Historic Resources Board - October 10, 2024

Board finds 1023 Forest restoration meets federal standards

The Historic Resources Board voted 5-0 to find that a proposed rehabilitation and restoration of the Category 2 historic home at 1023 Forest Ave. complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The project calls for reconstructing the 1896 Queen Anne home’s original belvedere and arched-cap brick chimneys, replacing incompatible windows, and adding skylights, a rear deck and front gates.

The application also requests 334 square feet of additional floor area under a Home Improvement Exception, including 104 square feet associated with the belvedere and 230 square feet for a single-car garage. Staff said the board’s review was limited to historic-preservation consistency and that staff will process the exception findings separately.

Board members praised the preservation approach while noting the project’s structural and seismic challenges. They also supported using metal roofing on the belvedere and conserving a concealed original stained-glass window.

Overhead utility concerns may return for board discussion

Board member Caroline Willis raised concerns that overhead utility infrastructure affects the appearance of historic districts, particularly along Forest. She suggested identifying priority historic areas and consulting city utilities staff about potential undergrounding or cleanup.

Staff will investigate possible approaches, and the issue may be placed on a future board agenda. No formal motion or board action on the topic was clearly recorded.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet