DRB finds 22 5th Ave additions non‑contributing, approves demolition and renovation plans

The Design Review Board on July 8 concluded that additions to the house at 22 5th Avenue are not architecturally or historically significant and approved demolition of the identified portions so the homeowner may proceed with proposed renovations.

Nick Falco of Rick Construction told the board the house had multiple later additions and that preservation surveys list the house as non‑contributing in the Eastside Historic District. He outlined selective demolition (front porch expansion, removal of a heavy handicap ramp and a covered walkway) and proposed new construction using historic‑compatible materials (tongue‑and‑groove mahogany porch decking, new double‑hung windows), and said the team would retain natural materials where practical.

After discussing the timeline of earlier additions and review materials from the Preservation Foundation, the DRB voted to determine the listed portions lack architectural or historical significance and then approved demolition and the proposed renovation scheme. The chair complimented the applicant's research and material choices and encouraged attention to window proportions and trim details on subsequent submissions.