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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2025-004 Staff Report FullApril 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 NAME: Narkinsky House - Certificate of Appropriateness LOCATION: 515 S. Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT: Joe Tollett Joe and Eri Tollett 515 S Rock Street Little Rock, AR Figure 1. Narkinsky House at 515 S. Rock Street. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 2 AREA: 0.16 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 WARD: 1 HISTORIC DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing CURRENT ZONING: UU – Urban Use A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT’S STATEMENT: The application proposes various exterior alterations, site improvements, and the reconstruction of original front porch elements. Proposed exterior alterations include the enclosure of the brick masonry foundation, installation of crawl space vents and doors, realignment of side elevation baseboards, reconstruction of original chimneys, and replacement of rear porch steps. Proposed porch reconstruction includes the replacement of the porch foundation, porch steps, and porch lighting, the realignment of porch columns and replacement of column bases with a substitute material, the removal of non-historic supports, and the reconstruction of eave brackets. Proposed site improvements include the replacement of the existing concrete sidewalk with brick and the installation of security lighting and cameras. B. BACKGROUND Location The subject property is located at 515 South Rock Street. The property’s legal description is “Lot 4, Block 150, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas” Context The subject property is located at 515 S. Rock Street and is the site of the Narkinsky House, a single-story, wood frame Italianate structure built as a residence in 1867. The structure is Contributing to the MacArthur Park Figure 2. Narkinsky House at 515 Rock Street located in MacArthur Park Historic District. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 3 Historic District and the most recent Arkansas Architectural Resource Form (PU2977, 2007) is provided as Attachment C. Development History The Narkinsky House is supported by a brick masonry pier foundation and features a rectangular plan covered by composite shingle, low-pitched hipped roof with gable dormers on the front and side elevations. The home features elaborate Italianate architectural detailing for a one-story dwelling, such as decorative eave brackets, tall, narrow six-over-six wood windows with segmental arches, and a central wood frame porch with Doric columns. The home’s historic architectural detail are well documented through photographs of the Narkinsky family, c. 1917-1942 (Attachment D). The Narkinsky’s were a Jewish family who lived in the structure during the early 20 th century. The structure is first depicted in the 1897 Sanborn map as a single-story frame dwelling with a central, three-quarter front porch covered by non-combustible roofing, likely metal, and a rear Ell wing, and rear porch covered by wood shake roofing (Figure 3). By 1913, the structure’s rear wing and porch were removed, an addition was constructed, and the front porch roof was covered with composite shingles (Figure 4). A rear room and stoop were constructed at the rear of the addition and was covered by a wood shake roof. By 1939, the rear stoop was enclosed and all roofing material was composite shingle (Figure 5). Sometime between 1978 and 1987, the structure’s front porch floor and foundation was modified sometime between 1978 and 1987 with the original brick masonry pier foundation and wood floor being replaced with a solid brick foundation and brick floor (Figure 6). Previous Action On February 12, 2025, a COC (HDC2025-002) was issued to Joe Tollet for window repairs and HVAC unit replacement. On July 18, 2024, a COC (HDC2024-023) was issued to Joe Tollet for gutter installation along the rear enclosed porch. On May 3, 2024, a COC (HDC2024-012) was issued to Joe Tollett for the installation of a ridge vent. On May 29, 2025, a COC (HDC2024-007) was issued to Joe Tollett for the removal of non- historic signage, removal of a handicap ramp on the front façade, and siding repair. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 4 On June 15, 2023, a COC (HDC2023-015) was issued to Jean Madden and Camellia Walker for porch repair, wood siding and trim board repair, wood soffit, fascia, and bracket repair, painting, and roofing repair. On April 4, 1991, a COA (HDC1991-001) was issued to Jean Madden for the renovation and repair to front porch and an addition of a handicap ramp. On September 3, 1987, a COA (HDC1987-003) was issued to Jean Madden for restoration of a front porch. No previous actions were found on this site. Sanborn Maps: C. EXISTING CONDITIONS: See site photos (Attachment A) and application packet (Attachment B). The application packet includes cover letter, application, site plan, architectural illustration, and product sheets and specifications. Historical photographs of the site are found in Attachment D. Figure 3. 515 Rock Street, 1987, Sanborn Map, Little Rock. Figure 4. 515 Rock Street, 1913, Sanborn Map, Little Rock. Figure 5. 515 Rock Street, 1939, Sanborn Map, Little Rock. Figure 6. 515 Rock Street, 1950, Sanborn Map, Little Rock. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 5 D. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: The time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. All owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site and all neighborhood associations registered with the City of Little Rock that surround the site were notified of the public hearing. E. ANALYSIS: Pier Foundation Enclosure, Crawl Space Vents and Doors The application proposes removing the existing painted plywood boards and enclosing the brick masonry pier foundation with salvaged brick, set back by 2 inches. Additionally, the proposal includes installing cast iron crawl space vents and three smooth steel crawl space doors. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 4.3 (4). The proposal uses appropriate infill material and sets the new material back a few inches to differentiate between the historic pier system and the new infill material. The crawl space vents and doors will be installed into the infill brick and the products are compatible and subordinate to the historic feature. