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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 6, 2022
S. Radtke called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Radtke, D. Gregersen, T. Emory, G. Borgman, J. Huss
MEMBERS ABSENT: K. George
STAFF PRESENT: J. Pesch, R. Kleyn
OTHERS PRESENT: R. Badgerow (116 E. Isabella); D. Rikkers (1541 Clinton); D. Rodas and M.
Rodas (1586 Peck)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of July 12, 2022 was made by J. Huss, supported by T. Emory
and approved with S. Radtke. D. Gregersen, T. Emory, G. Borgman, and J. Huss voting aye.
OLD BUSINESS
Because there was no applicant present for Case 2022-29, the cases were heard out of order.
NEW BUSINESS
Case 2022-30 – 116 E. Isabella Ave. – Siding and Windows
Applicant: City of Muskegon Community and Neighborhood Services - District: McLaughlin - Current Function:
Residential
The applicant was seeking approval to install vinyl siding with the same exposure dimension as the original siding
and a smooth finish, and to remove and replace 17 existing wood windows with new windows of the same size,
design, proportions, profile, and materials.
S. Radtke asked what width the new siding was proposed to match, and R. Badgerow stated that it would match
the house’s original wood siding which was likely still in place below the current asphalt siding. R. Kleyn from
the City of Muskegon Community and Neighborhood Services Department added that this work was part of a
lead abatement project and that the asphalt siding could not be removed to restore the original wood siding because
doing so would release more lead dust. J. Pesch noted that the State Historic Preservation Office determined that
the proposed work would have no adverse effect as long as the work met their specifications – which it did.
D. Gregersen stated that he thought the proposed changes would bring the house closer in appearance to what it
historically had been. The board agreed that no defining features would be lost as a result of the proposed work.
R. Badgerow noted that the proposed replacement windows would match the originals in appearance.
The board moved on to discuss the front porch and how the proposed work might affect its appearance. R.
Badgerow explained that the existing windows would be wrapped to prevent further deterioration and to contain
the lead, then new storm windows would be installed once that work was complete. D. Gregersen noted that the
storm door was clearly a replacement and asked if it would be addressed with this work; R. Badgerow stated that
the door would be removed and reinstalled. J. Pesch explained that, because replacement of the storm door was
not included in the request, the HDC could not require that it be replaced with a more appropriate door style, but
that it could be included as a recommendation in the HDC’s final motion. The board discussed the availability of
historically accurate wooden storm doors.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install vinyl siding with a smooth finish and the same exposure
dimension as the original wood siding (once that dimension is determined by uncovering a portion of the original
siding), to remove and replace 17 existing wood windows with new windows of the same size, design,
proportions, profile, and materials, and to install a replacement storm door on the front porch that is historically
accurate to the house as long as the work meets all zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained
was made by G. Borgman, supported by T. Emory and approved with S. Radtke, D. Gregersen, T. Emory, G.
Borgman, and J. Huss voting aye.
Case 2022-31 – 1541 Clinton St. – Windows
Applicant: Dan Rikkers - District: Clinton-Peck - Current Function: Residential
The applicant was seeking approval to replace a total of nine wood windows with eight wood or vinyl replacement
windows of the same size, design, proportions, and profile except for a pair of adjacent double-hung windows on
the first-story of the north elevation which would be replaced with a single window filling the windows’ original
openings. Some of the original windows had been missing for a number of years.
J. Pesch presented photos of the house noting which windows were proposed for replacement. D. Rikkers
explained that he had been considering replacing the pair of adjacent double-hung windows on the first-story of
the north elevation with a picture window that would fill the original openings, but decided instead to retain two
double-hung windows to keep an operable window in the kitchen. The HDC was in favor of this decision,
adding that wood replacement windows were preferred, but that fiberglass windows could also be an option.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to replace a total of nine windows with wood or fiberglass replacement
windows of the same size, design, proportions, and profile filling the windows’ original openings as long as the
work meets all zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained was made by J. Huss, supported by
T. Emory and approved with S. Radtke, D. Gregersen, T. Emory, G. Borgman, and J. Huss voting aye.
The board returned to the case listed under Old Business, as the applicant was present.
Case 2022-29 – 1586 Peck St. – Windows, Siding, Trim Wrapping
Applicant: Danny Rodas - District: Clinton-Peck - Current Function: Residential
The applicant was seeking approval to install vinyl siding and trim and wrap the columns on the house’s
porches to make them square rather than round. This was a continuation of the discussion started at the July
meeting where the HDC approved the request to replace all windows with vinyl replacement windows matching
the size, shape, and appearance of the original windows and with the condition that all leaded glass windows are
retained.
M. Rodas asked what the HDC thought about increasing the height of the front porch railing. The board
discussed various methods for meeting modern building codes without sacrificing the appearance of the
original, shorter railing height. J. Pesch stated that he did not have photos showing the original style of the
balusters used on the porch, and the board determined that using square balusters would be ok. They added that
the porch columns could be replaced with replicas made from fiberglass, but preferred that the columns not be
wrapped or change in shape.
The board moved on to discuss the request to install vinyl siding on the house. S. Radtke explained that, while
vinyl siding had been approved elsewhere by the HDC, this house contained architectural detail that would be
obscured by the installation of vinyl siding. He added that, in cases where a new siding material was proposed,
the board preferred removing the existing siding and replacing it rather than installing replacement siding
material on top of existing siding; J. Huss explained that this allowed for preserving shadow lines, distinctive
trim, dentil molding, and the sunburst feature on the gable ends. The HDC discussed how vinyl siding would
align with the existing or replacement trim boards, if that option were approved. S. Radtke said that if new trim
boards were needed where existing boards were damaged, wood or composite replacement materials were
typically approved by the HDC, but the more decorative trim pieces around windows would need to be
preserved. The board determined that if vinyl siding were to be installed, it should only be done after the
existing wood siding is removed and it should retain the same exposure dimension of the wood siding. D. Rodas
stated that the siding he had purchased was eight inches wide and would not resemble what was existing, so he
would likely paint the wood siding instead.
M. Rodas asked if a fence could be installed on existing fence posts. J. Pesch said that, based on the location of
the fence posts, he would likely be able to approve that work as staff.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to remove the existing wood siding and replace it with vinyl siding
with a smooth finish and the same exposure dimension as the original wood siding, remove and replace the
plain trim with new material retaining the original profiles and dimensions and all decorative trim elements and
gable ends, and rebuild the front porch as existing but with the porch railing raised up from the floor and the top
of the railing raised to no higher than 28” above the porch floor using square balusters as long as the work
meets all zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained was made by J. Huss, supported by T.
Emory and approved with S. Radtke, D. Gregersen, T. Emory, G. Borgman, and J. Huss voting aye.
OTHER BUSINESS
Election of Vice Chairperson – The HDC’s Vice Chairperson resigned a few months ago and they have not
been replaced. The board agreed to continue through the end of the year without a Vice Chairperson and elect a
new one at the start of 2023.
CLG Application Update – The City of Muskegon officially became a Certified Local Government on
September 2, 2022. As previously discussed, certification through the program makes Muskegon eligible for
annual CLG grant opportunities. Applications for the FY23 grant cycle open October 3, 2022, and at the May
meeting, the HDC supported applying for funding to assist with conservation work for the monuments in Hackley
Park. J. Pesch discussed future historic survey work that could be completed to review the boundaries of the
current historic districts.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
JP