Commission of Architectural Review member duties and responsibilities
With all of the drama around recent CAR decisions, it may be enlightening to check out the responsibilities and duties of the Commission of Architectural Review and the more detailed commission member job description.
The CAR Position Description – Mission bullet point states:
Ø To preserve, protect, and encourage appropriate rehabilitation of Richmond’s
recognized historic, architectural and cultural landmarks, structures, and
buildings.
They missed the mark concerning 401 N 27th. They did not “preserve” nor “protect” a “recognized historic” building.
I maintain my stance that the city should have stepped in long ago as they had many opportunities to seize this building. Also it should have become a priority of sorts as it relates to the history of Richmond being the singularly “OLDEST” commercial building and have special provisions or exceptions to the rule to focus on preserving and properly restoring this building. As it is now it will not have a proper restoration nor will it look much different than it does now when finished except for having a “false historicism” facade to the wooden rear extension. By that I mean having a modern storefront added (that wasn’t there) to a 150+ year old building. But CAR’s mentality about these things is a bit warped anyway.
I know there is some sort of rule about In-Fills for O&H but again, CAR misses the mark. I have to locate that section and post it.
Eric