On March 28, 2023, the Heritage Commission considered a Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) request for the property at 1422 K Avenue, located within the Downtown Heritage District (DHD) and currently occupied by McNeal’s Tavern & Eatery.  The scope of the project includes replacement of two accordion-style, bifold doors with a single roll-up style door on the front (west) facade.  The roll-up door was installed without CA approval during a 2022 renovation of the building suite and approval is needed to bring the site into compliance. 

Staff analyzed the request for compliance with the Downtown Heritage District Design Standards and noted the following observations (see Supporting Documents for more information):

•  The historic resource survey for the property notes that although the storefront is somewhat modified and alters from historic precedents, it is a key contributor to the district. 

• Because the building is a contributing structure to the district and evidence from historical photographs exists, the appropriate treatment strategy for this property would be reconstruction of the storefront with a simplified interpretation of the original. 

•  The removed doors were not original to the building and their preservation is not critical to the integrity of the building.  Ideally, replacement doors should be of a design more typical of historic storefronts for the purpose of improving building integrity; at a minimum, they should not reduce building integrity so as not to jeopardize the building’s status as a contributing structure.  

• Because the removed doors were not original, the use of doors that fold or otherwise operate to create an open air dining experience is an appropriate functional adaptation so long as the proportions of the original building opening are not altered and appropriate materials are used.

• General preservation principles discourage confusing building character and affecting historic significance by mixing elements of different styles or periods.  The proposed roll-up door is non-traditional and contemporary in style. This results in a mix of elements from different styles or periods affecting the overall character of the building. 

• The proposed materials and proportions interrupt the rhythm and repetition along this portion of K Avenue.  These repetitions are less apparent at present due to the front of the building being heavily obscured by an awning, patio dining, and large tree, but would be more obvious if those non-historic features were removed in the future. 

• The mix of styles, materials, and proportions of the proposed roll-up door detract from the historic integrity of the structure and run counter to the intent of rehabilitation principles stated in the DHD Standards.  If the proposed doors were to be approved, it may set a precedent for the district and potentially impact the contributing status of this property. 

Following presentations by staff and the applicant, the Commission deliberated and ultimately voted 7-0 to deny the CA request.  More information about the Commission’s deliberation is included in the attached Vice Chair Report. 

In accordance with Section 16-114(e) of the Heritage Preservation Ordinance, the applicant is appealing the Heritage Commission’s decision to the City Council.  As the last appeal to City Council occurred in 2017, it is recommended the Council review the Certificate of Appropriateness criteria attached in considering the appeal.

This item has no financial impact. 

Approval of this item supports the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government.