Contemporary design in historic area approved

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Michael and Melissa Brooks had to make major changes in their plans to gain approval from the Planning Commission two weeks ago. Last week, they brought their plans to the Historic District Commission for design approval.

The Brookses had initially planned to build a home for themselves and two rental units, with the possibility of adding more in the future. When they applied on May 14, they failed to receive a permit to cut several large trees. They returned with a new plan, working around the trees and scaling down the sizes of their proposed buildings.

Mark Hughes, who lives directly below the proposed project, had opposed it at both Planning meetings. He renewed his objections at the HDC meeting, citing traffic concerns on Cushing St., where the parking for the project will be located. He also objected to the contemporary design of the house, “so contrasting to the Victorian neighborhood.”

Commissioner Marty Cogan also argued against design of the house, which would face Spring Street. “It looks like a Florida beach house, not something that belongs in Eureka Springs,” she said. She also worried that it would loom over neighboring structures.

Commissioners walked through the guidelines that cover compatibility of new construction, and approved the project with Cogan voting against.

Home additions approved despite neighbor’s protest

Jeff Chapman and Stan Dubois, at 304 Spring St., proposed an addition 14 x 15 ft. at the rear of their studio/garage. They also asked approval for shutters and window boxes, and a white picket fence across the front of the property. The house, built in 1950, is non-contributing.

Chapman explained that he planned to operate a home salon at the location. The HDC only considers the design, not the purpose of an application. During public comments, a neighbor objected to the in-home business. Laura Lee Wilcox said she lives next door, and objected to allowing a home occupation in the neighborhood. “I find this unacceptable,” she said. “It’s still a business where people come and go attempting to open in a residential neighborhood.” She also noted that the property does not have off-street parking.

Chapman said on-street parking has never been a problem, except during several major events. The HDC broke the vote into three sections, for the addition, the fence, and added architectural details, and all three areas received full approval.

The HDC will meet next on Wednesday, July 17. Level III requests were due by July 5, and the deadline for Levels I and II will be July 11.