Doing it Right: Renovation at 535 Plum Street

In the Historic District, we have witnessed all forms of restorations, some good, some bad, some just plain ugly. It seems the projects that achieve the most success are the ones that begin with solid design principles based on a coherent understanding of the Historic District Guidelines and the general flavor of old Cape Charles, which we believe is case for the renovation at 535 Plum.

The Historic District Review Board received an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 535 Plum Street. The proposed work on the building includes renovating a traditional American Foursquare house dating back to the late 1910s -this date is based on land record and estate research at the Northampton County Court.

The house has been vacant for at least twenty years. According to the application, “Apparently it had been used as a “stash house” where drug dealers would store their product when working this street in the past. Most recently it has been used as shelter for a feral cat colony.”

The house currently does not have electric service, plumbing or heating/cooling. The subfloor and most interior walls have been removed.

The applicant plans to use James Hardie’s “evening blue” which is consistent with the original color. The applicant proposes to replicate original trim detail such that the appearance will be the same as the original wood trim.

The house has seventeen windows, and the applicant wants to stay consistent with period Design–American Foursquare homes sold during this time period often had 2 over 2 windows.

The application was approved, pending on the applicant choosing a door design (two styles were submitted).