New Homeowner versus Code in Historic Springfield

[iloveionia]

With thanks to sheclown the Carriage House has "applied" for a mothball COA.  There is a possibility that it will be denied outright b/c the house is not old enough.  It is circa 1949 and has it's own assessor's ID, all by it's lonesome. 
We shall see. 
I do have the architect plans for a 3 bed, 2.5 bath, open concept/cathedral ceiling kitchen/dining/living, large storage/utility room.  This is including a master suite (bedroom/bath/walk-in closet.)

[sheclown]

And thanks to Nicole, this little jewel will be someone's forever home.

[strider]

As a contractor looking at this house, the original construction seems to be older the 1949. The city is off a good number of years on their build dates more often than not.  More than likely 1949 was a date it was grossly modified.   For instance, many of the build date for houses in Springfield are for the year a single family home was duplexed.

The only way to be sure is to go to the library and look at the Sanborn maps.  They will tell you when a structure appeared at that location.

[iloveionia]

HPC Meeting is this week.  There are 5 mothball COAs on the agenda of 13 total items.  Giggle.  Only one of the mothball COAs will be heard: Dancy Terrace, the rest have been deferred including the Carriage House. 

This is okay.  The Carriage House is neat, clean, secure, and well-lit in the dark. 

[sheclown]

and the Carriage House is beautiful...it's a bit like sleeping beauty.

[iloveionia]

After a few months of delay, the Carriage House Mothball COA was approved this afternoon.  I will have 90 days after I receive the final order to complete the requirements of the mothball COA (most of which is complete already.)

And as a sweet little bonus, the Carriage House was on the consent agenda.  No discussion, no concerns, just pushed that baby right though.  Hoo Rah.  Thank you HPC.

As stated previously, the little house that could will require well more work than I originally anticipated and will take me longer to rehab than planned.  That said, I have designed a hip interior space with an architect and will move forward in the fall with rehab.  Should the stars align, (the whole money thing gets in the way,) my plan is to finish the space in 2 years, though I do have 3 years to complete the project on the COA life. 

Additionally, the vacant space in front of the carriage house is loved, utilized, maintained, and beautified.  Now what's not to love about that?! 

[sheclown]

[coredumped]

Silly question - How are the "code' enforcement officers hired? Which office and is there any sort of open interview process?

[PeeJayEss]

If you aren't on the list then just go over to Dist. 9 and look at that newly created canoe and kayak launch at Chelsea St. and Stonewall in Riverside. Who will be getting the design award for that certificate of access?

This is pretty late, and I hate to go off topic, but has a launch been built here or are you talking about a missed opportunity? If it is built, how'd I miss it! I'll have to go check it out.

Back on topic, great work that you guys are doing to maintain the character (and awesomeness) of this neighborhood.

[iloveionia]

Final Inspectional was held today for the Mothball COA at the Carriage House.
Baring no obstacles in accepting signatures. . . .
The mothball COA and its requirements has been completed and approved for "mothball certification."
Whoot!

[avs]

Awesome!  That is great news!