Historic Preservation Commission approves amended COFA to add elevator disguised as chimney at 36 Bruin Road

The Beaufort County Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a second amendment to the certificate of appropriateness (COFA) for 36 Bruin Road that will allow an elevator shaft to be enclosed within a chimney-like structure at the rear porch. The motion passed 6–1 after commissioners added conditions about detailing and materials.

Staff presented the application and said the amendment would add an elevator shaft within a new chimney structure, relocate stairs and the service yard, and include rooftop screening for mechanical equipment. "The staff finds that the UDO criteria have been met with this 2nd amendment and that a determination regarding the appropriateness of the chimney structure is needed this evening," staff stated as part of the presentation.

Applicant James Atkins of Court Atkins Group described design changes made after earlier HPRC review: narrowing the chimney, adding a double bishop's cap, a small planted base to ground the element, and revisions to column spacing so the elevator integrates with the porch. Atkins said the upstairs space required elevator access and that the elevator cost was a substantial investment that was not required by code when the original plans were filed. "We didn't have a tenant for the 2nd Floor and we have a potential and they would like an elevator, so that's why I'm here," Atkins said.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about fire-code restrictions under stair landings, sightlines from Bruin Road, and whether HVAC equipment would remain screened. Staff noted items beneath stairs would not be permitted by the fire marshal, and the applicant confirmed mechanicals would be screened and that the chimney treatment is intended to disguise elevator equipment from public view.

Before the vote, one commissioner proposed specific conditions to address detailing: require a 2-inch stucco recess around the chimney window and remove the jamb trim shown on the drawings. Commissioners also asked that the chimney material be clarified on the final drawings; they instructed that the chimney be specified as tabby (a traditional finish) on the detailed elevations. The motion to approve "with additional conditions," including the 2-inch recess and removal of the jamb trim, was moved and seconded and then approved by voice vote with one dissenting vote.

The approval is limited to the design shown and the conditions added by the commission; commissioners emphasized consistency between the final construction drawings and the materials and details approved at the meeting.