Council clears demolition of enclosed porch at 408 Beech, grants conceptual approval for rebuilt decks with conditions

The Historic District Council granted final approval for demolition of an enclosed front porch and the side and rear decks at 408 Beech Street and gave conceptual approval for the proposed reconstruction, conditioned on submission of product specifications and construction details.

Planning technician McKenna Tarmi told the board the property is a contributing shotgun‑style house circa 1900 and that staff supports demolition of the non‑original enclosed porch because removing it would move the building "closer to its traditional architectural form." Tarmi recommended final approval for the demolition only if the applicant provided clarified product specifications for siding, windows, doors and finished colors.

Owner Charlie Avaca described the enclosed porch as a later addition sitting on original siding and said he plans to reuse brick piers and match existing window types. Neighbor Taina Krishner testified in support and urged the council to allow immediate removal of hazardous deck elements.

The council approved a motion that combined final approval for the demolition of the enclosed front porch and side/rear decks with conceptual approval for the rebuild, with a condition that the applicant provide detailed drawings for railings, piers, stairs and material specifications for exterior finishes before the next submittal deadline.

Staff noted deadlines for resubmittal to qualify for the next meeting posting and said staff will evaluate whether the resubmitted materials support staff‑level final approval or require a return to the board for final design review.