Norristown HARB approves alternatives for 53 East Chestnut; large projecting pent roof rejected
June 02, 2026 | Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Norristown Historic Architectural Review Board recommended to municipal council conditional approval for exterior work at 53 East Chestnut Street after debate over materials and a proposed projecting overhang.
Mike Sheridan, representing the property owner (53 East Chest LLC), identified three preferred finishes for the garage (the applicant said the first choice was an almond Parex smooth stucco) and described plans to install seven new garage windows and to finish stucco on all four sides of the garage. Board members noted that the town’s ordinance generally prohibits new stucco over brick on front facades and warned that stucco can stain and retain moisture; they recommended repointing and repairing the existing Chestnut Street brick as needed rather than covering it with new stucco.
Members considered three alternatives to break up the large garage wall: (1) a colored stucco band, (2) a brick soldier band, or (3) a simple cornice not exceeding 18 inches in projection directly above the first‑floor windows. The board declined to approve the applicant’s proposed 36‑inch pent roof as a style inappropriate for the building’s historic character; members said that a full 36‑inch projection would require separate zoning or council approval in any case.
The motion recommended that municipal council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness with these conditions: finish the house and garage facades facing Willow Street in Parex almond smooth stucco (garage); repoint and repair the Chestnut Street brick facade as needed; install seven four‑over‑one white vinyl windows in the garage; allow, to break up the garage facade, either a colored stucco band, a brick band, or a cornice 18 inches or less above the first‑floor windows; and install a solid wood or solid fiberglass second‑floor garage door without windows. The motion passed by roll call (Gail, George, Lynn and Olivia voting yes). The board noted that larger projections would need a zoning permit or council approval and that the applicant should pursue those separate approvals if they keep the larger overhang plan.
The board asked the applicant to provide details of the selected cornice or band and noted paperwork is due for the June 16 municipal council meeting.
Mike Sheridan, representing the property owner (53 East Chest LLC), identified three preferred finishes for the garage (the applicant said the first choice was an almond Parex smooth stucco) and described plans to install seven new garage windows and to finish stucco on all four sides of the garage. Board members noted that the town’s ordinance generally prohibits new stucco over brick on front facades and warned that stucco can stain and retain moisture; they recommended repointing and repairing the existing Chestnut Street brick as needed rather than covering it with new stucco.
Members considered three alternatives to break up the large garage wall: (1) a colored stucco band, (2) a brick soldier band, or (3) a simple cornice not exceeding 18 inches in projection directly above the first‑floor windows. The board declined to approve the applicant’s proposed 36‑inch pent roof as a style inappropriate for the building’s historic character; members said that a full 36‑inch projection would require separate zoning or council approval in any case.
The motion recommended that municipal council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness with these conditions: finish the house and garage facades facing Willow Street in Parex almond smooth stucco (garage); repoint and repair the Chestnut Street brick facade as needed; install seven four‑over‑one white vinyl windows in the garage; allow, to break up the garage facade, either a colored stucco band, a brick band, or a cornice 18 inches or less above the first‑floor windows; and install a solid wood or solid fiberglass second‑floor garage door without windows. The motion passed by roll call (Gail, George, Lynn and Olivia voting yes). The board noted that larger projections would need a zoning permit or council approval and that the applicant should pursue those separate approvals if they keep the larger overhang plan.
The board asked the applicant to provide details of the selected cornice or band and noted paperwork is due for the June 16 municipal council meeting.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
