Raleigh committee approves front‑yard patio, pathways at Montfort Hall landmark

The Raleigh Historic Development Commission’s Certificate of Appropriateness Committee on June 25 approved a request to install a front‑yard patio, new pathways and altered landscaping at Montfort Hall, a Raleigh historic landmark at 308 South Boylan Avenue.

Chair Lauren Woodard, the committee’s chair and a registered architect, said she "really enjoyed the update to your application" and cited evidence from staff and the applicant as support for approval. Staff senior preservation planner Colette Kinane opened the case as "case 532026 for 308 South Boylan Avenue," describing the proposal and noting that earlier concerns were resolved through amendments to the application.

Applicant co‑owner Jeffrey Shepherd (Heights House Hotel) told the committee he and his team sought to preserve the house’s historic character while providing outdoor gathering spaces. "It's always a joy to go through this process, and we learn a lot while we're doing it," Shepherd said, adding that a previously approved front‑yard pad was never constructed and that some historic paving material was found across the front yard during prior utility work.

Commissioners asked material and site‑history questions: Jordan Ryland asked whether the examples shown implied grass or moss between flagstones and whether the proposal intended pea gravel infill; Shepherd said the team preferred a more natural infill where it will sustain plant growth but requested approval for pea gravel as an alternate to avoid returning to the committee if needed. Staff clarified that a deteriorating concrete driveway apron noted in the written materials is on the south side of the corner lot and may have been a source of cobbles used on site.

After closing the evidentiary hearing with no public speakers, Woodard moved to approve the application "based on the evidence presented within the application and the staff report, as well as the testimony provided during the evidentiary hearing" and stated the approval would be "no conditions." Jordan Ryland seconded; the motion carried on a unanimous vote of those present.

The committee directed that its written decision will be adopted with the minutes of the July 23 Certificate of Appropriateness meeting. The committee adjourned following the vote.

Why it matters: Montfort Hall is a landmark within the Boylan Heights Historic District; changes to the front yard and walkways affect how the property relates to the district's historic character and set precedent for materials and layout on other landmark properties.

What was decided: The committee approved the COA to install a front‑yard patio, pathways and landscaping at 308 South Boylan Ave. with no conditions. Staff indicated prior concerns were addressed by amendments and noted prior COAs and on‑site evidence informed deliberations.

Next steps: The written decision will be finalized and adopted with the July 23 COA minutes.