Applicant for 430 Mulberry presents facade changes; commission approves staff-recommended COA

The owner of 430 Mulberry, identified in the record as Mr. Kumar, joined the April 17 meeting virtually to present a request for a certificate of appropriateness for modest front-façade modifications.

Kumar told the council he had worked with city preservation staff and the design review committee (DRC) prior to the hearing and showed photographs of the property's earlier condition and the current proposal. He said the proposed changes are small, involve painting and adding modest trim/boards, and would retain original historic wood elements where present.

Commissioners asked whether original wood sections had been removed and whether a variance had been obtained. Kumar said parts of the original wood were removed previously but that the new structure is very similar, and he confirmed he had a center/DRC clearance for some aspects. Staff reiterated that some items were recommended for approval while other elements would need consistent repair to match guidelines.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to support staff recommendations for agenda item 4 (the Mulberry application), including the stipulations discussed in the hearing. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call with the commissioners recorded voting yes.

The council instructed staff to provide follow-up guidance and to issue the COA to the applicant by email within the timeframe described earlier in the meeting.