Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (Oct 8, 2025)

Meeting Overview The Historic Resources Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County held an in-person meeting on October 8, 2025, at Asheville City Hall. The agenda included administrative formalities, such as the adoption of the September 10, 2025 minutes and the swearing-in of new members, followed by public hearings on two Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications. The commission also addressed updates regarding grant applications and upcoming design standards work.

Key Decisions and Votes The commission voted to approve the September 10, 2025 minutes and Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law without corrections. During the public hearings, the commission made two significant decisions regarding historic properties. First, the commission voted 8-1 to approve the COA application for 7 Banbury Cross in the Albemarle Park Historic District. Second, the commission voted unanimously to approve the COA application for 34 Cumberland Circle in the Montford Historic District. Both approvals were contingent upon the applicants meeting specific conditions outlined by the commission.

Discussion Highlights The hearing for 7 Banbury Cross focused on the replacement of a retaining wall adjacent to Cherokee Road. Staff noted that the proposed replacement exceeded 10% of the wall surface, triggering a major work review. Discussion centered on the use of railroad ties, which are not permitted by the Albemarle Park Historic District Landscape Design Standards, and the necessity of screening the wall. The commission approved the project with the condition that the applicant submit a suitable vegetation screening plan for staff review and approval.

The hearing for 34 Cumberland Circle involved a request to replace non-original windows, modify siding and trim, and construct a second-story addition to an existing one-story ell. The discussion emphasized the importance of retaining original windows and ensuring that any new windows matched the historic character of the building. The commission approved the application with conditions requiring the submission of revised window specifications and the retention of a removed original double-hung window on-site.

Follow-ups Applicants for both projects are required to obtain all necessary permits and variances before commencing work. Specifically, the applicant for 7 Banbury Cross must submit a planting plan and species list to HRC staff for review and approval. The applicant for 34 Cumberland Circle must submit revised window specifications for staff review and approval. Additionally, staff provided an update on the Biltmore Village Small Business Infrastructure Grant application, which has a deadline of October 31, 2025. The commission also noted that a special work session is scheduled for October 21, 2025, to review proposed revisions to the Montford Design Standards.

Impact on Residents These decisions affect property owners within the Albemarle Park and Montford Historic Districts. The approval of the retaining wall replacement at 7 Banbury Cross allows for the modification of the landscape adjacent to Cherokee Road, provided that the required vegetative screening is implemented to maintain the district's aesthetic standards. The approval at 34 Cumberland Circle permits significant renovations and an addition to a historic home, subject to strict guidelines for window design and the preservation of original architectural features. These outcomes reflect the commission's role in balancing property owner needs with the preservation of Asheville’s historic character.