06 - Minutes & Reports - Boards & Commissions

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called the Ms. Bedford, and explained the project and received a minor certificate of appropriateness for replacement glass. He agreed there were changes, and his original application stated that he would be using wood trim, due to lack of materials and clips and the windows would be double pane glass, non -reflective, in door casings for stability. He said he thought this was a minor change compared to all the other projects going in downtown, and the whole project took 3 days. Chairman Dux explained the configuration of a historic storefront and that he realized there is a misunderstanding, and neither the staff nor applicant meant to do the wrong thing. Chairman Dux explained that a typical storefronts usually have narrow mullion to allow more visibility for displays in windows. Mr Faber then asked about the transom windows for future remodels, ADA accessibility, and replacement storefronts. Chairman Dux stated that the fresh remodel does look better, however it doesn't retain the character defining features of the downtown district. Mr. Faber and commission discussed vibrations from passing vehicles, concerns with lighting entering the windows, and how to mitigate that with a canopy. Chairman Dux asked for comments from the rest of the commission. Commissioner Caffey expressed surprise and she felt the remodel was a complete departure as far as character and style of the rest of the historic district. Her first impression was the window openings have the appearance of residential style fiberglass doors and looks as if they were inserted where there should have been windows. She referred to the National Registered Historic District designation and local landmark recognized by the state. She noted the modification to the storefront could hurt the designation of the district. She sympathized with the applicant, however there was nothing about the remodel that fits the district and it stands out with a totally different rhythm from what is going on in the rest of downtown. Chairman Dux gave Mr. Faber's a drawing of a storefront based on historic research that he had received from the Texas Historical Commission. Mr. Faber asked if he took what is there now and replaced it an appropriate sized window would that work. Commissioner Coyle helped explain that Mr Faber is asking if he took out what is existing presently and replace them with glass, and also reduce the size of the mullion supports if that would work. The commission could discuss the transom windows another time. Chairman Dux said yes he thought that would be a good compromise. Commissioner Caffey clarified the fagade needed to be a store front, and what was in there looks like residential doors. Mrs. Faber said they are doors. Mr. Faber explained that his minor COA description emailed to staff stated they were using metal door casings. Chairman Dux reiterated that there is a misunderstanding, and Mr. Faber felt that he had expressed his intentions to use door casings in his minor COA. However, the staff understood that they were replacing the windows with windows and changing the metal trim for wooden trim, and not doors with windows in them. Chairman Dux expressed the commission needed to find a solution that is mutually agreeable. One possibility would be to remove doors and put glass in its place. Commissioner Emmite asked if the commission could give a fagade grant to assist with the cost of any solutions. Cheri Bedford said she would check on funds available. Chairman Dux suggested the applicant get a rendering for the appropriate fagade from the Texas Main Street Program, and apply for a fagade grant to assist with repairs, and then bring an application back to the commission for review. Commissioner Emmite noted the applicant had changed the building entrance door as it is not a commercial door. Commissioner Caffey offered to provide architectural services to help the Faber's free of charge if everyone would not have any grievance. A motion was made by Commissioner Emmite to deny the Certificate of