Alexandria architectural board wraps marathon meeting near midnight
Seven applications reviewed including window replacements, restaurant alterations, and door denials during lengthy November session
The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review concluded a marathon meeting at approximately 11:43 p.m. Wednesday after deliberating for 4 hours and 43 minutes on seven applications.
The meeting, which began at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, was dominated by a City Hall renovation discussion. The board voted to continue that matter to its November 19 meeting.
Following the City Hall discussion, the board moved through six additional applications.
Window replacements approved
Two window replacement applications using Marvin Infinity fiberglass insert windows were approved despite some board member reservations.
Richard Hakala of 313 N. Fayette St. received approval for his window replacement after contractor Tom Patterson demonstrated the narrow profile of the windows. “This has a 5/8 inch deep frame,” Patterson explained, showing samples to board members.
The board approved Hakala’s application 5-2. “I’m not trying to rebuild City Hall. I’m just trying to get some windows in my house,” Hakala said after the lengthy City Hall discussion.
A similar application from Zachary and Marlene Stern at 414 Pitt Mews also received approval. Board member Andrew Scott noted his support was influenced by the property’s location: “I would be inclined to approve simply because of how far back from the street this particular house is.”
Steel door denied for historic property
The board denied an application from Megan Gentry at 229 N. Alfred St. for a steel door replacement. Gentry explained she had been misled by her contractor about the door material and approval requirements.
“I thought I was getting a wood door. I got a steel door, and by the time it was already installed, like they were already putting it in, that’s when I found out,” Gentry told the board.
Board members expressed sympathy but upheld staff recommendations to deny the steel door for the pre-1884 building. “I feel really bad for your experience,” said board member Theresa Del Ninno. “But your house is so old. It’s prior to 1884. It’s an early building, and a wood door really is the appropriate door here.”
Restaurant alterations approved
The board approved alterations and signage at 111 N. Pitt St. for Finn & Fire, a new restaurant replacing Kismet in the Tavern Square complex. Architect Scott McGee described the business as “kind of a surf and turf” restaurant.
The approved changes include replacing glass and aluminum doors with wood doors, installing decorative wood surrounds, replacing corrugated metal panels with flat metal panels, and adding new lighting and signage. The board approved the application with the condition that the applicant work with staff to finalize door design details.
Window addition approved
The final application, from Emily Lapp at 415 N. Peyton St. for a new window installation, received unanimous approval. The project involves adding a window that matches existing windows and reusing original bricks where possible.
“The bricks that are taken out will be used because there’s certain areas of the brick home where bricks were replaced over years that are not clearly not original,” Lapp explained.
Scooter parking concerns
The meeting included a public comment about scooter parking structures in front of historic buildings. Board members explained they lack jurisdiction over city-approved scooter corrals.
“City council is your route,” Chair Nastaran Zandian told Currier. “We have a pretty limited mandate here.”
The board also approved October 16 meeting minutes and consent calendar alterations at 1605 Cameron St. One agenda item, a concept review for 333 N. Fairfax St., was moved to the next meeting at the applicant’s request.
About the board
The seven-member volunteer board reviews all exterior changes to buildings in the Parker-Gray and Old and Historic Alexandria districts, as well as to structures that are at least 100 years old. Property owners must obtain the board’s approval before making visible alterations or demolishing more than 25 square feet of a structure.
The Board of Architectural Review will next meet on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m.