| 1/12/2026 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Minutes note: Andrew Stern discussed a proposal to remove the west chimney and add a third-floor balcony at 2015 North Lake Drive, primarily to enable elevator access for elderly relatives and create outdoor space. Mr. Stern highlighted the house’s architectural significance, designed by Elmer Gray, and noted that such alterations would remove historic materials and significantly affect the home’s character. For the balcony, Andrew recommended the use of Arts and Crafts-style doors and a less bulky railing design, suggesting glass or thin metal instead of bulkier options. Concerns were raised regarding the balcony's required railing height, which could obscure the window or door. Mr. Stern also cited that past chimney removal approvals were only for non functional chimneys not visible from the street, unlike this case, where the large, decorative corbel chimney contributes to the home’s architecture.
Some confusion arose around the examples of other balconies provided by the applicant; it was clarified that these were mostly not original features and, in some cases, they balconies may have been installed without commission approval.
Sally Peltz request to please look into some of this sample balconies and find out if they were approved or not by the Commission.
In response, the applicant expressed willingness to modify the balcony design and clarified their intention in submitting the photo examples, also highlighting that the chimney removal would not affect the house’s structural framing.
The Commission denied the combined request (Balcony and Chimney) based on the staff’s recommendations. The applicant was advised to work with staff for a revised, more historically appropriate balcony design and to submit the chimney and balcony proposals as separate items for future review.
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