Summary

Commission of Architectural Review approves three COAs, denies two; discusses quarterly agenda

RichmondJan 28, 20253 min read

At a glance

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At its January 28, 2025 meeting the Commission approved COA revisions for 611 N 26th St. and a fencing relocation at 2220 E Marshall St., approved a new three‑story multi‑family building at 401 W Marshall St. with conditions, and denied applications to reconstruct a porch at 1809 W Grace St. and to construct a three‑story dwelling at 2201 Venable St. The Commission also approved December 2024 minutes and the consent agenda, and set items for the quarterly meeting.

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Commission of Architectural Review

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Housing

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Key decisions

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Approved COA-160011 (611 North 26th Street) — Revision to a previously issued COA approved with conditions: addition must be lower than the primary building; rear lap siding to have a different reveal than the original; final door, garage color, fence design and hardscaping materials submitted for administrative review; demolition/excavation to be performed sensitively; demolition and building permits to be applied for concurrently; decorative cornice on North 26th Street façade to match existing cornice or be a simplified design (final details on building plans).
Approved COA-160009 (2220 East Marshall Street) — Relocate a segment of existing chain-link fencing, with condition that no new chain-link fencing be installed on the property.
Denied COA-158358 (1809 West Grace Street) — Reconstruct a covered front porch denied because proposed metal posts and railings are not compatible with historic materials and forms in the West Grace Street City Old and Historic District; Commission recommended using wooden elements that reference historic photos, neighboring porches, or the recently removed compatible porch.
Denied COA-160010 (2201 Venable Street) — Proposed new three‑story dwelling denied for failing to meet City Old and Historic District guidelines for new construction (height, width, proportion & massing) and for inadequate architectural treatment of the corner elevation; the proposed three stories was found incompatible with neighboring two‑story historic buildings.
Approved COA-160046 (401 West Marshall Street) — Construct new three‑story multi‑family building approved with conditions: show cornice height on plans (including adjacent 405 W Marshall St.); extend brick veneer or otherwise reduce visibility of material transition on east elevation; porch ceilings finished (e.g., breadboard); final window/door specifications to use in‑keeping pane configurations (one‑over‑one, two‑over‑two, or six‑over‑six) and be submitted for administrative approval; include trash location and screening on final plans; submit final cornice detailing and railing specifications for Chair/Vice Chair or administrative approval.
Approved minutes for December 2024 and approved the Consent Agenda.
Scheduled Quarterly Meeting items: 2024 Year in Review; 2024 UDC Year in Review; Commission training on hearing procedures and visualizing infill.

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