244 Elmira Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

In June 2021, 244 Elmira Avenue received HDLC approval for the new construction of a single family residential building in a quasi-Craftsman stylization and detailing. Previously, the project had proceeded through the ARC and Commission process and received approval of the new construction project. In August 2023, a final inspection was performed. The final inspection was failed due to deviation from the approved drawings. The work in deviation included the installation of incorrectly tapered columns, the absence of roof overhangs at first story gables, and the inappropriate installation of vertical board wood fencing. The applicant is petitioning the Commission to allow for retention of these deviations. 

Per the approved plans, all gables were to have approximately 19" overhangs with brackets mimicking Craftsman detailing. The as constructed condition included this overhang at the two-story portion of the building but not the gables at the first story (front or rear facing). Instead, the board and batten verticals die into a piece of fascia that does not extend at the ridge or eave of the gables. Although visually important to the cohesiveness of the design, the required changes to the existing roofing, insulation, and porch construction would require an absorbent amount to remediate. For this reason, Staff has no objection to retention of the omitted overhangs. 

Tapered wood columns on masonry pedestals were included in the approved design to compliment the overall Craftsman aesthetic. The columns at the front porch include a taper at the inside face but create a straight line at the outside. These columns should match the recessed entry column which tapers correctly at both faces. Although possibly not as discernible, the tapering of the columns is important to the overall design of the porch. Similar to the overhang issue, reworking the columns would require substantial work that would only slightly impact the building's appearance. Staff has no objection to the retention of the as constructed columns. 

Fencing at the property line did not follow a note on the approved plans and was constructed with metal vertical posts facing away from the building. As noted in the drawings, the HDLC only approves new fencing with posts at the interior side to minimize visibility. Staff recommends denial of as constructed fencing and that fencing be reworked to lessen the visilbity of the fence posts.