An easy mid-summer agenda presented no problem for the Historic District Commission at its August 3 meeting. Commissioners approved these two applications:
- 75 Prospect – add storage area to 4th floor balcony
- 60 Crescent – new paint colors; re-roof; relocate door and two windows; replace picture windows with French doors; new carport; extend decks. Commissioners tabled the part of this application for demolishing the carport pending a clearer description of the intended work.
These two items on the Consent Agenda were also approved:
- 8 Washington – dimension drawing of previously approved tower concept
- 35 Benton – new paint colors
Consent Agenda items are Level I applications that the City Preservation Officer believes
are in accordance with Design Guidelines.
Chair Dee Bright presented one Administrative Approval, an application for repair and work involving no changes in materials or color but which includes applications for changes in roofing color.
- 44 Ridgeway – re-roof
As a result of their workshop on Roofing Reflectivity, commissioners proposed this addition to their guidelines:
“Historically, structures in Eureka Springs were roofed with materials made of wood on sloped roofs and tar products on flat roofs. These historic materials were darker colors ranging from a light brown to much darker colors. Today’s roofing materials come in a rainbow of colors. However, the darker shades are more in keeping with the historic look of roofs and are recommended.
“Guidance: It is imperative that qualified roofing contractors be consulted when considering roofing materials. The products available today and in the future allow the use of historic colors and greater energy efficiency.”
Commissioners will vote on this proposal at the next meeting, which is Wednesday, August 17, at 6 p.m.