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, 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.” Front Porch Reconstruction The application proposes several improvements and repairs to the front porch. These include installing new flashing and metal roofing, removing the non-historic, existing foundation (Figure 7), and reconstructing the pier and beam foundation displayed in the Narkinsky family photographs (Attachment D). The porch foundation will have a tongue-and-groove floor and foundation openings will be covered in lattice. The front steps will be rebuilt using brick, wood, or concrete, and black handrails will be added to meet code requirements. The existing columns will be repositioned to align with the original foundation location and roof elements. Missing eave brackets will be reconstructed, and the fascia will be repaired and rebuilt as needed, based on physical evidence of the original fascia found in the structure’s attic (Figure 17, 18). The existing porch light April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 6 will be replaced (Figure 16), and the porch ceiling will undergo plaster repair (Figure 13, 14). Lastly, the non-original horizontal support beams attaching the columns to the front façade wall will be removed (Figure 15). Staff finds the reconstruction of missing or altered architectural elements based on physical and pictorial evidence (Attachment D) to be consistent with Guideline 4.13(4). The proposed reconstruction of the missing architectural elements—porch foundation, metal roofing, flooring, column realignment, eave brackets, fascia— are supported by the Narkinsky family photos, the Sanborn maps, and the physical evidence assessed on site. Additionally, the proposed porch handrail is consistent with Guideline 4.13(7) and is simple and subordinate in design and compatible with the historic attributes of the property. Staff finds wood to be the most compatible material for the reconstruction of the front steps, based on pictorial evidence. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 6: “Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.” Porch Column Base Substitute Material The application proposed to replace the existing front porch wood column bases with fiber-reinforced polymer to reduce the risk of rot. Fiberglass and the related Fiber Reinforced Polymers (collectively FRP) are synthetic materials that can be molded into decorative shapes and details. They are lightweight and are often used as a substitute for decorative wood or masonry elements. More information regarding FRP can be found on page 56 of the Design Guidelines. Staff finds the proposal to be inconsistent with the Design Guidelines. Guideline 3.6(3) discourages the removal of architectural features that are in good condition and Guideline 4.13(1) encourages the replacement of historic materials too deteriorated to repair with in kind materials. Staff finds that the requested substitute material is not inappropriate for this use if replacement was necessary, however the condition of the column bases has not deteriorated to the extent that they cannot be repaired through ordinary maintenance. Staff finds the proposal is inconsistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 6: “Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 7 qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.” Realignment of Side Elevation Baseboards The application proposes realigning the exterior, horizontal trim boards on the historic rear addition with the trim boards of the original structure (Figure 9,12). The addition was constructed sometime between 1897 and 1913 and is considered to be historic. The misaligned trim boards showcase the expansion of the dwelling to accommodate the occupants and is historic in its own right (Attachment D). Staff finds the realignment of the side elevation baseboards to be inconsistent with Guideline 4.8. The proposal alters an existing historic feature and is not substantiated by documentation. Staff finds the proposal is inconsistent with SOI Standards, specifically standard 4: “Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.” Reconstruction of Chimneys The application proposes to reconstruct two original chimneys that were once prominent to the exterior: one near the front of the structure along the north elevation and one near the rear of the structure along the south elevation, see front façade illustration in Attachment B. The two chimneys are visible in historic photographs (Figure x and x), were removed by 1978, and the interior elements remain beneath the roofline. Staff finds the reconstruction of the two prominent chimneys consistent with Guideline 4.26. The proposed reconstruction of the chimneys are supported by the Narkinsky family photos and the physical evidence assessed on site. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 6: “Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.” April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 8 Rear Porch Step Replacement The application proposes replacing the rear porch steps with brick and the installation of a handrail (Figure 10). The existing wood steps are deteriorated and require replacement. As currently constructed, the steps and risers do not meet code. The rear of the structure, inclusive of the steps, is visible from the public alley. Staff finds the replacement of the rear steps to be necessary and finds the proposed material to be inconsistent with Guideline 4.13 (1). Staff finds that brick steps may appear as conjecture and that concrete steps would be more appropriate. The rear steps are not protected by a covering, were humbly constructed, and are located on the rear façade. Concrete is a more compatible replacement as it is simple in design and affords durability. Additionally, the proposed porch handrail is consistent with Guideline 4.13(7) and is simple and subordinate in design and compatible with the historic attributes of the property. Staff finds the proposal is mostly consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 6: “Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.” Sidewalk Replacement The application proposes replacing the concrete segment of the public sidewalk for the length of the property with brick masonry based on evidence from historic photographs (Attachment D). The bricks will be laid in a herringbone pattern to reconstruct the pattern visible in the historic photographs. Staff finds the sidewalk replacement consistent with Guideline 9.8(5). The proposal is substantiated by pictorial evidence. