Proposed reconstruction of roofline and addition of dormers, along with an exterior rehabilitation.

The existing hipped roof has a 6.5/12 pitch, measuring approximately 32'-5" to the mid-point of the roof slope, with hipped-roof dormers centered on the front and side roof slopes. The proposed roof pitch will be 9.5/12 and measure approximately 35'-1" to the mid-point of the roof slope. Hipped-roof dormers (with a 9.5/12 pitch) are proposed for the front, slide, and rear roof slopes. The dormers will be clad in fiber cement shake siding.

The project also includes the installation of new double-hung windows in existing fenestrations, repair and repointing to the existing brick masonry exterior, and new roof cladding. A small amount of windows on the side and rear elevations (2 on the rear, 4 on the right, and 1 on the left) will be enclosed with masonry to match the existing.

1. 1610 Clinch Avenue is a contributing structure to the Fort Sanders National Register Historic District and Neighborhood Conservation Overlay.

2. The primary scope of work aims to increase the height and interior capacity of the house's upper level. The addition will increase the building's height by 3' and change the existing roof pitch from 6.5/12 to 9.5/12.

The primary relevant guideline in the Fort Sanders NC Design Guidelines states that "additions should be made to the side or rear of the building." However, dormer additions have been approved in Fort Sanders, both by increasing the size of existing dormers and adding new dormers, along with slight increases to roof pitch. The largest new dormer will be located on the rear roof slope, with the new dormers on the front and side roof slopes similar in width to the existing. The proposed fiber cement shake siding on the new dormers meets the guidelines.

While guidelines recommend that new roof pitches are "not less than an 8/12 pitch," they also recommend that houses remain proportional to comparable houses in height and width. The proposed 9.5/12 pitch roof is comparable to the adjacent houses (1616 Clinch Avenue and 1620 Clinch Avenue) but three feet taller than the original roofline. The Commission should discuss the height and pitch of the new roof.

3. The existing building's exterior has already received significant modifications, including replacement windows, new windows in non-original locations, and the enclosure of a rear corner porch. Overall, the proposed window replacements are appropriate within the guidelines, except for the ground-level windows on the façade, which are proposed to be replaced with single-light picture windows. Guidelines state "windows should be double-hung sash windows." New windows should be installed in the originally-sized brick fenestrations (as reflected on the drawings) and avoid further enclosure with trim or siding. The proposed windows to be enclosed are on secondary elevations and at basement level, and are not character-defining features of the building. The elevation drawing retains the door's transom and sidelights, which are character-defining features.

4. All repointing and masonry repair should meet the specifications of NPS Brief 2, "Repointing Mortar Joints on Historic Masonry Buildings." Painting historic brick masonry with contemporary paint is not advisable.

5. Guidelines for parking recommend providing parking access off the alley or a side street, and note that "surface parking area shall always be to the rear of the building." Access from the alley does not appear feasible due to the substantial slope at the rear of the property, the narrow width of the alley, and the placement of the parking garage to the rear. 1610 and 1616 Clinch Avenue already have large gravel surface parking lots between the two houses, and front driveways extend off Clinch Avenue up to 1630 Clinch Avenue. All efforts should be taken to place new parking areas beside or behind the primary building, and avoid the front yard. Final site plan revisions will be necessary based on accessible parking requirements and City Engineering standards. Staff may approve minor revisions to site plans provided they meet the guidelines.