Historic Preservation group OKs two certificates, eyeing a third – Cleveland Daily Banner

By LARRY C. BOWERS larry.bowers@clevelandbanner.com

Clevelands Historic Preservation Commission met at the municipal building Tuesday evening and approved two certificates of appropriateness, and tentatively approved of a third request.

Matthew and Patricia Higgins, who reside at 263 17th Street, were seeking approval of plans for the addition of an attached garage, sunroom, bedroom, and driveway modifications.

The couples plans appear to be in line with standards for the citys Historic District, but Higgins did not provide a drawing of the planned renovations, as required. Following an extensive discussion of the residents planned work, the commission voted to award the certificate of appropriateness, contingent on the submission and approval of the drawings.

There are already two driveways on either side of the Higgins home, one leading to a very small garage which the homeowners says he is using as a shop. He plans to put in concrete for the driveways, or at least construct split driveways.

The current driveways are grass and gravel, and create some issues during periods of rain.

In his information sheet, Higgins said, In order to improve the overall appearance of the street and to provide sufficient space for our family, we are proposing these improvement projects.

He added that the planned garage will be on the rear facade of the west side of the house, 18 feet by 20 feet. It will match the original house roof pitch, exterior finish and windows. The garage door will be a bungalow style to match the home and comply with guidelines of the district.

They are also proposing a laundry-master bathroom at the rear of the home, extending from an existing window in the master bedroom.

A final proposal is the conversion of an existing wood porch into a sunroom. The wood porch is not original to the home, and is not visible from the street. The sunroom would also be constructed to match the overall style of the home, and would be 16 feet by eight feet.

Commission members approved the renovation plans, but still require the preliminary drawings for the work.

Two other requests for certificates of appropriateness were pretty routine, and approved by the commission in short order.

Greg Johnson, who lives at 221 15th Street N.W., is planning the conversion of a carport into a garage, and replacing a wood fence with a brick structure.

He said he was going to remove his current flat-roof carport and replace it with a pitched-roof structure, building it back 10 feet farther from the road. He said the roof will be singled to match the roof of his home.

He is also planning to remove his old wooden fence, replacing it with brick to match his home. The fence will close off access to the carport. Two eight-foot doors will be placed in the wall, providing access to the carport.

The second certificate approved was for Misty Morrow Rickert at 243 17th Street.

She is planning a replacement for her roof and replacement of the siding and gutters. This need developed from the severe hail storm which swept through the community some time back.

Clevelands Chief Building Official Bryan Turner said the homeowner would not necessarily have been required to come before the commission for the roof replacement, but since she is changing the material of her shingles, it was recommended.

The old wood shingles are being replaced with a new material which resembles wood.

Attending Tuesdays meeting were Vice Chairman Rufus Triplett, Sarah Coleman, Randy Wood, Joan Benjamin, Phyllis Callaway, and Jane Easterly. Commission Chair Maryl Elliott was unable to attend.

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Historic Preservation group OKs two certificates, eyeing a third - Cleveland Daily Banner