Historic Home Faces Controversy Over Unauthorized Renovations

In a recent meeting of the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission, significant discussions centered around two applications concerning historic properties. The first application involved the approval of a new deck and fencing at a residential property, which was deemed compatible with the Ann Arbor Historic District design guidelines. The motion to approve the application was unanimously supported by the commissioners, highlighting that no historic materials would be removed and the project would remain largely invisible from the street.

The second application, however, sparked a more contentious debate. It involved a historic Italianate house at 903 West Huron Street, where the owner had replaced a window with a door without the necessary permits or approvals. City staff reported that the work had been completed without a certificate of appropriateness, leading to civil infractions against the property owner. The commission reviewed the changes made to the property, which included the installation of a ramp for accessibility.

During the discussion, the property owner, Mark Fisher, defended his actions, arguing that he believed he was compliant with previous guidelines that allowed for repairs and replacements that were not visible from the street. He expressed frustration over the staff report, claiming inaccuracies regarding the timeline of the window-to-door conversion and the condition of the property.

Commissioners expressed concern over the removal of the historic window, emphasizing the importance of preserving original materials and features. They debated whether to approve the current state of the property or to require the restoration of the window. Ultimately, the commission decided to postpone the decision, allowing the applicant time to submit a comprehensive plan that includes detailed drawings of the proposed changes, including the door and ramp, by July 3.

This meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in historic districts, balancing the need for modern accessibility with the preservation of historical integrity. The commission's decision to postpone reflects a commitment to thorough review and consideration of the historical significance of the properties involved.