Historic Preservation Commission delays decision on two‑story house at 814 McCumber Alley after neighbors raise scale and parking concerns

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission voted May 14 to continue consideration of a proposed new two‑story house at 814 McCumber Alley to the June 11 meeting after wide discussion about scale, fenestration and front‑facing parking.

Staff presented the proposal as a 26‑by‑42‑foot front‑gabled, two‑story house with a stacked two‑story front porch, hardy lap siding, concrete first‑floor porch decking and a proposed gravel parking area at the front of the lot. Staff noted the parcel is a vacant non‑contributing resource but that all facades and site changes in the historic district are subject to design review. The staff report also outlined home‑share and short‑term lodging restrictions that could affect parking if the house is used as whole‑house lodging.

Neighbor Anthony Demings, who identified himself as a resident of 812 McCumber Alley, said the block is defined by mostly one‑story houses and told the commission the proposed two‑story stacked porch would be an out‑of‑scale “tower” that would not fit the streetscape. Demings also raised concerns that a second car parked in the proposed two‑car, front gravel area could extend into the travelway and that the current plan risks damage to existing cobblestone paving in the alley.

The applicant and agent explained proposed grading to raise the house 12–24 inches to address drainage and said they were open to design changes. Commissioners suggested several options to reduce perceived verticality, including lowering the roof pitch, switching the gable for a hipped or mansard roof, moving outdoor living space to the rear, or eliminating the second‑floor porch. Staff and the city attorney indicated that such redesigns would need revised plans and entry into the record.

Assistant City Attorney Gina Essie advised the commission that revised drawings shown during the meeting that were not part of the submitted record would require the application to be continued and formally resubmitted for review. The applicant offered to deliver revised drawings to staff by May 29 for the June 11 agenda packet.

On a motion to continue, the commission set the next hearing date for June 11, 2026, to allow the applicant to submit revised materials addressing roof form, porch configuration and window placement.