Gettysburg’s Historic Architectural Review Board recommended approval of projects at 25 Steinwehr Avenue, 353 Buford Avenue and 402 York Street during its Oct. 21 meeting. The board also approved four applications on its consent agenda and postponed decisions on two proposed Habitat for Humanity homes.
The HARB reviews designs and makes recommendations to Gettysburg Borough Council, which makes the final decision on certificates of appropriateness. Applicants must receive the required borough approvals before beginning work.
At 25 Steinwehr Avenue, owner Dan Hemmler of Crossed Cannons Studio sought permission to replace the main roof’s aging metal covering with architectural shingles. Hemmler said the roof had repeatedly leaked despite repairs and resealing. His attorney told the board that testing found lead paint on the roof and that it was peeling.
The board had previously denied the change in roofing material. Hemmler said he wanted to protect the building and preserve its decorative window trim. The board recommended approval of the application as presented. The borough council was scheduled to consider HARB recommendations on Nov. 9.
The board also recommended approval of an 8-by-10-foot prefabricated shed behind 353 Buford Avenue. A representative for the property owner said a deteriorated shed had fallen down and the replacement would occupy the same location, out of view from the street. The new shed has slate-gray siding and black trim.
Habitat for Humanity’s proposals for new homes at 428 and 432-434 S. Washington Street were tabled until the next meeting because no representative was present. The plans are for a detached single-family home and a semidetached duplex on sites where homes were demolished in 2024.
At 402 York Street, the board recommended approval of exterior renovations that include a village-fieldstone veneer with smudged mortar, a lighter cream-colored stucco finish, changes to the porch enclosure and a darker roof. The architect presenting the proposal described the work as an effort to soften the building’s appearance. The board’s recommendation does not replace any other borough approvals required for the work.
The next HARB meeting was announced for Nov. 10.
