Lewes HPARC approves major changes to properties

The Lewes Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Commission approved several applications during its November meeting that will change the streetscape of several city streets. Commissioners unanimously granted final approval to the Lewes Fire Department for an addition, while also granting an expansive addition to a home on Franklin Avenue. The construction of new homes and public hearings for the demolition of old structures have also been set.

320 Savannah Road

A new home and garage are set to be built at 320 Savannah Road after the application from Mazda Ventures LLC was granted approval. The company first presented plans in October, but was denied due to factors such as the exterior paint color. At the November meeting, commissioners praised the revised plans. 

Commissioner Randy Burton, who had just applied for and was granted a height variance for a home on Virden Way, said the height limit in Lewes leads to subpar architectural designs. The owner of Burton Builders said the requested Victorian-style reproduction is possible, but not with a roof pitch that complies with current regulations. The issue is that the lot rises and height measurements are done from the center of the street. Burton said the elevation rises when you step onto the sidewalk and continues its ascension through the center of the lot. 

Commissioners agreed with Burton, noting it is within their guidelines to raise the pitch in order to fit the streetscape. City planner Janelle Cornwell said that as long as the elevation matches a home within 100 feet on the same block and same side of the street, an exception of up to 3.5 feet can be granted by HPARC as long as it is recommended by the building official. It must be a feature of the design and cannot exceed 36 feet. Without a conditional approval attached to increase the height, a new home cannot exceed 30.5 feet. JB Builders, the construction team, detailed a height of 30.3 feet, but the design would fall short of Victorian farmhouse standards.

Changes from the October plans included lowering the height of the garage, which was originally two stories and contained an accessory unit, and changing the color of paint. Commissioners unanimously approved the application, with a few conditions attached, such as a survey to establish a higher elevation and create an era-appropriate design. 

331 Chestnut St.

The current owners of 331 Chestnut St. can trace their origins in Lewes back to Mills Corsi in the 1700s and are one of the oldest African American families in Lewes, according to Dionne Daisey-Williford. Daisey-Williford said she and her siblings inherited the property, along with a few others, from her father, the late William Daisey. As the youngest daughter, Daisey-Williford is leading her siblings as they try to fulfill the dreams of their father.

The home at 331 Chestnut St. was a place Daisey pictured his family gathering, but the years have not been kind to the house that currently sits on the property. The siblings decided it would be in the best interest to demolish the existing home and construct a new one that fits the established style of the neighborhood. Daisy-Williford imagined the new home’s construction and improved condition would create several opportunities in her family for generations to come. 

Commissioners will hold a public hearing Thursday, Dec. 8.

112 Franklin Ave.

The contributing structure at 112 Franklin Ave. has seen better days. Coated in asbestos, with a recently failed foundation that had to be fixed, the house that sits across the street from the Lewes Board of Public Works office is about to undergo an extensive facelift. Element Design’s Brennon Bickel said that while an addition has not been started, extensive work has already been done on the existing home. 

Commissioners argued about whether the new structure would become more prominent than the existing contributing structure. Chair Barbara Warnell argued that while the designs were great, she felt it was the task of HPARC to ensure historical buildings are not overshadowed by additions. According to the commission, Bickel’s design showed a distinct separation between the proposed and existing structures. 

Replacing the unwanted asbestos will be cedar shake siding. Wood will also be used to construct a new porch and posts. A pool and pool house have been included in the plan, which will result in the loss of at least one mature tree on the property. Despite objections from Warnell, the application was approved.

118 Manila Ave.

Michael and Susan Shockley own 118 Manila Ave., where a gazebo and humble little home currently stand. The Shockleys were approved by HPARC to begin construction on a new three-bedroom, three-bathroom home that will tower above the existing structure.

Like the home at 320 Savannah Road, Burton said the Shockleys’ home could be Victorian if there was a higher elevation. Unlike the Savannah Road home, Burton said there aren’t homes within 100 feet of the lot, meaning a survey would not open up vertical permission.

Construction plans were approved by commissioners, with the condition that the Shockleys work with the city to maximize roof pitch without sacrificing the ability to regrade the lot.