Commissioners approve modified gate after months-long porch-enclosure debate at 409 Catherine St.

Architect Carlos Rojas presented revisions to his client's application for 409 Catherine Street, proposing removal of nonhistoric lattice, replacement with a new wood railing and new wood front door with transom, and removable Bahama-style side sunshades to add privacy.

"These sunshades, they they'll simply unhinged," Rojas told the commission, emphasizing the elements were intended to be temporary and removable. Staff planner Daniella said while removal of PVC lattice and a new wood railing were supported, "staff does have concerns with the partial enclosure of the porch" and cited entry/porch guideline 1, which says enclosure of publicly visible historic porches is not appropriate.

Commissioners questioned drawings, reviewed a 1965 historic photo showing a more enclosed low wall, and repeatedly raised concern about a full-size door set at the porch level. Commissioner Osborne drew attention to the historic photograph and said the solid, lower wall historically existed, while Commissioner Harrison and others said a full door hanging within the railing felt incongruous with Old Town patterns.

After an initial motion to approve the applicant's plan failed, the board debated an amendment that would replace the proposed full-height front door, transom and flanking lights with a 0.5-height gate consistent with the new railing pattern. Commissioner Harrison moved to approve with a gate; Commissioner Moody seconded. The board then voted to approve the project as modified, with the new gate replacing the full door and without the door’s columns, transom or lights.

Chair summarized the outcome as approval "as modified by motion." The applicant indicated he would present the modified gate design to his client.

What happens next: The project was approved with the gate modification; staff will process permits consistent with the commission’s motion and the applicant may proceed with construction per the revised approval.