The Historic Architectural Review Board on Jan. 16 approved an amendment to the certificate of appropriateness associated with the historic-preservation ad valorem tax exemption for 24 Elmore Avenue, allowing the property owner to replace the existing roof with new handmade tiles and recommending that existing tiles be salvaged for reuse on other projects.

Staff asked the board to treat the application as expedited after the applicant waived a formal presentation. "Based on the review of the Secretary of the Interior standards, the previous review of parts 1 and 2, and without the support of evidence to the contrary, staff finds the board can approve an amendment to the certificate of appropriateness for the historic preservation ad valorem tax exemption at 24 Elmore Avenue," staff told the board, adding an additional recommendation that the "existing roof tiles will be salvaged to be used on another project if possible." (staff presentation)

Applicant Jennifer Ochtdberg waived a presentation and answered the board’s swearing question with "I do." Multiple board members described the building as a local landmark and voiced support for the renovation. "This is really a landmark building here in St. Augustine," one member said. Another member described the proposed new handmade tiles as "consistent with the same installation, the cap and pan configuration as the original roof tiles." The board approved the amendment by roll call vote.

Why it matters: 24 Elmore was identified in board discussion as a landmark building with potential individual National Register significance; the board’s action permits exterior work that is tied to a local tax-exemption program and includes a staff-recommended salvage condition intended to retain historic materials for future reuse.

The board approved the amendment by unanimous roll call: Paul Weaver — yes; Linda Potter — yes; Catherine Duncan — yes; Brad Beach — yes; Erin McDonald — yes.