Planning commission recommends special-use permit for four-story addition at 130 N. Cortez with materials review condition

The Prescott Planning Commission on Sept. 25 recommended approval of SUP25-001, a special-use permit for a remodel and four-story addition at 130 North Cortez Street in downtown Prescott, subject to a condition that the applicant submit exterior building materials for review and approval by the city's historic preservation specialist prior to building-permit approval. Tammy DeWitt, community planner, said the proposal meets compatibility criteria for the Downtown Business (DTB) district and that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provided a courtesy review.
The project would maintain existing street-level character and preserve some historic features, DeWitt said, while adding a fourth story set back from the street to limit visibility from the sidewalk. The proposal includes retail or other commercial uses on the first floor and residential uses on the second and third floors; the fourth story would also provide residential units. The addition would be up to 50 feet tall, which the planner said is permitted in the DTB district.
Tammy DeWitt and the architect, Colin Lovedall of Michael Taylor Architects, described several design choices: retaining stucco on the front and north elevations because underlying brick would not support removal, reintroducing storefront elements at street level, adding an elevator, and placing rooftop equipment behind the new fourth-story massing so it is largely screened from street view. DeWitt said the Prescott Preservation Commission reviewed the proposal on Sept. 12 and recommended approval, 3-2, with suggested conditions.
Commissioners asked about parking and historic balconies. DeWitt said the project provides about six parking spaces and noted that the DTB district has exceptions for historic, pre-existing uses; parking requirements for retail in DTB are not mandatory. Architect Colin Lovedall said the design team considered restoring small cast-iron balconies that likely existed historically but decided against reconstruction because of structural concerns with the existing brick and because the balconies would cantilever above the sidewalk area.
Commissioner Tom Davis moved to recommend approval of SUP25-001 with the condition on exterior materials; Susan Graham seconded. The roll-call vote recorded approval by the commissioners present and the motion passed. The approval is a Planning Commission recommendation; building permits, final materials review and any required contractor-level approvals remain to be completed.