Design Review Board

Oakwood/Lincoln Park Infill Housing Overlay District

6-E-21-IH

Applicant Request

1. The house is proposed to be located 31.7' from the front property line. The average front setback of the blockface is 40'. The adjacent setbacks are 38' (708 E. Caldwell) and 40' (716 E. Caldwell), though both houses have small front porches. The proposed house should be moved slightly towards the rear of the property to align with the blockface and maintain consistent front yard space (to around 38' from the front property line). The site plan includes a walkway from the street to the front door.

2. The block is characterized by one-story Minimal Traditional houses, along with some highly modified Queen Anne cottages and infill construction. The proposed one-story, three-bay residence is proportional to the dimensions of the lot and the other houses on the block. The side yard setbacks are also consistent with the block.

3. The proposed parking meets Infill Housing design guidelines as it extends from an operable alley and will be located behind the primary residence. The final site plan and parking should meet City Engineering standards.

4. Overall, the one-story, three-bay façade is similar in scale and width to the context. The foundation height will also be compatible with the block.

5. The site plan includes a 6' deep from porch, recessed behind the primary façade. Guidelines encourage porches which are proportional to original porches on the block, usually around an 8' minimum. However, this block is characterized by Minimal Traditional houses and infill construction, most of which include shallow front entry stoops instead of deeper porches. The proposed porch is not out of context in this design.

6. Guidelines recommend window and door styles to be comparable to original houses on the block, and maintain a consistent ratio of solid to void. One additional window on the southwest side elevation (labeled as "left" on elevation drawings) to contribute additional transparency. Infill Housing reviews generally recommend designs omit non-operable shutters that don't appropriately fit the windows (or select appropriately-sized shutters). The project includes window and door trim.

7. The proposed 6/12 pitch is generally the lowest pitch approved for roofs in Infill Housing overlays. The surrounding block has similarly low-pitched roofs.

8. Overall materials are appropriate. The siding should use lap siding with an overlap instead of Dutch Lap or flush panel siding.

9. The project includes the retention of an existing dogwood tree in the front yard, and the removal of a larger maple adjacent to the right property line. A second native or naturalized tree should be planted in the rear yard to meet guidelines.

Site Info

New primary residence fronting E. Caldwell Avenue. One-story, front-gable roof residence measuring 30' wide by 43' long, with a smaller front-gable roof massing on the left half of the façade, adjacent to a recessed corner porch on the right. The house is proposed to be set 31.7' from the front property line. The proposed 18' by 20' parking pad is accessed by the alley and located at the rear of the property. A 10' by 12' uncovered wood deck projects from the rear of the house.

The house features a 6/12 front-gable roof clad in asphalt shingles, an exterior of vinyl Dutch lap siding, and a stuccoed foundation. The façade roof features a gable-on-hip detail and full cornice returns on the smaller front-gable massing. The front porch is recessed under the façade's hipped roofline, measuring 6' deep by 15' wide, supported by 4" by 4" posts. Windows will be 1/1, double-hung, vinyl sash with 4" trim. The right (northeast) side elevation has two windows and one window is on the left (southwest) elevation.