In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the construction of an addition to a historic home at 1304 Ashwood. The project, which was initially approved, has faced scrutiny due to alterations that deviate from the permitted design, particularly in terms of height and scale.

City staff reported that the as-built elevation of the addition does not comply with established design guidelines. The primary issue stems from the construction of dormers that connect the new addition to the historic structure, resulting in a 38-foot-wide dormer on each side. This modification has altered the perceived height of the home from one and a half stories to nearly two stories, which is incompatible with the scale of the historic house.

The staff's findings indicate that the addition's design fails to meet several criteria, including appropriate demolition and the preservation of the historic character of the neighborhood. The alterations have reportedly obliterated the original roof form and introduced a new roof design that does not align with the historic character of the district.

During the meeting, representatives from the Kingston Group, the contractor for the project, acknowledged the missteps that led to the unauthorized changes. They explained that unforeseen head height issues arose during construction, prompting quick decisions that ultimately bypassed the necessary re-engagement with the historic zoning commission. The contractor expressed regret for the oversight and emphasized their commitment to compliance.

In response to the violations, city staff recommended disapproval of the project as constructed and outlined corrective actions to be taken within 90 days. These include the removal of the windowless upper-level dormers, restoration of the original dimensions of the historic side dormers, and reconstruction of the ridge and rear eaves to match previously approved plans.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced in balancing modern construction needs with the preservation of historic integrity, underscoring the importance of adhering to established guidelines in renovation projects.