The most significant topic of the meeting was the proposed demolition of the building on Palisade Avenue. The structure, a 3.5-story building with a Mansard roof and an intact original porch, is listed in the master plan inventory and is individually noted for its unique architectural features. The staff recommended denying the demolition request, emphasizing the building’s historical context and intact features. The applicant, represented by William Wenman, argued that despite the building’s original features, it had suffered significant alterations and modern intrusions over the years. Wenman provided estimates for relocating the structure, claiming costs between $450,000 and $500,000, which included approximately $200,000 for the move and $250,000 for foundation site work.

The commission members debated the feasibility of relocation versus preservation on-site. One member pointed out the community’s history of being protective of such structures and the potential for major problems if the demolition proceeded without community engagement. The commission ultimately leaned toward denying the demolition application, with a motion to recommend denial passing predominantly in favor, citing the preservation of the building’s historical elements and the implications of losing such a structure.

Another topic was the approval of a certificate of appropriateness for a property on Bright Street in the Van Vorst Park historic district. Represented by Christen Hopkins, the applicant sought to add a three-story rear addition, restore the facade, and renovate the interior of a historic home constructed around 1860. Hopkins presented plans to restore the neglected front facade, reopen a previously filled-in doorway, and restore the brickwork. The proposed addition would incorporate stucco in a “warm light color,” and Marvin Elevate windows would be used throughout. Staff supported the application, recommending approval with conditions, including the installation of vibration and crack monitors on adjacent buildings due to their age and the submission of specifications for all exterior light fixtures before construction commenced. The motion to approve the application with conditions passed unanimously.

The commission also reviewed an application for a property on Jersey Avenue, located in the Van Vorst Park Historic District. The owner sought a certificate of appropriateness for converting the former St. Mark’s Church and its rectory into residential units. The project included extensive site work, interior renovations, facade restoration, and the addition of a second floor visible from the public right-of-way. Stephen Joseph, representing the applicant, described the project as an adaptive reuse of the existing church building, transforming it into approximately 23,600 square feet of residential space comprising ten dwelling units. The project required several variances, including a use variance and variances for rear yard setbacks, building coverage, lot coverage, and parking.

Architect Will Wenman provided a visual comparison of the historic and current conditions of the buildings, noting that the historic facade remains largely intact despite some alterations. The project aims to make significant site improvements, such as replacing the sidewalk, enlarging tree pits, and installing landscaping to buffer the residential units from the street. Wenman explained plans to modify the rear of the church building by removing a portion to create a rear yard, enabling the addition of windows on the rear facade, and maintaining an access easement crucial for egress. The rectory’s front masonry section will be preserved, while the rear segment will be demolished to make way for a new four-story addition designed to blend with the historic elements.

In addition to these major topics, the commission discussed the proposed renovation of a historic two-family home into a one-family residence. The applicant emphasized maintaining the existing scale and massing while aligning the design with historically appropriate language. Concerns were raised about the window configuration, leading to a suggestion that the project include a condition to work with staff on window adjustments based on historical evidence.

The meeting also included discussions on other demolition applications and updates on tabled cases, including properties at 169 to 179 Palisade, 116 Magnolia, and 384 Communipaw. The commission expressed concerns about the historical significance and potential for preservation of these buildings, leading to recommendations for denying demolition applications that did not meet historical preservation criteria.