Village Board Approves Zoning Variances for New Custom Home on Bowen Street

FRANKFORT – The Frankfort Village Board on Monday approved two zoning variances for a new custom home at 50 E. Bowen Street, allowing the builder to use non-masonry siding and a metal roof, materials that align with a modern farmhouse aesthetic but deviate from the district’s standard requirements.

Applicant Taylor Krusemark Broman of 50 E. Bowen LLC plans to demolish the existing single-story home on the 0.9-acre property and construct a new 3,798-square-foot, two-story residence. The property is located in the R-2 Single Family Residential District, which typically requires masonry on the entire first floor.

The applicant sought a variance to use a mix of Hardie Board and Batten siding alongside reclaimed brick veneer from an 1885 Chicago warehouse. A second variance was required to permit the use of a standing seam metal roof on 56.5% of the structure, as village code prohibits metal roofing for anything other than decorative features.

Trustee Michael Leddin presented the item, noting that the Plan Commission had forwarded two unanimous recommendations for approval following a July 10 public hearing.

During the hearing, project representative Steve Lecas of Gander Builders told the commission that the design was intended to blend with the character of other homes in the downtown area where similar waivers have been granted. The commission agreed the design was tasteful and looked as if it “had been there for a long time.” Commissioners also noted the metal roof would not be highly visible from the front of the home.

The board approved the ordinance as part of its consent agenda, officially granting the variances based on the plans submitted and the findings of the Plan Commission.