Representatives for Immaculate Conception Church told the Historic Preservation Commission they plan phased exterior work on the Bishop’s building, including paint removal, brick repair and waterproofing, and repairing rotted wood on balconies and stairwells. The commission approved the application but emphasized that if the congregation decides to repaint exposed brick after removal, it must return for a follow-up approval.

A church representative identified as Father said, “we're in the process of wanting to renovate the, Bishop's, building, which is desperately of repair. It's slowly deteriorated.” He described the phased approach in a submitted letter: removing paint to reveal the original brick, repairing damaged bricks, and waterproofing the wall. Father said aluminum siding that was installed before the preservation committee existed will be removed to restore the building fabric.

Commissioners asked about the condition of wood elements and how the paint will be removed. Father said his contractors will not pressure-wash the brick because that could cause additional damage and instead will use a chemical application; he described the contractor as experienced and “he's been in business for many, many years and he's done a lot of work.” Staff and commissioners confirmed that any repainting decision after brick exposure would require a separate return to the commission: “Once it's stripped off, and let's say you are not pleased with the way it looks and you decide that you would like to paint it, you do, you will have to come back before us,” the chair said.

Commission discussion also covered the balcony and stairwell repairs and shutters. Father confirmed the wood stairwells and balcony will be addressed; rotten wood will be replaced and shutters will be repaired. Commissioners suggested historic color options for porch surfaces; one commissioner recommended considering Sherwin-Williams “porch gray” for the stairs and porch trim as a historically appropriate option and to avoid a stark contrast against white walls. The commission moved and approved the application as presented, with the explicit condition that any repainting of newly exposed brick requires a subsequent submission for review.

The motion to approve was moved by Commissioner Horton and seconded by Commissioner Robinson and passed on a voice vote. Staff was directed to treat the approval as limited to the phased scope described; if the church opts to paint exposed brick or makes other material changes, the project will return to the commission for review.