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Home My WebLink AboutHDC2025-010 Staff ReportJuly 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 NAME: 1116 Rock Street - Certificate of Appropriateness LOCATION: 1116 Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT: Linda Pollock, Linda K Pollock Protection Trust, 20001 Moon Dance Lane, Spicewood, TX 78669-6803 Figure 1. Rear accessory structures at 1116 Rock Street, Little Rock, 2025. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 2 AREA: 0.16 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 WARD: 1 HISTORIC DISTRICT: MacArthur Park Historic District HISTORIC STATUS: Contributing CURRENT ZONING: R4A – Low Density Residential A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT’S STATEMENT: The application seeks approval for the demolition of a rear accessory structure and the construction of a new rear accessory structure in the same location on the property. B. BACKGROUND Location The subject property is located at 1116 Rock Street. The property’s legal description is “Lot 9, Block 46, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas”. Context The subject property is the site of a single-story wood frame dwelling constructed as a residence circa 1880 in the Folk Victorian style and two wood frame rear attached accessory structures. The primary dwelling currently serves as a duplex. The primary structure is Contributing to the MacArthur Park Historic District. and the most recent Arkansas Architectural Resource Form (PU2987, 2007) is provided as Attachment C. Development History The rear square-shaped accessory structure that is the subject of the Figure 2. 1116 Rock Street located in MacArthur Park Historic District. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 3 application, is a single-story, wood frame structure supported by a partial concrete foundation, enclosed with wood board and batten siding and corrugated metal panels, and topped by a corrugated metal shed roof. The structure can be accessed from the alleyway by a large sliding wood door. The structure—or a similar structure at the same location—is present on the 1897 Sanborn maps as a wood frame structure with a wood shingle roof with an open elevation towards the interior of the lot. By 1939, portions of the structure were enclosed or replaced with metal. Sometime between 1960 and 1998, an addition was constructed extending towards the interior of the lot, which shows the footprint visible today (See Attachment A). The rear square accessory shed structure is attached to a rectangular structure to the north that served as a stable (indicated on the Sanborn maps by an “x” across the footprint). The stable structure is a one-and-one half story, wood frame structure supported by an unknown foundation, enclosed with wood board and batten siding, and topped by a corrugated metal shed roof. The structure retains rear stable doors accessed from the alleyway. Other original openings facing the interior of the lot have been boarded but retain their dimensions. This structure is present on the 1897 and has been relatively unchanged except for the replacement of wood shake roofing with corrugated metal. Previous Action On February 2, 2022, a COC (HDC2022-007) was issued to Linda Pollock for in-kind roof repairs to the rear accessory structure. On February 27, 2011, a COC (HDC2011-007) was issued to Linda Pollock for front porch concrete step repair. On May 14, 1990, a COA (HDC1990-003) was issued to Linda Pollock & Ludy Riley for fire damage repairs and wood window replacements No additional previous actions were found on this site. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 4 Sanborn Maps & Aerials: Figure 3. 1116 Rock Street, 1897 Sanborn Map. Figure 4. 1116 Rock Street, 1913 Sanborn Map. Figure 5. 1116 Rock Street, 1939 Sanborn Map. Figure 6. 1116 Rock Street, 1950 Sanborn Map. Figure 7. 1116 Rock Street, 1960 aerial image. Figure 8. 1116 Rock Street, 1998 aerial image. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 5 C. EXISTING CONDITIONS: See site photos (Attachment A) and application packet (Attachment B). The application packet includes cover letter, application, survey, site plan, elevation drawings and product sheets and specifications. D. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: At the time of distribution, staff received no public comments. 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: Demolition of Rear Accessory Structure The application requests the approval of the demolition of the rear accessory shed (“shed”) structure. The shed structure is approximately 550 sq. ft. in area and, being over 200 sq. ft., the demolition request cannot be administratively reviewed. Based on document and physical analysis, Staff believes the structure was constructed during the period of significance (“POS”) of the District (1842-1960) but has been significantly altered after the period of significance with an addition and by materials. Additionally, these alterations are poorly constructed making it prone to damage and posing security risks for the owner and occupants. Staff finds the demolition of the shed to be consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 8.1. The shed is determined to be non-contributing due to alterations and is unable to be restored to be contributing to the site as no known photographic evidence or illustrations during the POS have been found to guide restoration. Staff finds the proposal is consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as the building is non-contributing and does not retain its historic integrity due to material loss and alterations. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 6 Construction of New Rear Accessory Structure The application proposes the construction of a new rear accessory structure at the same location, and relatively within the same footprint, as the existing shed. The structure is intended to be used for storage. The structure will be of frame construction with board and batten-style cladding using LP SmartSide (i.e. engineered wood siding) with a wood grain-like texture. Roofing will be galvalume 26-gauge sheet metal with a profiling similar to the existing corrugated metal. The project proposes that the roofline of the new accessory structure will match the height of the existing historic stable. A large sliding door is proposed along the west elevation facing the alley, similar to the existing sliding door. See Attachment B for survey, site plan, elevations, and proposed materials. Little Rock Municipal Code Sec. 23-120(f) states: “New construction shall be judged on its ability to blend with the existing neighborhood and area of influence. The commission shall consider, but not be limited to the factors listed alterations in paragraph [subsection] (d),” those being: siting, height, proportion, rhythm, roof