The sign may require additional review beyond the Historic District Commission before being issued a sign permit. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation Staff finds the proposed exterior alterations, signs, and screening to be consistent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, 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" F. STAFF RECOMMENQATIQ�; Staff recommends the approval of the application, as submitted, with the following conditions: 1. Replacement windows shall maintain the existing pane configuration with exterior muntin profiles rather than interior divides. 2. The garbage collector screening and gate material shall be traditional wood privacyfencing or simple aluminum fencing. .�. 1 he ground mounted sign suppor L posts s iall ue iiiaue of a quaLILy a aUILlui iaL material, such as wood. Final architectural drawings, sign designs, material specifications, and site plan shall be submitted to staff for final review and approval, inclusive of conditions. February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission COMMISSION ACTION: Staff presented the item to the commission. Mr. Edward Haddock, owner of the property, addressed the commission. Mr. Haddock said he was amenable to staff's recommendations. There was discussion regarding the board and batten vertical siding and horizontal siding. There was further discussion about painting the brick and about bricking the second story in between the gabled bays. Commissioner Fennell made a motion to approve the application, as submitted and with staff conditions with the proviso that Mr. Haddock can request approval to brick the second story in between the gabled bays and that request be processed as an administrative amendment to the Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Waters seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 7 ayes, 0 noes, and 0 absent. 13 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission 8. Other Matters Ms. Spakes thanked the Commissioners for attending the Preserve Arkansas Award Ceremony, at which the MacArthur Park Design Guidelines won the Outstanding Service in the Neighhnrhnnd Preservation. 2. Bi-fold mailers Ms. Spakes informed the Commission that the bi-fold mailers were sent to all property owners in the MacArthur Park Local Ordinance Historic District on February 5. They were delayed due to the snow, but property owners should expect them soon. 3. CLG Grant Updates Ms. Spakes updated the Commission on the 2025-2026 CLG Grant. The Hillcrest Phase V resurvey project is in the survey drafting phase. Ms. Spakes updated the Commission on the 2026-2027 CLG Grant Application. Staff applied for grant funds so staff and commissioners could attend trainings, so the HDC could hire a consultant to create a historic preservation action plan, and so the national organization dues could be paid. The City was awarded grants for trainings but not the historic preservation action plan funds. Ms. Ratzlaff shared that staff talked with the CLG coo ru-1nator at the Arkansas Hititonc Pre servatlon Program, and the City of Little Rock is in good standing with AHPP. However, there were more applicants than in previous years, and many of the applicants have not requested grant funds in many years. Thus, AHPP had to make different choices. There was discussion about how staff and the HDC could pivot. Staff will analyze status of goals stated in the City's current historic preservation plan (published in 2009) and explore staff's next steps. 4. Enforcement Issues Lot 9, Block 45 City of Little Rock—unpermitted installation of fencing Assistant City Attorney Raeanne Gardner updated the Commission that the property owner is appealing the case's dismissal. 14 February 5, 2026 Historic District Commission 525 E. 6th Street — rear alterations (primary) and building code violations (accessory) Ms. Spakes informed the Commission that 524 E. 6t" Street did exterior alterations to the rear porch. The work was only supposed to be interior, but it visibly affected the exterior from the public right-of-way. A stop work order was issued on February 4, 2026. Ms. Spakes informed the Commission that the rear, non-contributing accessory building is leaning over. Staff has been working with the property owner for two years to resolve the issue. The structure reached a point where it was unsafe, and the Building Codes manager labeled it unsafe. Ms. Ratzlaff clarified that while the building is not condemned, this tagging incentivizes the property owner to come before the Commission to take action. 5. Certificates of Compliance HDC2025-028 — 209-211 E. 10th St. — repair exterior stucco, porch woodwork, and wood windows. HDC2025-029 — 506 Ferry St. — asphalt shingle roof replacement. HDC2025-031 — 1010 Scott St. — wood shake repair along turret and gables. 9. Adjournment There being no further business for the commission, the meeting was adjourned at 4:53 p.m. Attest: Chair Secretary 15 Date Date