The council upheld the Historic Preservation Commission’s approval of a new house and garage at 1917 Center Street in Sherman Hill, by a 6–1 vote.
Affirmed the HPC decision (option A). Moved by Simonson, seconded by Gatto. Nays: Westergaard. Minutes, item 33 (saved copy) Passed 6–1; voting no: Linda Westergaard.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Boesen | Mayor | Yes |
| Carl Voss | At-large | Yes |
| Mike Simonson | At-large | Yes |
| Rob X. Barron | Ward 1 | Yes |
| Linda Westergaard | Ward 2 | No |
| Josh Mandelbaum | Ward 3 | Yes |
| Joe Gatto | Ward 4 | Yes |
More from the record
Colbert Properties proposed a two-story house and a detached four-car tandem garage on a vacant lot at 1917 Center Street in the Sherman Hill Local Historic District. The house is described as a modern take on the International Style with Art Deco influences: flat roof, stucco and metal-clad windows. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) conditionally approved it on Aug 20, 2025. The Sherman Hill Association appealed, and on Oct 20, 2025 the council sent it back to the HPC, which approved it again with added conditions on Nov 5, 2025. The adjacent property owner at 1921 Center Street then appealed, arguing the decision was arbitrary and did not apply the city’s historic-district design guidelines. City staff wrote that the design is compatible with the district. Council Communication 26-001 (saved copy)
The alternative
The council could affirm, reverse, or send the decision back to the HPC again. The appellant asked the council to review the project on its merits or remand it for a rehearing. Council Communication 26-001 (saved copy)
Housing and neighborhood
- Who
- Neighbors in the Sherman Hill Local Historic District
- How
- A new two-story modern-style house and four-car garage can be built on a vacant lot, under the HPC’s conditions
- When
- Construction date: Not in the record
- Source
- Council Communication 26-001 (saved copy)
Who gets a say
- Who
- The Sherman Hill Association, the appellant and the HPC
- How
- The project went through two HPC hearings and two council appeals. This decision ends the council appeal.
- When
- Aug 20 and Nov 5, 2025; Jan 12, 2026
- Source
- Council Communication 26-001 (saved copy)
Source Agenda for the whole meeting, item 33 (saved copy) · Full minutes for the whole Jan 12, 2026 meeting, p. 9 (roll call 26-0079) (saved copy) · Council Communication 26-001 (saved copy) · Resolution and HPC record, roll call 26-0079 (saved copy)