08.0 - 2410 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness October 7, 2026 HR-2026-106327 Rogers Washington Holy Cross Historic District 2410 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 8 – 1 Proposal Construct two housing units on a vacant lot. Project Specifications 1) At an existing vacant lot, construct two housing units utilizing the HOME ordinance. Each housing unit will be two-stories and will be of similar size, with one located directly behind the other. 2) Construct a driveway at the western edge of the lot to provide for off-street parking. Architecture The existing property is a vacant lot, with no record of permanent structures ever built on the site. Design Standards The Rogers Washington Holy Cross Design Standards are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: General Standards 2. Lot Configuration The subject lot was created as a result of subdividing 2406 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. While the design standards prohibit the replatting of lots, this situation may be unique in the district. The original 2406 property was much wider than the typical lot in the neighborhood, and it is bisected by a utility easement that prevents a single structure that uses the entire street frontage from being constructed. Additionally, the two properties immediately to the rear of the 2406 lot both have single-family structures on them. Given these circumstances, the development patterns of the larger district are maintained even through the lot subdivision. 3. Site and Site Elements 3.2. Driveways Proposed driveway is concrete in material. There is no existing driveway on the property, and the proposed work requires a new curb cut on E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The layout of the driveway will be consistent with the standards with regard to design and width, and will terminate at two carports located within the footprint of the two housing units. No circular or semi-circular layout is proposed. 3.7. Mechanical and energy conservation equipment Proposed mechanical equipment is to be located between the two units and not visible from the street. 8. New Construction of Infill (Principal Buildings and Accessory Dwelling Units) 8.1. Orientation, Setbacks, and Height The front housing unit will be oriented toward the street, and will have a similar setback to contributing resources. The overall height of the new buildings will be close to the 27 foot maximum outlined in the design standards. However, the two conditioned floors will be well under that maximum height, and it is highly recommended that the design be revised to lower the roof pitch to more closely match other residences in the district. Both housing units are to be of similar height, and the rear unit will not resemble an accessory structure. Additionally, verification is needed that the overall height conforms to the 27 foot height limit laid out in the design standards. 8.2. Design and style Both units have a more narrow and vertical appearance than what is typical among contributing properties in the district. While other properties often have a low-pitched, side gable roof form, both proposed units have a high pitched front gable roof. The front facing gable is appropriate given the width of the buildings, but the roof pitch may 8 – 2 look more appropriate if it is lowered for both units. Overall, there are few design flourishes that may confuse the structures as original, and the overall materials and fenestration is appropriate. 8.3. Exterior walls Exterior cladding on both units is proposed to be cementitious siding oriented horizontally, which can be found elsewhere in the district, particularly on newer construction and accessory units. 8.4. Porches and entrances A front step entry is proposed at the street-facing elevation of the most forward of the two units. While it does not propose a wide porch that is often seen in the district, it is simple and in keeping with houses in the neighborhood facing the primary street. 8.5. Roofs Roof form is simple and has compatible cladding materials for the district. See comments above concerning roof pitch and overall height for concerns regarding the roof meeting the design standards. 8.6. Windows and Screens Window sizes and locations are compatible with the district. However, more information is needed regarding the material and layout of the individual fixtures. The district design standards prohibit vinyl frames and strongly recommend against false muntins. Window glazing details should also be provided, indicating that the glass is clear and colorless. 8.7. Doors A single front door is present at the primary elevation of the front unit. The overall style is compatible with surrounding properties and reflects the intent of the design standards. 8.9. Garages, carports, accessory buildings Each unit is proposed to have a carport. These will both be largely hidden from view, with the carport of the front house placed behind the structure, and the carport for the rear unit adjacent to it, with required fire separation between them. In an effort to provide off-street parking on this arterial road, the solution proposed keeps the view from the street focused on the house and not parking. Additionally, the layout allows for one curb cut/driveway to serve two units. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. Department Comments This application will time out on December 21, 2026. Staff Recommendation Postpone the public hearing to November 4, 2026 and invite the applicant to the October 14, 2026 meeting of the Architectural Review Committee. Location Map 8 – 3 Property Information Photos 8 – 4 Site visit, 2026