Minutes FXBG Architectural Review Board February 24, 2025 City of Fredericksburg Community Planning & Building Large Conference Room, 2nd Floor City Hall, 715 Princess Anne Street Members Present Members Absent Staff Helen P. Ross (Chair) Kate Schwartz Kelly Penick (Vice Chair) Samantha Payze James Jarrell IV Karen Irvin Andi Smith Miller Blackburn D.D. Lecky Chair Ross called the Architectural Review Board meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. OPENING REMARKS Chair Ross determined that a quorum of 7 members was present and asked if public notice requirements had been met. Ms. Schwartz confirmed that they had and a copy of the notice had been provided to the Board. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as written. DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS None. DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Vice Chair Penick had a conflict of interest with item A at 922 Caroline Street. She submitted the required form to Ms. Schwartz before the meeting. DISCUSSION A. Pre-Application Discussion: 922 Caroline Street Mike Hamann, Wack General Contractor, provided an overview of the project and the changes that were made to the previous plan. Ms. Irvin supports the application the way that it is now stating that it is consistent with the time period. Ms. Irvin discussed with the applicant the windows on the front. Dr. Smith stated that the new photo of the façade is helpful and the current plan does not give the building false historicity. Mr. Jarrell discussed with the applicant the possibility of increasing the size of the glazing panes; however, it is not feasible. Mr. Blackburn complemented the application and agreed that the changes are good. Ms. Lecky discussed with the applicant the windows on the front of the building, the utilities on the side, and the layout of the doors. Ms. Ross discussed with the applicant the brick on the side elevation, strongly recommending not painting it but touching up the repointing, if needed. B. National Register nomination for Fall Hill Avenue Medical Historic District Ms. Ross commented on the meeting at the Dorothy Hart Community Center discussing the nomination. The Board discussed the boundaries of the proposed district, what the criterion for significance and integrity related to the buildings entailed, why this was the criterion chosen, the abundance of parking lots within the boundary oft the proposed district, and the potential avenue to use of the federal and state Historic Tax Credits. Vice Chair Penick organized a follow-up committee meeting for March 6 to organize and write a letter of the Board's comments to DHR. C. Comprehensive Plan content draft Ms. Schwartz gave an overview of the drafted plan. The Board liked the new plan and gave feedback on the historic preservation chapter map as well as appreciated the way historic preservation was woven throughout. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Danae Peckler, 1410 Prince Edward Street, commented on the Fall Hill Avenue National Register Nomination and agreed with DHR on the removal of the architectural component due to loss of integrity. Ms. Peckler also proposed that they should submit a separate nomination for the PNC Bank building. OTHER BUSINESS A. Transmittal of Auction Block Events for 2/27 through 3/1 Ms. Schwartz reminded the Board that plans for the auction block are underway and noted that the design team will be visiting Fredericksburg from February 27 - March 1. Ms. Schwartz also notified the Board that the design concept should be complete in early summer. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ross adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m. - Helen P. Ross, Chair