The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission continued consideration of an application to renovate and enlarge a small cottage at 656 East Arch Street after commissioners said the current proposal removes too much of the historic fabric.

Applicant Abby Robertson of Inovo represented owners Parker and Julie Hale and described a plan that would preserve the front 40% of the cottage and add a cross gable and rear addition to create a modestly larger family home. The applicants, who said the house had been vacant for about 20 years, argued the lot is compact (under 3,300 square feet), the second floor has low knee walls that limit usable space, and the renovation is intended to provide long‑term housing rather than a short‑term flip. The applicants also proposed reopening a front porch and replacing a dilapidated garage.

Staff (Morgan) recommended denial in a written report, saying the application “eliminates any character of the existing cottage” and did not meet the applicable criteria. Commissioners including David Baker and Susan Williams urged the applicants to pursue a design that more fully preserves the existing front porch openings and their casings, preserve intact original openings on the side porch where possible, and explore pulling the rear addition back slightly to maintain backyard green space. Baker specifically asked the applicants to document the enclosed side porch in drawings and photographs so the commission and staff could better evaluate what could be retained.

The applicants requested a one‑month continuance to work with staff; commissioners voted to continue the case to the November 5 meeting. The commission recommended that the applicant work with staff on alternatives that keep more of the front elevation and that any new porch align with historic setbacks along the street.