Commission approves rear double porch at 511 Grey Street with conditions

On May 14 the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to construct a rear two‑story porch at 511 Grey Street, describing the design as tailored to the property’s French chateaueque character.

Staff summarized the scope: an approximately 12‑by‑25‑foot porch raised about 3 feet from grade, stucco finishes to match the existing house color/texture, three stucco columns with arched openings, tongue‑and‑groove stained ceiling, and a proposed stucco fireplace with a vent‑free gas firebox to be approved through the administrative bypass process. The two existing upper‑level vinyl windows would be replaced by 36‑by‑80‑inch six‑light unfinished pine French doors stained to match.

Applicant(s) (identified in the hearing) said they took time to choose materials and details to align with the home’s architectural style. Commissioners asked about the arch forms and dormer horizontality; the applicant explained the choices as a studied decision to reflect the French precedents for the house.

The commission approved the request with conditions, including requiring that the final fireplace design proceed through administrative review, protection of trees, compliance with applicable codes and permits, and that any changes to the plan be brought back to staff or the commission as appropriate.