ARB approves Toft Lane garage addition with deck-skirt condition

The Webster Groves Architecture Review Board approved a garage addition at 471 Toft Lane on May 7, contingent on the applicant adding a decorative skirt below the new front deck to conceal structural posts and the tops of piers.

Architect JP Melvin presented the design and described efforts to preserve a historic limestone well on the site and to echo the house's original facade details in the new garage. "I wanted to keep the well ... that was the premise behind the design," Melvin said, explaining the decision to use stacked stone accents in corners and to reference the house's historic elevations.

Board members agreed the placement and design were appropriate but recommended screening the visible deck supports. Carol Dunkey moved to approve the project with the condition that a decorative skirt be added to the deck and that the skirt be compatible with the house; the motion passed by voice vote. The applicant was given the option to use stone as the skirt material.

Next steps: the applicant will provide final deck skirt details to ARB staff as part of permit processing.