On Tuesday, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Historic Preservation Committee voted to approve several renovation applications for the St. Thomas-St. John district in Kronprindsens Gade, Norre Gade, Commandment Gade, and Dronningens Gade during its monthly meeting.
Applicants Hillis Lewis Edelen and her son Ted LaRose presented their application to add a first-floor masonry enclosure for the porch and a wrought iron gate wood covering and masonry surrounding their property in Commandant Gade. Due to the murder of one of their tenants that occurred inside the gate one year ago, the property owners want to make updates to their property’s security.
“We’re on a limited budget but we’re really trying to improve the area, particularly the property we have, from a safety standpoint as well as from a security standpoint,” said LaRose.
LaRose said that after previously viewing the property, State Historic Preservation Office Director Sean Krigger suggested that their anticipated arched gate installation mirror the neighboring property by adding a quoin wall.
After presenting the idea for the new gate to committee members, LaRose also discussed adding a barrier to the porch of one of their buildings to enhance security and prevent water runoff from intruding. Additionally, he proposed updating the light fixtures.
“During Ernesto and any heavy rains, we had massive flood inside the unit if the water comes rushing down the street,” said LaRose. “If we had a barrier here, we can keep that water from coming in those high periods.”
The committee voted for a continuance of the application.
An application to make improvements by Bernes Ice Plant in Kronprindsens Gade was unanimously approved for a new signage design, modified roof renovations from a hip roof to a concrete platform, new locations and enclosures for generators, color scheme change, landscaping, and parking plans. The committee also voted for a continuation of the design review for the southern generator.
Emily Hobbs spoke on behalf of the historic renovation plan for Berne PQ LLC. The plan aims to clean and reoutfit existing drain outlets, add planters near the entrance of the property, and create underground electrical lines, stormwater, wastewater, and grease interceptor, and equip the property with four enclosed generators.
Additionally, an application for property 48AB Norre Gade was unanimously approved for a new 2×1 foot signage for the building, landscaping, and lighting upgrades. Chad Voight, representing the applicant at Crystal Blue Operations, spoke about adding pavers and planter expansion at the property.
“We have a new tenant going in here in a month or two and we just would like to spruce up this existing back entrance area,” said Voight.
Further, an application for Blackbeard’s Investments LLC was presented for a design review for a glass railing at the pool deck, a new staircase connection to Villa Notman, and the addition of new windows and doors at the hotel units. Presented by Nicole Miller and Steve Stigler, the committee voted to approve the design review. Committee members Enrique Rodriguez and Krigger noted, however, that during a previous meeting, the applicants made a violation when they extended a gable roof to cover a ticket booth instead of creating a hip roof.
Lastly, presented by Erika Kellerhals, the committee approved Electra House LLC’s application for business sign designs, tree trimming and weed removal, new fence and gates, installation of new cameras, solar exterior lighting, and the modification to existing balcony railings with the addition of a green space at 40A Norre Gade.
Committee members Bill Newbold, Kurt Marsh, Colette Burgess, and Enrique Rodriguez were present.
