View the PDF version Google Docs PDF Viewer
CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DATE OF MEETING: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
TIME OF MEETING: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE OF MEETING: Conference Room 204, City Hall
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes of the January 7, 2025 regular meeting
III. Old Business
IV. New Business
Case 2025-03 – 115 E. Isabella – Siding, Windows, Doors, Trim Wrapping
Case 2025-04 – 511 W. Clay – Gazebo
Case 2025-05 – 427 W. Muskegon – Doors
V. Other Business
2025 Historic Preservation Goals
VI. Adjourn
AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT POLICY FOR ACCESS TO OPEN MEETINGS OF THE CITY OF MUSKEGON
AND ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES OR SUBCOMMITTEES
To give comment on a live-streamed meeting the city will provide a call-in telephone number to the public to be able to
call and give comment. For a public meeting that is not live-streamed, and which a citizen would like to watch and give
comment, they must contact the City Clerk’s Office with at least a two-business day notice. The participant will then
receive a zoom link which will allow them to watch live and give comment. Contact information is below. For more
details, please visit: www.shorelinecity.com
The City of Muskegon will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing im-
paired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to
attend the meeting with twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities requiring
auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Muskegon by writing or by calling the following: Ann Marie Meisch,
MMC, City Clerk at 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440 or by calling 231-724-6705 or emailing clerk@shoreline-
city.com
1
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of January 7, 2025.
III. OLD BUSINESS
None
2
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Case 2025-03 – 115 E. Isabella – Siding, Windows, Door, Trim Wrapping
Applicant: City of Muskegon Community and Neighborhood Services (CNS)
District: McLaughlin
Current Function: Residential
Discussion
The applicant is seeking approval to 1) install vinyl siding over backer board on the exterior of the
house, 2) replace seven existing wood basement windows with glass block windows containing vents,
3) replace 30 existing wood double-hung windows on the house and one fixed wood window on the
second story of the east elevation with vinyl double-hung replacement windows of the same size using
obscured glass where necessary, and replace one fixed wood window on the second story of the west
elevation with a fixed vinyl window of the same size, 4) wrap all rafter tails, posts, beams, brackets,
fascia, soffit, porch ceiling, and window and door trim with aluminum, 5) replace the wood exterior
door on the west (side) elevation with a steel or fiberglass, half-light door.
View of the north (front) and east (side) elevations from E. Isabella Avenue, looking south.
3
Typical basement window.
Door on west elevation. Enclosed rear porch and steps. Fixed window on east elevation.
South (rear) elevation.
4
Detail of front porch windows.
Standards
RESIDING AND TRIM CLADDING GUIDELINES
General
The Muskegon Historic District Commission does not endorse the residing of structures within the
Historic districts. It is the policy of this Commission that the original fabric of the building should be
repaired or replaced where necessary with the original building material.
In cases where the repair or replacement with like materials is impractical or where it can be
demonstrated that the original materials will no longer hold paint or that the original materials are so
badly deteriorated that they can no longer be reasonably repaired, the residing standards below shall
strictly be adhered to.
Definitions
For the purpose of this statement, the terms “residing materials” and “trim cladding” shall be
understood to encompass the use of any residing materials such as aluminum, vinyl, steel, hardboard,
wood, masonry, or molded urethane which is designed to replace or cover all, or any part, of an
exterior wall, trim work or other building element or a structure within a designated historic district.
Purpose
5
The Commission shall review all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness proposing the
installation of residing materials or trim cladding as individual cases. Each application shall be
decided on its own merit. No person should interpret any Commission approval for residing or trim
cladding as being precedent setting. Unrestricted use of residing materials or trim cladding will not be
allowed.
In any case where residing materials or trim cladding are proposed for use by a property owner or
siding contractor, the property owner shall be required to submit a signed letter stating in detail the
intent and scope of the proposed residing or trim cladding installation. Such a letter is to also include
the identification of any deterioration or problems occurring relative to the existing siding or exterior
building fabric. If known, the cause and extent of this deterioration must be clearly stated.
The following conditions of installation shall be met by all proposals for residing or trim cladding:
1. All existing deterioration shall be made structurally sound and its causes, insofar as possible, shall
be corrected prior to the installation of residing materials or trim cladding.
2. Any installation of residing materials shall simulate the appearance of the original building
material that it is intended to cover. This simulation shall take into account the size, shape or
profile, texture, and linear direction of the original building material.
a. The residing material shall be similar in appearance and dimension to the original siding.
