Historic Daisey house rebuild wins approval in Lewes

After a two-year process, during which the volume of disagreement was often raised, the Daisey family’s quest to rebuild their house at 111 Coleman Ave. ended with a quiet victory.

The Lewes Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission approved plans for the house by 5-0 vote at its Nov. 6 meeting.

Commissioner Debra Evalds abstained, claiming that city code was circumvented because of, “very persuasive applicants.”

Commissioner Deb Hansen, who lives next door at 109 Coleman Ave. and has been at odds with the Daiseys over the demolition, recused herself from the discussion and left the meeting room.

“We feel relieved that we can now complete the building of the house that we've been trying to build for two-plus years. We’re disappointed it too so long, and sorry it got way more controversial than it should have been,” said Darnell Daisey.

The 155-year-old home, which had been a contributing structure per HPARC guidelines, was demolished in August after a city building inspector discovered a termite infestation and condemned the property.

The new house will be non-contributing.

The Daiseys agreed to make several modifications to the home’s appearance, including:

• Changing brick to block with brick veneer

• Modifying the front facade from asymmetrical to a more balance arrangement

• Extending front porch to the full width of the front facade

• Reinstating a front-facing gable

• Waiving the requirement of natural material to use hardi-plank with AZEK trim, since the new structure is non-contributing.

The Daiseys earlier won a variance from the board of adjustment to move the house 2 feet back from the sidewalk and 2 feet off the property line next to 109 Coleman Ave.

They said they hope the change in footprint would help resolve their dispute with Hansen, because they will be able to do maintenance without entering her property.

The Daiseys said the city was supportive throughout the process. They said they followed all city guidelines since the house was demolished.

At the start of the discussion on Nov. 6, HPARC Chair Kevin Mallinson said the application had presented unprecedented legal and procedural complexities.

“I’d like to extend my sincere apology for inconvenience and assurances that any future communications will be direct and clear,” Mallinson said.

Darnell Daisey said they hope to finish demolition and start construction on the foundation by the end of the month.

The twin brothers said it was important to preserve their family history at the property, which dates back more than 120 years.

“We’re happy that future generations will keep using that house and stay engaged in the City of Lewes,” Darryl Daisey said.

The Daiseys said their property at 333 Savannah Road is next in line for renovations.

“That house is most engrained in our family history. It was purchased in 1880, and [many family members] were born in that house, “ Darnell Daisey said.

HPARC approves Chestnut St. houses

HPARC voted unanimously at its Nov. 6 meeting to approve the construction of two homes on a vacant lot on Chestnut Street.

The homes will be side-by-side at 311 and 315 Chestnut St.

Discussion focused mainly on whether proposed second-story front porches fit into the historic district.

Commissioners pointed to other houses in the vicinity that have the feature, but they were added on later.

The panel ultimately approved 315 Chestnut, but added the condition that no second-floor porch be built.

The architect had already revised the front of 311 Chestnut St. to remove the second-floor porch.

Commissioners praised the design of both houses to fit in with the streetscape.