Item 20 - Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreement

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HPPA No. 2023-06 – The Thomas House July 6, 2023 Page 2 3 5 2 1 •Long term preservation of the property and visual improvement to the neighborhood •Allows for a mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation •Provides additional incentive for potential buyers to purchase historic structures •Discourages inappropriate alterations to the property In 2001, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Thomas House on the Register and within the “Key” category because of its distinctive architectural style and quality, as it is a significant illustration of the cross-gabled subtype of the Queen Anne style. Character-defining exterior features of the Thomas House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: complex roof configuration; two-story massing and composition; wood siding (in various widths); front porch (including porch columns, paneled porch ceiling, wood porch steps, etc.); bay window; windows throughout including double-hung wood windows with wood trim; pedestrian doors; brick chimney; architectural detailing (scalloped wood shingles, half-timbered gables, exposed beams under eaves designed with scalloped ends, fascia with rounded ends, rear gable railing, etc.); and original carriage house (detached garage). In 2018, the property received administrative approval for exterior modifications consisting of window trim restoration at the primary elevation, removal of unpermitted railing along the carriage house (detached garage), and front yard improvements including the installation of a “Hollywood Driveway,” with additional landscaping to the north of the driveway, and a new front yard wrought iron fence. All exterior modifications were consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. It was noted during the 2023 site visit that all aforementioned items were implemented at the subject property except for installation of the Hollywood Driveway and adjacent landscaping to the north of the driveway. Staff will work with the property owner to ensure that the Hollywood Driveway and associated landscaping are installed as part of the rehabilitation and restoration requirements during the duration of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. Additionally, during the 2023 site visit, staff noted the partial removal of non-compatible yellow textured glass from the rear sunroom and partial restoration of compatible clear glass. Additional non-compatible yellow textured glass was located on the rear door as well. Some wood rot was viewed throughout the exterior of the house, specifically at the rear staircase and front entry stairs. Staff will work with the property owner to address these concerns as part of the rehabilitation and restoration requirements during the duration of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. Additional future improvements proposed by the homeowner during the initial ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include repainting the exterior gate and home, repair front steps from possible termites, repair carriage doors, repairing wood windows throughout the property as needed to ensure operability, and general on-going maintenance. Staff will ensure that the proposed work will be done sensitively and will maintain the property’s character defining features as part of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. Historic Resources Commission 2-2 July 6, 2023