After two deferrals, members of the Chattanooga Historical Commission on Thursday finally gave approval to a planned new house in St. Elmo deemed too contemporary by some neighbors.
All but one member voted approval for certifying the two-story, 2,200-square-foot home at 5010 Tennessee Ave.
The owner is Steve Lewin, a member of the historical board.
He was absent on Thursday due to a death in his family.
Justin White, builder, said all the delays were bringing a financial hardship and he was willing to make
He listed some additional concessions as moving to six-inch hardie plank siding and changing some of the front roof design to make it more acceptable.
whatever concessions the board required.
One late condition from the board requires centering a window at the front of the house.
Neighbor Tim McDonald said, "I just don't think this house fits in with the other houses in the neighborhood that are very traditional."
The dissenting board member called it "a cool design, but it's not compatible with the neighborhood."
Sarah Weeks, new staff member for the commission, said the guidelines allow new homes to have some contemporary elements to distinguish them from older homes.
Mr. White said every effort would be made to keep as many trees as possible on the steep lot. He noted that some trees near the bottom of the lot "must be over 200 years old. I could not get my arms around them."
The property will be reached by a rear alley. Ms. Weeks said that is encouraged in St. Elmo.