The exposure to the weather of the new siding shall range within one inch of the nominal
dimension of the original siding. The Historic District Commission shall have the
authority to waive this requirement in the event that they believe a different design or
dimension siding would be more appropriate to the architectural character of the Historic
District.
b. A proposed color shall be appropriate as determined by the Commission.
c. Generally, wood grain textures are not approved by the Commission. However, the
appropriateness of a specific siding texture shall be determined on an individual case
basis.
3. Any installation of trim cladding shall adhere to the following guidelines for the treatment for
architectural trim elements.
a. Existing cornice or building trim elements shall not be covered or replaced without
Commission approval. Commission approval will depend upon how closely the trim cladding
or new trim elements duplicate the appearance of the existing building trim elements.
b. The wall siding material shall not extend over the existing trim members such as window and
door trim, sills, facias, soffits, frieze members and boards, brackets, aprons, corner boards,
trim boards, skirt boards, or any other characteristic moldings or architectural features.
c. If the above mentioned trim members are to be clad, they shall be covered with custom formed
cladding which shall closely approximate the shapes and contours of the existing moldings or
trim. Distinctive or unusual trim or architectural elements shall not be clad without prior
consideration and Commission approval.
6
d. No building trim elements or architectural features are to be removed or altered to facilitate
the installation of the new siding or trim cladding without approval of the Historic District
Commission.
In most cases the soffit cladding material shall run parallel and not perpendicular to the plane of the
wall.
WINDOW, DOOR, AND EXTERIOR WOODWORK STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
(Abbreviated)
General
These guidelines pertain only to proposed changes to the structure and do not affect existing
construction.
These guidelines are primarily directed toward the front and side elevations of the structure. Greater
variances and more leniency may be extended toward proposed changes to the rear elevation of the
building by the Commission. All desired or proposed changes should be referred to the Historic
District Commission for consideration. Extenuating circumstances, the effect upon the architecture of
the particular structure together with the general effect upon the surrounding structures, variables in
architectural design, or the effect upon usage and viability of the structure could dictate a variance
from these guidelines.
No exterior doors, windows, or exterior woodwork shall be altered, removed, relocated, or added
without Historic District Commission approval.
Existing exterior window or door casings, sills, and caps shall not be altered from the original design
or appearance. Damaged or deteriorated wood shall be repaired as a first course of action. When repair
is not possible, elements shall be replaced with matching wood members. Damaged or deteriorated
wood elements may be replaced or covered with formed aluminum or vinyl, subject to Commission
approval and provided that the original profile of the woodwork is not altered or changed.
Primary Windows
Existing damaged or deteriorating window frames and sash shall be repaired as a first course of action.
When repair is not possible, elements shall be replaced with matching wood members. Metal or vinyl
replacement windows may be acceptable provided they match the original windows in design and
type and that they consist of or are painted an appropriate color. Bare metal finishes generally will not
be acceptable.
The size of glass lites and muntin arrangements shall not be altered without Commission approval.
Special glazing, such as stained or leaded art glass, shall not be removed without Commission
approval. Unusual decorative windows such as Palladian windows, oriels, bays, Gothic arch or
segment tops, etc. shall not be removed or altered.
Storm Windows
Wood storm and screen windows are the most appropriate for use in the historic district. Other types
of storm, screen, or combination windows will be approved provided that the new storm window
mullions align with the mullions of the primary windows. Blind stop storm and screen windows
(where such windows are placed inside the existing window frames rather than affixed to the exterior
7
of the frames) are preferable and may be required in some instances. Bare metal storm and screen
windows must be painted to match or complement the trim. Interior storm windows may be acceptable
as long as they do not detract from the appearance of the primary windows. Care should be taken,
however, when using interior storm windows because condensation tends to form on the inside surface
of the primary window and could cause damage to the wood and paint if not properly ventilated.
Primary Doors
Every effort should be made to preserve or repair the original doors where damage has occurred.
When repair is not possible, a new wood door may be used. Such new door shall match the original
in detail and finish.
The Commission may approve new wood doors that may slightly differ from the original in cases
where replicating the original may not be feasible, as long as such doors generally conform to the ones
illustrated on the attached sheet. Under certain circumstances, the Commission may approve doors
made of material other than wood provided they conform to the same design requirements.
