Prior to the commencement of discussion on this matter Mark Whalen declared a conflict of interest and removed himself from the meeting.
The City received an application for exterior façade renovations at 69 Patrick Street. The subject property is located within Heritage Area 2, is in the Residential Medium Density District of the St. John’s Municipal Plan and is zoned Residential High Density (RHD). The building is not designated by Council as a Heritage Building.
The existing dwelling is a two-and-a-half storey semi-detached dwelling. According to the applicant, the existing floor structures are substandard with reduced headroom on the upper two floors. As a result, the applicant is proposing to install a new floor structure throughout and reduce the dwelling to two storeys. This can be completed as an interior renovation that will not alter the height or roofline of the dwelling, however the renovation will change the window placement on the front façade. In addition to this, the applicant is also proposing a number of exterior renovations:
• As part of an energy upgrade, the applicant is proposed to use a ‘tilt and turn’ Kohler window rather than single-hung windows. The applicant recognizes that large un-interrupted glass may not be appropriate in this neighbourhood and have proposed single-pane windows with superficial divisions.
• The proposed siding will be a combination of wood horizontal clapboard with wood shingles on the mansard roof. The proposed trims will maintain the traditional arrangement.
• The porch will be removed from the front of the structure. The porch was not original to the building.
• The addition of two round porthole-style windows on the side and rear elevation.
The delegation was welcomed to the meeting and provided an overview of the application.
Discussion took place with comments about the following:
- view of the structure (front and side) from the street
- height to width ratio of the windows as it relates to the adjacent structure
- as the existing building is symmetrical, any changes will deter from a uniform design that is in keeping with townhouses.
- windows in mansard roof are not proportionate
Following the departure of the delegation at 1:17 pm the Panel made a recommendation to reject the application with the design proposed as it doesn't fit with the heritage character and the deviation in design is too extreme to make it more aesthetically pleasing. However, subsequent to the meeting, the applicant advised of the intent to undertake a redesign of the structure. This will come back to the Panel at a later date.
Mark Whalen returned to the meeting.