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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2009-020 Letter From Adam Melton To Members Of The Little Rock Historic District Commission With 4 Photos 11/06/2009Adam Melton 501-519-6803 700 Cherry Hill Drive, No. Little Rock, AR 72116 November 6, 2009 Dear members of the Little Rock Historic District Commission: I am writing to request approval for the attached application and plans for new construction within the MacArthur Park Historic District. My intent is to build a residence on the vacant portion of 1020 Rock Street where once a 19t` Century commercial building once stood. On the west portion of the property currently stands an 1890's commercial building once used as a blacksmith shop that will remain. Basically my plans include the construction of a residence with a similar footprint and stature of the previous structure (Baer's Grocery constructed in approximately 1866). The new building will be a freestanding, one-story, single-family residence and will face 1 Ph Street. I will use similar materials to those currently found on the property to construct the new building (i.e. similar color and style of brick and mortar, etc.). I have used design details from the previous building and styles from a current freestanding former firehouse at the corner of Daisy Bates Drive and South Pulaski as my inspiration for the design of my proposed building. (See attached pages for pictures of both of these structures). I currently have the property under contract to purchase contingent upon your Commission's approval of the proposed application and plans. I am hopeful that the Commission approves these plans so that I can proceed with the purchase and development of this vacant lot. My goal is to invest between $250-$300k in the property with the intent to have the property reflect styles that complement existing neighboring structures. Current Nei hborin Structures: • North of Property: Residential Home • East of Property: Vacant lot • South East of Property: Multi -story high-rise apartment building • South of property: Apartment Building and a former dry cleaners • West of property: Residential Home My family has renovated (in accordance with historic guidelines) property in the East Markham Street Historic District located in the River Market. We are strong believers in the beautification of neighborhoods and I look forward to investing in the MacArthur Park Historic District. Attached is the spec sheet for the 19"' Century Commercial building style off of the Historic Commission's website. The previous structure once located at my property is referenced as a good example of 19`" Century Commercial. Consequently, the image at the bottom of the attached page is the property my family has renovated and currently maintains at 301-307 President Clinton Avenue. Thank for your consideration, Adam Melton P-C . 6,11-O&CI 4-c, 17 I- �Et 0 A .71 Former Firehouse located at Daisy Bates Drive and South Pulaski bi 5ej +0 c evety p r West elevation (above) North elevation (above and below) I z 1020 Rock Street fy�, Pvr� -gw IJ 301 E. President Clinton Ave. T�6r" el,r Id VVvL'kl6 �e . U. 19Tn CENTURY COMMERCIAL Commercial buildings in the late 19`h Century were usually two or three stories tall, of brick, with some Italianate detailing. Most had flat roofs, with parapets, finials, or decorative panels accenting the facade. Some facades were made of cast iron with ornate detailing. Single storefronts (about 25 feet wide) had one entrance; double storefronts (50 feet or wider) had two or three entrances. Commercial blocks, covering a large area, had multiple entrances. Corner buildings sometimes had diagonal entrances. The entrances were recessed, flanked by large display windows. Other details included kickplates or bulkhead panels, clerestory and transom windows. Second story windows were more smaller, traditional, double -hung with molded surrounds. Examples: 1020 Rock Other examples in Little Rock 1200 S. Main Street