Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (Jun 10, 2026)

The Historic Resources Commission held its regular meeting on June 10, 2026, to review several Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) requests and preliminary subdivision applications within Asheville’s historic districts. The session included procedural items such as the approval of previous minutes, the swearing-in of new commissioners, and the recognition of departing members. The primary focus was on evaluating proposed renovations, additions, and subdivisions to ensure compliance with local historic preservation standards.

The Commission unanimously approved a COA for 70 Cherokee Road in the Albemarle Park Historic District, allowing the installation of a new metal handrail along a patio wall. Additionally, the commission unanimously approved a preliminary subdivision for 7 Montford Park Place, creating two smaller parcels with a shared driveway, contingent on the removal of an existing carport. An amendment to a previously approved project at 207 Pearson Drive was also unanimously approved, requiring the reuse of existing historic windows and the replication of one diamond-pattern window. A COA for a screened porch at 112 Pearson Drive was approved, pending the submission of additional material details regarding siding, screen doors, and skylights.

Significant discussion and conditions were attached to the project at 570 Walton Street (Walton Street Park). The commission unanimously approved the COA for adaptive reuse of the pool structure and upgrades to the pool house, but with strict conditions. These conditions require the submission of revised north and west elevation drawings, detailed specifications for windows, doors, skylights, and roofing materials, and a future review of outdoor furniture design. Staff member Alex Cole will review the submitted materials. The commission also voted to advance the preliminary landmark applications for E.W. Grove Park and the Feldman House to the next phase of review.

One major project, the renovation of All Souls Episcopal Church at 3 Angle Street, was not approved. The commission cited concerns regarding the removal of the historic vestibule, the scale and visibility of proposed flood walls, and the overall impact on the building’s historic character. The applicant was asked to revise plans, potentially seeking guidance from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), with a reapplication planned for September 2026. The hearing for 7 Montford Park Place regarding aquafence and porch improvements was continued to July 8, 2026, with the commission requesting more information from city staff and alternative porch design options from the applicant.

Several administrative follow-ups were established. Legal counsel was tasked with correcting a discrepancy in the motion template regarding amendment dates for the Montford Historic District Design Review Standards. The applicant for the Walton Street Park project must submit revised drawings and material specifications for staff review. The applicant for 7 Montford Park Place must provide alternative front porch options for the July 8 meeting and obtain a separate permit for carport removal. The applicant for 207 Pearson Drive must provide revised window specifications. The commission will review plans for mural or artwork at Walton Street Park in a future meeting, and replacement trees for the approved Montford project are due to be planted in Fall 2026.