The interview panel sat in a well-lit conference room, reviewing the staff report for the Startare Residential Rehabilitation and Façade Alterations project. Sitting across from them was William Startare, the applicant for the project. One of the panel members, a senior planner named Chris Lohoefener, cleared his throat and began the interview.

Chris: Good morning, Mr. Startare. Thank you for being here today. We have reviewed your application for the residential rehabilitation and façade alterations at 1627 Pine Street. Can you tell us more about your motivation behind this project and the changes you propose?

William: Good morning, thank you for having me. My partner, Erik Strombeck, and I purchased the property in 2024 at a foreclosure auction. The building was in poor condition, with a collapsed porch and deteriorating exterior elements. Our goal with this project is to restore the historical integrity of the residence while making necessary renovations for safety and functionality.

Chris: It’s clear that the property holds historical significance, being listed on the Local Register of Historic Places. Could you walk us through the changes you have made to the exterior of the building, and why you chose to make those alterations?

William: Certainly. We focused on restoring the original architectural features, such as the siding, windows, doors, and porch elements. We replaced deteriorating materials with new ones that closely match the original design, ensuring that the essence of the historic property is preserved. Our aim was to maintain the character of the building while improving its overall condition.

Chris: I see. How do you ensure that the new features you have introduced are compatible with the historic character of the structure and differentiate appropriately from the original features?

William: We have been meticulous in our selection of materials and design choices. We have referred to historical documentation, photographs, and prior approvals to guide our decision-making process. Additionally, we have sought advice from preservation experts to ensure that our alterations are in line with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Chris: Thank you for that insight, Mr. Startare. We appreciate your thorough approach to this project. Do you have any additional information or comments you would like to share with the panel before we conclude?

William: I would just like to express our commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the property and contributing positively to the community through this rehabilitation project. We are grateful for the opportunity to work on such a meaningful endeavor.

Chris: Thank you, Mr. Startare. We will now discuss your application further and will inform you of our decision in due course. Thank you for your time today.

The interview concluded, and the panel members began to deliberate on the project, taking into account the information shared by William Startare. The fate of the Startare Residential Rehabilitation and Façade Alterations project hung in the balance as they considered their recommendations for the Historic Preservation Commission.

— LoCOBot