Storm Doors
Wooden storm and screen doors are preferred and will generally be the required option especially on
the front of the structure. Aluminum or metal storm and screen doors may be used so long as they are
not mill finished or anodized aluminum. Baked enamel or other applicable paints or finishes will be
acceptable. In general, storm and screen doors shall conform to those illustrated on the attached sheet.
The door stiles and rails should be a minimum of 4” wide and one lite doors, where practical, are
preferred in order not to detract from the existing primary door. Jalousie doors are not acceptable for
use as storm doors in the historic districts. Ornamental iron work safety doors are also generally in-
appropriate in the historic districts.
Exterior Woodwork
Existing decorative woodwork such as railings, moldings, eave, and gable cornice trim, tracery,
columns, observatories, scrolls, bargeboards, lattice, and other carved or sawn wood ornament
shall not be removed or altered without Commission approval. Existing deteriorated ornamental
woodwork shall not be removed but shall be repaired or replaced with matching materials where
possible.
8
9
Deliberation
I move that the HDC (approve/deny) the request to install vinyl siding over backer board on the exte-
rior of the house with a reveal to match that of the original wood siding; replace seven existing wood
basement windows with glass block windows containing vents; replace 30 existing wood double-hung
windows on the house and one fixed wood window on the second story of the east elevation with
vinyl double-hung replacement windows of the same size, design, proportions, and profile including
grill patterns that match the existing windows’ grill patterns and with the condition that grills must be
permanently affixed to both the interior and the exterior of the windows; replace one fixed wood
window on the second story of the west elevation with a fixed vinyl window of the same size, design,
proportions, and profile including grill patterns that match the existing window’s grill patterns and
with the condition that grills must be permanently affixed to both the interior and the exterior of the
window; use of fogged glass in the second floor bathroom window on the west elevation; wrap all
rafter tails, posts, beams, brackets, fascia, soffit, porch ceiling, and window and door trim with alu-
minum; replace the wood exterior door on the west (side) elevation with a steel or fiberglass, half-
light door as long as the work meets all zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained.
10
Case 2025-04 – 511 W. Clay – Gazebo
Applicant: Katherine Jawor
District: National Register
Current Function: Residential
Discussion
The applicant is seeking approval to place a 12’-6” (hexagonal), 20’-0” tall cast iron gazebo in the
rear yard of the property.
View of house from W. Clay Avenue, looking east (photo from January 2021).
11
View of rear yard from alley (photo from January 2021).
12
Proposed gazebo.
Standards
No specific standards apply.
Deliberation
I move that the HDC (approve/deny) the request to place a 12’-6” (hexagonal), 20’-0” tall cast iron
gazebo in the rear yard of the property as long as the work meets all zoning requirements and the
necessary permits are obtained.
13
Case 2025-05 – 427 W. Muskegon – Doors
Applicant: Laketon Forest Properties – Terry Puffer
District: Houston
Current Function: Residential
Discussion
The applicant is seeking approval to replace two wood front doors with doors of a similar style.
View from W. Muskegon Avenue, looking south (photo from September 2024).
14
View of front doors proposed to be replaced (photo from September 2024).
15
Proposed replacement door style.
Standards
See Window, Door, and Exterior Woodwork Standards and Guidelines in Case 2025-03, above.
Deliberation
I move that the HDC (approve/deny) the request to replace two wood front doors with the doors pre-
sented at the February 4, 2025 HDC meeting as long as the work meets all zoning requirements and
the necessary permits are obtained.
16
V. OTHER BUSINESS
2025 Historic Preservation Goals – Staff and the HDC will review the historic preservation goals as
part of completing the 2024 CLG Annual Report. The previous year’s goals included:
- Increase awareness of Muskegon's local historic districts within the community through
mailings to property owners within the districts containing info on HDC procedures.
- Public outreach using initial list of locally significant resources to verify or update that list.
- Apply for an identification project through the SHPO Community Partnership Program.
- Consider further survey work tied to sites identified in the Muskegon County Civil Rights
survey project.
The following questions are also included in the 2024 report:
- What is one thing you would like the new CLG coordinator to understand about your
community and local preservation activities/needs?
- What accomplishment/achievement/event from 2024 is your HDC most proud of? Or is there
a preservation success story from your community that you would like to highlight?
- Describe any problems, issues, or challenges (e.g., economic, political, operational)
encountered in the local preservation program in 2024.
- What are the most critical preservation issues/needs facing your community?
VI. ADJOURN
17
Sign up for City of Muskegon Emails