Two Story House on Mark Twain Avenue Subject of Debate | Building Industry

In front of the Reno City Council on Wednesday night, local residents argued the fate of a 2,800 square foot house that's being built in old Southwest Reno. Both parties took the opportunity to plead their case, whether for or against building the home. Jackson Hogen's pleas were not enough to convince the Reno City Council to rescind the building permit for a two level home being built on Mark Twain Avenue. Despite the fact the building dwarfs the houses that surround it and that  it's right across from Hogen's own house. “I work hours every day on this house. I've put a lot into it. I believe that has been ignored and dishonored,” said Hogen.

For the last 10 months, the issue of this building's construction has been hanging over the property. For Hogen the problem has not just been about the size of the build. “It is a historic district. The reason it’s a historic district is because the houses have been maintained to be livable,” said Hogen.  “There are some nice homes that are historic. His is I think one of them. And the one next to him. The one to the north of him is a new home and it’s not historic at all,” said Jeff  Francovich owns the home being built at 110 Mark Twain Avenue.  What some people may not know is that he has a bit of history himself with the neighborhood. “I grew up at the other end of Mark Twain which is 4 blocks that way,” said Francovich.

As a contractor he is doing the reconstruction with his workers. He is even using the bricks off the old home that used to be at the location. As for the size, he said it was his wife who convinced him to build it to the size that it is expected to be. “She said she wanted a bigger home. So I said lets go see an architect,” said Francovich. “Now they are going to be able to look straight in my house and before that didn't exist,” said Hogen.

Hogen and others who are protesting the building permit now have 25 days to appeal the council's decision not to revoke the permit.