Commission orders porch restored at 809 Mundy Drive, gives owner three months and requires HPO review of posts and colors

The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission voted to require the restoration of an enclosed front porch at 809 Mundy Drive to its original configuration and added a condition that the applicant submit porch-post and color plans to the Historic Preservation Office for review and approval.

Staff told the commission the porch had been completely enclosed with operable windows and stucco over brick, which significantly alters the contributing building’s character. “We never recommend enclosing a porch. Not ever,” Providencia said while explaining the design guidelines and Secretary of the Interior standards the commission uses when evaluating historic properties. Staff recommended that the porch be restored, that the work be completed within three months, and that no new permits be issued until the violations are corrected.

The property owner identified herself as Rose Salas and said she installed two windows and painted existing stucco because the space is used for her dogs. Salas described a prior contractor who installed a dormer and then left the job unfinished; she agreed to remove the windows and said she would work with staff on acceptable porch posts and colors. A commissioner moved to accept staff recommendations with the additional requirement that the applicant bring post and color proposals to the Historic Preservation Office; the motion passed.

The commission emphasized alternatives — such as open metal pickets or a trellis — that would preserve the porch’s open character while allowing some enclosure-like function. The HPO will review any proposed changes and the commission expects the restoration work to be completed within three months.