558 Ridgewood Avenue Demolition Bid Withdrawn After Historic Panel Pushback; Design Guidelines Finalized

Historic Preservation Commission members spent much of their September 1 meeting debating a proposal by Patrick and Sheryl Southern to demolish their house at 558 Ridgewood Avenue and build new construction designed by architect Jonathan Perlstein. Several commissioners said they leaned against allowing demolition: Ginny Moriarty said she was not in favor, Kevin Switzer called the house "unique," and Christine Yewaisis said she drives by it daily and appreciates its architecture. Dan McMahon said he didn't disagree but saw the project as a possible opportunity for appropriate new construction, and Lynn Vande Stouwe suggested exploring whether elements of the existing house could be preserved. After the extended discussion, the owners withdrew the application, saying they would return with more information on why they believe the house isn't especially significant and what structural problems prevent renovation. No vote was taken.

Earlier in the meeting, consultant Steven Smolyn presented the final draft of the Borough's Design Guidelines for the historic district, the product of an extended development process; public comment on the draft was open through September 10 before it would be finalized and posted online.

In the only vote of the evening, the commission unanimously approved a new front walk and stone-pier stairway at 353 Ridgewood Avenue for Guy and Tami Kinley, with a condition to provide more detailed drawings; Geoffrey Darby recused himself from that vote.

Members also flagged that unauthorized removal of original timber framing appeared to be underway at 495 Ridgewood Avenue and said it needed to be investigated, with work stopped if it turns out to require HPC approval that wasn't obtained.

What to watch

• The Southerns are expected to return to the HPC with additional information on 558 Ridgewood Avenue's historical significance and the house's structural problems.
• The commission is investigating whether unauthorized work removing timber framing at 495 Ridgewood Avenue requires it to be halted.