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically standard 6: “Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.” April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 9 F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of the application, as submitted, excluding approval for the realignment of the exterior trim boards and the replacement of the column base with substitute materials, with the following conditions: 1. Chimneys: The location and design of the reconstructed chimneys will be based directly on physical and documented evidence. Chimney flashing to be installed in step pattern in the mortar joints of the masonry. Brick masonry and mortar will match existing in dimension, scale, color, texture and other physical attributes. 2. Sidewalk: Reconstruction of the brick masonry sidewalk will be based directly on documented evidence. Additional engineering review and inspection is required by the Planning & Development Department to assure that the resulting sidewalk meets relevant accessibility and environmental codes. 3. Exterior Porch Light: New lighting will conform to Guideline 9.22 and require final review and approval by the staff. 4. Rear porch steps will be constructed of wood or concrete. 5. Front porch steps will be constructed of wood. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 10 Attachment A: Site Photos Figure 7. 515 S. Rock Street, front facade, 2025. Figure 8. 515 S. Rock Street, front porch, 2025. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 11 Figure 9. 515 S. Rock Street, south elevation, 2024. Figure 10. 515 S. Rock, rear elevation and rear enclosed porch, 2024. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 12 Figure 11. 515 Rock Street, corner of north and east elevations, 2025 Figure 12. 515 S. Rock Street, trim board connection between original structure and historic addition, 2024. Figure 13. 515 S. Rock Street, historic plaster porch ceiling revealed, 2024. Figure 14. 515 S. Rock Street, historic plaster porch ceiling revealed, close up, 2024. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 13 Figure 15. 515 S. Rock Street, front entrance, 2025. Figure 6. 515 S. Rock Street, exterior porch light above entrance, 2024. Figure 17. Fascia crown discovered in attic of 515 S. Rock Street. Figure 18. Fascia crown discovered in attic of 515 S. Rock Street. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 14 Attachment B: Application Packet 515 S. Rock St. Cover Letter HVAC – Replace 1 of 2 old package units in existing location at the rear of the house. Security lighting – Install light at rear of house and in alley between Melmore apartments. Security cameras – Add security cameras to view all 4 sides of house. Window above back porch – Repair the rotted lower rail of the window sash. Add storm window. Foundation, brick infill – Remove existing plywood infill. Use like-kind reclaimed brick set in approximately 2” from face of existing piers to close crawl space. Crawl space vents - Cast iron vents the same as or similar to the provided photo will be installed in every other infill section. Crawl space doors - Install 3 smooth steel crawl doors to be painted a color that blends in. Rear steps – Rebuild with either wood, brick or concrete. Add a simple black iron handrail. Align Baseboards – Align the baseboards along the bottom exterior of the house. Front Facade – I would like to put the house back as close as possible to the old Narkinsky photos. Chimneys – Rebuild the 2 prominent front most chimneys. Porch roof – Install new flashing and metal roof. Porch ceiling – Restore with a smooth plaster finish. Porch light – Use existing fixture location or add 2 ceiling mounted lights centered above windows. Porch floor – Rebuild pier and beam structure, top with tongue and groove wood. Porch steps – Rebuild with either wood, brick or concrete. Add black iron handrails. Columns – Restore columns and rebuild bases to match old photos using a fiber reinforced polymer. Lattice - Add similar size/style lattice in front of the infill to match the old photos. (front facade only) Fascia crown on house and porch – Replace with crown that matches the old photos. Eave brackets – Repair and reconstruct missing eave brackets. Some are only missing the finial. Front porch approach side walk and side walk around north side of house – Repair with brick matching street sidewalk. Street sidewalk – Remove damage sidewalk. Replace with brick. 140'50'70'41' 24' Rock St. AC Unit AC Unit Water Heater Under House AC Units Melmore Appartments 140'50'70'41' 24' Rock St. Sidewalk Rebuild existing sidewalk along street and to house. Lay concrete base and use brick pavers to finish. Diagnal hashed line fill area represents brick. Should new sidewalk approaching house stop at street sidewalk or go through green verge to street? April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 15 Attachment C: PU2977 April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 16 Attachment D: Historic Photographs Figure 19. Front facade, north portion of front porch. Louis Narkinsky, in front of the family home, 515 Rock Street. 1912-1917. Photo courtesy of CALS and BCAS. Figure 20. Front facade, south of front porch. Charles Narkinsky in his World War I uniform and his sister Mamie, beside the family home 515 Rock Street. 1915-1920. Photo courtesy of CALS and BCAS. Figure 21. Front porch. Annie Narkinsky Miller, with children Charlotte, Max, and Raida, riding in a wagon in front of Narkinsky family home. 1922-1927. Photo courtesy of CALS and BCAS. April 3, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-004 17 Figure 22. South elevation, Mamie Narkinsky at the family home, 515 Rock St. 1915-1920. Photo courtesy of CALS and BCAS. Figure 23. Rear porch and rear elevation. Eddie Narkinsky with nephew Max Miller, behind Narkinsky family home. 1917-1922. Photo courtesy of CALS and BCAS. Figure 24. Front facade of Narkinsky House at 515 Rock Street. Photo from 1978 Quapaw Quarter Association architectural survey.