Historic Preservation Board approves facade paint, rear deck and landscaping at 409 West Main in Denison

The Denison Historic Preservation Board on July 15 approved a certificate of appropriateness for front-facade repainting, the addition of a rear deck and landscaping at 409 West Main (Case 2025-033H). The board approved the item after staff recommended approval; the applicant was not present for the hearing.

The building at 409 West Main houses Vasquez (a Mexican-food restaurant) and a barber shop. Preservation staff told the board the primary new color would be Sherwin-Williams "Alabaster" with an accent of “noir black”; the existing red awning, doors and windows would remain. Staff described the proposed rear work as a deck on the left side of the unimproved rear area, with landscaping between the walkway and the proposed decking. The application did not specify decking material or color.

The matter drew discussion about materials and the downtown color palette. Board member Mary said she preferred hardscape pavers or brick over wood for maintenance reasons: "I think I would prefer to see pavers there or brick there rather than the...for maintenance." Preservation staff confirmed the trim would be painted black: "Everything they indicated, the trim would be painted in black, that accent color." Staff also noted the applicant had considered wood or composite but had not finalized the choice.

Preservation staff reported the structure was built as a commercial building in 1884. The board record includes conflicting survey notes: one source listed the building as one story and another as two stories. Staff said the building currently is treated as "non-contributing" because of later alterations, but earlier surveys (1983 and 2013) had listed it as contributing; staff said some alterations may be reversible depending on the building height determination. Staff added that the applicant did not appear for the hearing and that staff recommended approval of the certificate of appropriateness.

A board member asked whether a downtown façade grant program could apply to the worn awning; Donna, historic preservation staff, said façade grants are handled separately and that owners or renters are informed when a building may be eligible. Donna said an applicant might pursue a façade grant for a different part of the property at a later time and staff could discuss that option with the property owner.

The board approved the certificate of appropriateness by voice vote. Earlier in the meeting the board also approved minutes from the July 1 meeting.

Staff updates after the certificate item listed several administrative approvals: 323 West Main for parking at Emily's Kitchen; rear parking signage approved for the Chop House; signage approval for 317 West Main for a Jimmy John's location; and approval for Leapin' Littles to move to 501 West Main. Preservation staff said Fire Marshal Owens will return to present a proposed decal for doors with residential locks to alert fire personnel to occupied units, and that the city's sign ordinance — with the historic-preservation ordinance as a companion item — is scheduled to go before city council on Aug. 21. Staff said they will present the sign-related materials to the board before the council hearing.

The applicant for 409 West Main did not attend the meeting; staff said they would follow up with the applicant about decking materials and potential grant opportunities. The board adjourned at 12:13 p.m.