1537-1539 Euterpe St.

Description: Appeal the ARC recommendations for the renovation of a Contributing rated, two-story, multi-family residential building including infilling the rear galleries. 

Staff Recommendations:

At the January 20 ARC meeting, the ARC voted to defer the application, stating "that infilling the massing at the rear, where galleries historically existed, was not appropriate". The ARC reiterated this statement at the following February and March meetings. The ARC recommended trying different options with the floor plan to maintain the existing footprint and that the proposed may have too much program for the historic building envelope. The HDLC Guidelines also emphasize the importance of these exterior transitional spaces that show how the building historically functioned. The Guidelines state, that the HDLC does not permit enclosing of any porch, gallery or balcony that is visible from the public right-of-way. While the galleries no longer exist, the massing and openings continue to allude to its historic function and is visible from the rear.

The applicant is requesting an appeal of the ARC recommendation citing the want for 4-units with 2-bedroom, 2-baths. Staff agrees with the ARC recommendation to maintain the existing footprint and recommends denial of the appeal.

Previous ARC Recommendations:

03/24/26: The ARC voted to defer this application for additional review. The ARC reiterated that infilling the rear area, where galleries historically existed, was not appropriate. The ARC recommended trying different options with the floor plan to maintain the existing footprint and that the proposed may have too much program for the building envelope. The ARC also stated that the stucco at the proposed addition is not an appropriate material for this building.

02/24/26: The ARC voted to defer this application for additional review. The ARC reiterated that infilling the rear area, where galleries historically existed, was not appropriate. The ARC recommended trying different options with the floor plan to maintain the existing footprint. The ARC stated that paired windows were not appropriate for the building style. 

01/20/26: The ARC voted to defer this application for additional review. The ARC stated that infilling the massing at the rear, where there were likely balconies or galleries, was not appropriate. The ARC also stated that not enough of the historic fabric, window and door openings, are being retained in the proposal. The ARC recommended retaining as many openings as possible and having fixed doors where they currently exist, but do not work with the new plan. Overall, the renovation should be more sympathetic to the historic fabric of the building. The ARC also recommended removing the egress stair that was added to the front porch of the building.

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Previous Drawings - 02/24/26:

Previous Drawings - 01/20/26:

Sanborn Maps:

Street View: