Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (Jan 14, 2026)

Historic Resources Commission Meeting Recap: January 14, 2026

The City of Asheville’s Historic Resources Commission held an in-person meeting on January 14, 2026, to review proposals for changes to properties within the Montford Historic District. The agenda included administrative matters, public hearings for four Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) requests, and discussions regarding ongoing district guidelines. The commission focused on balancing the preservation of historic character with practical construction needs, particularly concerning damaged retaining walls in public spaces.

Key Decisions The commission took action on four agenda items. First, the Administrative item, which included the approval of minutes from the December 10, 2025 meeting, passed. Second, the commission voted 6-0 to pass the COA request for 123 West Chestnut Street, authorizing the construction of a new one-and-a-half story, 1,085 square foot accessory structure. Third, the commission voted 16-0 to pass the COA request for 255 Cumberland Avenue, which involves the replacement of existing windows. Fourth, the commission voted 16-0 to pass the COA request for 53 Birch Street, involving the replacement of a partially collapsed stone retaining wall at Riverside Cemetery. Finally, the commission voted 16-0 to pass the COA request for 345 Montford Avenue, involving the replacement of a partially collapsed stone retaining wall at Montford Park.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the retaining wall replacements at Riverside Cemetery and Montford Park. Commissioners debated various construction approaches, including the use of salvaged stone as veneer, concrete walls with stacked stones, and sheet piles. Concerns were raised regarding the visual impact of newer construction methods compared to historic walls, particularly the potential disruption caused by sheet piles at the cemetery. A commissioner highlighted the importance of replicating historic masonry techniques, specifically advocating for wider mortar joints to achieve an authentic appearance. Additionally, a commissioner suggested exploring a CMU retaining wall as an alternative to sheet piles to mitigate equipment impact on adjacent properties.

Despite the recorded votes indicating the COA requests for the retaining walls were passed, the transcript summary notes that the commission voted unanimously to grant a continuance on the wall construction proposal. This decision delays further action, allowing the applicant to revise their plans and present new veneer options that address the commissioners' dissatisfaction with the current material choices. The applicant is required to resubmit materials by Wednesday, and the commission is open to scheduling a future hearing in February or later if necessary.

Follow-ups The commission chair agreed to coordinate with staff to schedule a future hearing date in February for the retaining wall projects. Additionally, the chair agreed to clarify the scope of a planned presentation to the Montford Neighborhood Association regarding proposed guideline amendments, specifically determining if a 45-minute time slot is feasible. A commissioner also suggested reviewing previously approved projects with newer walls within the district to provide examples for the applicant.

Impact These decisions affect property owners and residents in the Montford Historic District by setting precedents for how modern construction can be integrated into historic areas. The approval of the accessory structure at 123 West Chestnut Street and the window replacement at 255 Cumberland Avenue allows for necessary updates to private properties, provided they adhere to design standards. The extensive discussion on the retaining walls at Riverside Cemetery and Montford Park highlights the commission's commitment to ensuring that repairs to public historic spaces respect the neighborhood's aesthetic and minimize disruption to adjacent properties. The requirement for the applicant to resubmit revised plans for the walls indicates that the commission is prioritizing long-term historic integrity over immediate construction completion.