area, entrance areas, wall areas, detailing, façade, scale, and massing. Each of these factors is outlined in the Design Guidelines in Section 7. Staff finds the construction of the new rear accessory structure to be partially consistent with the Design Guidelines, specifically Guideline 7.1 (Siting), 7.2 (Height), 7.3 (Proportion), 7.4 (Rhythm), 7.5 (Scale and Massing), 7.6 (Entrance Area), 7.7 (Wall Areas), 7.8 (Roof Area), and 7.9 (Façades). The proposal is inconsistent with Guideline 7.8(3), in that the proposed ridgeline of the new structure would be in line with the historic stable structure. Staff recommends that the ridgeline be lower than the historic stable structure so that the new structure is subordinate and differentiated from the historic stable. Staff also recommends that the engineered wood finish be a smooth finish, rather than a wood grain-like finish, and that a horizontal trim board be utilized along the south elevation to differentiate between the wall area and gable area of the building. Separately, staff believes traditionally spaced standing seam metal may be considered an appropriate roofing material for the project, if desirable, as it is typically more durable. Staff finds the proposal is mostly consistent with the SOI Standards, specifically Standard 9: “New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.” July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 7 Lastly, the property is zoned R-4 and accessory buildings in R-4 are allowed to compromise 30% of the rear yard area. Currently the existing accessory structures compromise 60% of the rear yard area and are considered non-conforming unless significantly altered or removed. If the existing shed was removed, the new structure would need to meet all applicable zoning requirements, including rear lot coverage requirements as well as be positioned so that any overhangs do not enter the public right-of-way. The proposal may require the approval of a variance by the Board of Adjustment and require it be set back from the rear property line to avoid overhangs entering the public right-of-way. F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of the application, with the following conditions: 1. The ridgeline of the structure shall be located below the existing historic stable structure. 2. Engineered wood siding shall be smooth in finish. 3. No alterations shall be made to the historic stable structure during demolition and construction of the new accessory structure. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 8 Attachment A: Site Photos July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 9 Attachment B: Application Packet 1 Ratzlaff, Hannah K. From:Linda Pollock <kriley13@verizon.net> Sent:Sunday, June 22, 2025 10:58 PM To:Ratzlaff, Hannah K. Subject:Cover Letter 1116 Rock St EXTERNAL EMAIL - This email was sent by a person from outside your organization. Exercise caution when clicking links, opening attachments or taking further action, before validating its authenticity. To: Little Rock Historic Commission June 22, 2025 Cover Letter 1116 Rock St. Project Overview: Outbuilding demolition and replacement construction PROPERTY BACKGROUND Historical significance circa 1890 with barn structure and two later additions, a garage, and an art studio The property was purchased by a family member in 1962 for the family, then rental occupancy as the original interior. Concrete driveway (210 SF) added to south end of barn c.1939, Art space (339 SF) added c. 1980 Converted into a duplex in 1985 after a one-room fire Front apartment is 750 SF, 1 bedroom with high ceilings, moldings, transoms Rear apartment is 900 SF, completely remodeled in 2024 PROJECT RATIONALE Goal is to retain property in the family, having previously owned 3 other Rock Street houses dating back to 1946. Concrete driveway area and art space were damaged by 1/3 of a large diseased oak tree on ROW property owned by ARdot, which is still a danger to the area. This structure provided a visual buffer and sound barrier to the traffic and activity from the west-bound Main Street exit off of I-630. Recent revision of I-30 now generates more traffic and large trucks using the Main Street exit. The structure adds to the privacy of the backyard and creates a visual barrier to the daily foot traffic and impedes sight lines into the backyard. The scale and replacement of these structures will maintain appropriate proportions and sight lines to this property. Retaining the historical significance and the family history ties to MacArthur Park area are a consideration in replacing these structures. PROJECT OVERVIEW Original barn structure - no work or changes Concrete driveway overhead structure 210 SF - demolish Art space overhead structure 189 SF - demolish Rebuild the 399 SF area to include new footings, structural wall and roof framing, corrugated metal roofing to match existing roof material on barn, board and batten siding on the west, south, and east walls An existing driveway door will be put back in place for future use as a garage. CHANGES Standard framing and footings in the existing footprint will be constructed and will be the same 399 SF. There are two different roof elevations over the concrete and art areas. The plan is to have only one elevation over the two areas. Both areas would have the same elevation as the art space, which is the higher of the two elevations. The goal is to achieve a more cohesive look and to reduce maintenance. By using this height, the connection to the existing fence on the south side will remain as it is now. This will require that additional height be added to the 9' 4" side D east-facing wall. The plan is to use some of the original 12-inch boards to add to the top. The 7' 2 section of east east-facing wall C will require the new siding. The other sections of that area do not need replacing. MATERIALS Roofing to be Galvalume 26-gauge sheet metal with the same ridge profile as the barn section. Using 26-gauge, which is slightly thicker, will better sustain the storms and high wind weather conditions. I have sourced this at McElroy Metal in NLR. Siding will be a wood grain look in the board and batten style, same as the current siding style and garages on the block. I have sourced LP SmartSide https://lpcorp.com/products/siding-trim/products/panel-vertical-siding. Lumber for wall and roof siding will comply with the required structural framing load requirements. Concrete footings to be appropriately sized. A custom paint color is on file at Sherwin Williams, which will match the existing color of the siding. DEMOLITION Existing roofing, framing, and siding will be manually torn down and will not require any large machinery. Any vintage lumber that is salvageable will be saved. July 7, 2025 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: HDC2025-010 10 Attachment C: PU2987