The Architectural Review Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness on Nov. 6 for a second‑story addition at 704 South Newport Avenue in Hyde Park, subject to conditions to protect historic fabric and improve construction details.

Attorney Anne Pollock, speaking for the owners Nicole and Arthur Piatt, described a process driven by water‑intrusion and mold discovered in the original 1913 house and by the family's need for bedrooms grouped on the same floor. The applicants and architect Hansel presented a plan that keeps the primary facade intact while adding about 550 square feet to the rear. Hansel said the design lowers the new roof height, recesses portions of the addition one foot where possible, and uses wood siding, beadboard soffits, exposed rafters and a standing‑seam metal roof to match existing materials.

Ron Vila, planner with Historic Preservation, said staff found the current submission consistent with Hyde Park design guidelines but asked for more detail on window manufacturers and on the design of columns and knee braces. Commissioners echoed that request and also asked for fuller specifications for the garage door, exterior lighting and entrance doors so staff can administratively confirm compatibility. Several commissioners recommended that the addition's trim and detail be simpler than the house's original high‑style elements so the new work reads as an addition rather than a duplicate of original fabric.

A neighbor, Ray Hyer, spoke in support of the owners and the project during public comment. After discussion, a motion to approve the application passed unanimously with conditions that require the applicant to provide window specifications for historic‑footprint windows (true wood), additional column and railing details, knee‑brace details simplified for the addition, and full material/garage‑door/lighting specifications for staff review and approval.

The commission's approval permits the owner to pursue building permits once the listed details have been submitted and accepted by staff.