Commission approves 743‑sq‑ft pavilion and landscaping at 20 Audubon Place

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Dec. 10 to approve a certificate of appropriateness for an accessory structure and yard alterations at 20 Audubon Place (HPC 6425).

Staff told the commission the project includes a 743‑square‑foot pavilion (described in the presentation as roughly 20–21 feet tall), two wooden pergolas, terraces and steps that will match existing flagstone landscaping, a pool equipment enclosure made with painted metal posts and panel grids, and three raised planter beds stained dark bronze. Materials listed in the application include wood board-and-batten siding, textured stucco, aluminum-clad wood windows, fiberglass shingles and stone pavers.

Applicant Bill Griffith, who identified himself during the hearing, said the intent is to keep the new structures consistent with the existing home and neighborhood and that no guideline deviations are being requested.

No public comment was submitted on the case. Commissioners raised no objections and approved the application; staff reminded the applicant that a final inspection will be required.

Why it matters: Additions and accessory buildings in historic districts are evaluated for compatibility with materials, scale and site context; this project’s scale, materials and landscaping were presented as consistent with those requirements.

The applicant should coordinate with city staff on final details prior to construction and expect a final inspection.