Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Two historic buildings in Monticello are set to undergo exterior alterations in the coming weeks, preparatory to their greater restorations down the road.
The two – for which the Monticello City Council recently approved certificates of appropriateness at the recommendation of the Monticello Historic Design Review Board (HDRB) – are the Simon-Ridgeway House at 625 East Washington St., and the unnamed, landmark commercial building at 215-235 N. Jefferson St.
The two structures date from the late 1800s and early 1900s respectively, according to the best
available information.
Certificates of appropriateness, which the HDRB essentially issues, are required for any material change to the appearance of a structure that is either designated as a historic property or is located within a historic district.
Material changes in appearance are defined as any alteration that will affect either the exterior architectural or environmental features of a historic property or of any structure, site or work-of-art within a historic district.
The restriction applies to any reconstruction or alteration of the size, shape or façade of a historic property; the demolition of such a structure; or the erection, alteration, restoration or removal of any building within a historic property or district, inclusive of walls, fences, and steps and pavements, among other things.
Owners Lee and Tim Hall purchased the Simon-Ridgeway House in an auction last September, after the two-story building had sat abandoned for years and fallen into disrepair.
The Halls, who plan to renovate and restore the historic house, want to install a metal roof in the interim to keep the interior dry and structurally sound by stopping further deterioration from rainwater, as the existing roof leaks in multiple places.
The house, which reportedly dates from 1888, was long an eyesore and a source of consternation to city officials, who repeatedly tried in vain to get the former owner to clean up the property. As it was, the property was auctioned at a tax deed sale because of unpaid back taxes.
Meanwhile, Scott McPherson, owner of the North Jefferson Street property in the heart of downtown, wants to remove the eight-foot wide wooden awning that currently extends over the sidewalk for the length of building.
McPherson told the HDRB that the awning was damaged and warranted to remove it because of its unsafe condition. He also told the board of his plan to renovate and restore the building, which he said was in development.
The McPherson building takes up much of the second block of North Jefferson on the west side of the street. The two-story building, which reportedly dates from 1901, currently houses a real estate office and some antiques. In past years, it has housed a variety of offices and shops.
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