MINUTES OF MOUNT VERNON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION July 23, 2025
The Historic Preservation Commission met at the Mount Vernon City Hall on July 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Commission members present were Duane Eash, Mike Guerber, Randy Brown, Sue Astley and Guy Booth. Guests present were Tory Barnes Brus and Andy Brus.
Minutes of the meeting of July 5, 2025 were approved.
The design review item on the agenda is an application for a certificate of appropriateness from Tori Barnes- Brus and Andy Brus. Their home is located at 219 7th Ave NW, which is in the Ash Park Historic District. Andy and Tori are doing a substantial renovation to their house, which includes several elements that need review and approval by the Commission. .
Andy and Tori gave a power point review of the current status of the house, which included both aluminum and vinyl siding which over years, present two different faded colors. There were also pictures of older vinyl windows which were non-operational and doors which needed to be replaced. The applicants have given a good presentation of what needs to be changed, and a presentation of what is planned to bring the house back to a good condition.
Andy and Tori had information from the company that will be putting a new vinyl siding on the house. The old aluminum siding and old vinyl siding will be replaced. The new siding will appear to be 4” clapboard siding, which would be similar to the historic siding for the house. They have chosen a dark moss color for the house and white trim for the windows. The windows are vinyl on the exterior. Both the siding and the windows are finished so they are not of a high gloss nature. The renovation will also include a new asbestos shingle roof. This replaces the existing asbestos shingle roof. The applicants are also adding crown molding on the windows and doors. This may have been an early architectural feature of the house, but had been removed at earlier maintenance and renovation. New storm doors are going to be placed on the house, but the old wooden door for one of the entrances will be retained. Andy and Tori have put a good deal of thought into updating this house and the result of their work to identify suitable replacement products will be beneficial to the property. Upon motion made by Guy Booth, seconded by Duane Eash, an application for a certificate of no material effect was approved. Sue will prepare the certificate and forward it to City Hall.
An interesting question arose when Tori and Andy were researching the application for approval of the Ash Park Historic District. Their house is within the boundaries of the District. However, their house was not listed as an existing structure with significance. Because the property is within the boundaries of the district, it does need to comply with the provisions of the City Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Sue Astley indicated that there will be a historic preservation seminar on September 17, which may be of interest to members. Sue will contact people to see if they would like to attend the conference. Duane reported that he attended the work session of Mr. Heider while he was present to work on gravesites at the Mount Vernon Cemetery. He said it was a good experience and he learned a lot about how gravesites can be maintained and repaired. The Commission’s
thanks goes to the members of the cemetery commission for the work they have done and the interest that has been expressed toward maintenance of the cemetery.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Guy Booth, Secretary