Webster Groves ARB approves several home alteration projects with design conditions

The Webster Groves Architectural Review Board approved a package of residential alteration projects Tuesday, setting specific design clarifications for guardrails, finishes and window treatments.

At a public hearing for 145 South Gore Avenue, David Larson of Pointer Landscape confirmed the existing handrail is wood and that all exposed faces of the project's concrete masonry unit (CMU) retaining walls would be stuccoed. The board moved to approve the retaining wall with the clarifications that the new guardrails match the existing wood rails and that all exposed CMU faces be stuccoed.

Earlier in the meeting the board moved a preapproval for 337 West Lockwood Avenue and recorded a recusal by Tracy Collins on that item.

For 609 Sherwood Drive, Harry Freeman of Freeman Homes answered board questions about an apparent dormer and confirmed that sills and heads would be provided at all main- and second-floor openings. Members asked the applicant to add a gable bracket to match the front elevation, to add two small closet windows on the left elevation to reduce large blank stucco areas, to install grills on the reading nook window to match the house and to use architectural-style overhead garage doors; the board approved the project with those understandings and noted an optional change to panel-style shutters if the owner prefers.

At 2 Karen Court, homeowner Amy Ladendecker and contractor Joe Elder joined online to confirm there would be no window grills on the front elevation and to discuss window configurations. The board recommended keeping a fixed picture window in the center with narrower casements or double-hung windows flanking it to preserve the facade's rhythm; it approved the project with the option for a fixed center picture window and flanking casements if the posts are not structural.

The board discussed 354 Lark Hill Court at length after Renewal by Andersen assistant manager Joe Reeder explained the proposal to replace paired vertical windows with a wider glider. Members said the change would remove prominent vertical mullions that give the front elevation character and recommended preserving the central picture window and maintaining vertical mullions, or using casements/double-hungs as flankers. The applicant said the alternatives could add $2,000'$3,000 and would consult the homeowner; the board agreed to table a final vote pending the homeowner's decision.

Votes on the approvals were recorded during the meeting; where individual voters are not named in the transcript, the motions and outcomes were captured in the minutes and reflected in the board's official approvals.

The board concluded the business and moved to other agenda items, including a staff presentation on potential code changes that would be discussed separately at a future meeting.