2024_02_222-224 Court Square_BAR

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22-224 Court Square Feb 2024 (2-15-2024) 2 Discussion and Recommendations It is staff’s opinion that neither of the existing doors are original. While they are old and likely historic, the evidence suggests these are salvaged replacement doors installed sometime in the 1970s or 1980s. It cannot be confirmed, but it is unlikely the existing hardware and hinges date to the early 19th century and therefore unlikely to be original. Per the Secretary’s Standards, when a historical door is missing and there is no evidence on which to base an accurate recreation, the door may be replaced with a new unit that is compatible with the style and character of the historic building. Staff recommendation: For an early-19th century, federal style building, a typical door would be a panel door with four or six panels and no glazing. Of the 18 doors on nearby, early- to mid-19th century buildings, 13 have four or six panels, all are raised panels (not flat). (See Attachment D.) While the age and origin of these door is unknown, they do support the recommendation that replacement doors at 222 and 224 Court Square be raised panel with four or six panels. Additionally, the panels should be installed within profiled rails and stiles, not inserted with trim applied to the rails and stiles. In the event the applicant requests the new doors have glazing in the upper panels—a possibility discussed with staff. The BAR might look to the existing door (actually, double doors) at 100 Court Square [the east elevation of the Farrish Hotel], which feature glazing over a single row of low raised panels. A second option would be a door with four raised panels and two, smaller glazed panels at the top. Essentially, a traditional six-panel door with the top panels glazed. Staff discourages a door with a large single-lite or multiple lites above the lock rail. [From the photos of sample doors, the following would be unacceptable 412 East Jefferson, Number Nothing (on Jefferson St, west entry), and the nine-lite door at 100 Court Square.] 222 Court Square: Evidence indicates the existing door—--is not original. (See Attachment C.) • The photos on the City’s historical survey [undated] show a door with a half-circle, fan lite. • A report from October 1990 notes “the doors are not part of the original facade: they appear to have been purchased at a salvage yard and used as replacements for deteriorated original doors.” The associated sketch shows the door with a half-circle, fan lite seen in the survey photo. 224 Court Square: Evidence indicates the door at is most likely not original. (See Attachment C.) • A report from October 1990 notes “the doors are not part of the original facade: they appear to have been purchased at a salvage yard and used as replacements for deteriorated original doors.” The associated sketch shows a door similar to the current door. • A sketch from a 1976 BAR request [to replace the wood steps] shows a six-panel door. A sketch from a 1997 BAR request indicates both doors were to be replaced with antique, four-panel doors; however, that was obviously not done.