The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of approval for façade rehabilitation at 911 Eighth Avenue (case HPDR2025‑0015), the storefront known in the packet as the Salzman (Salzmann) building, subject to staff exceptions and with authority delegated to staff to resolve minor remaining design details.

Staff recommended approval of most proposed alterations — including reopening rear windows, replacing storefront windows and doors, replacing missing and damaged brick kick plates, retaining transoms, and moving a projecting sign into the interior — while recommending against two elements: exterior vertical wood panel siding and removal of paint from masonry by high‑pressure power washing.

“Since we don't have original photographs predating 1970, a simplified design that preserves the corbeled brick cornice, rosettes above the transoms, and general storefront proportions is most appropriate,” Betsy Gallums said in her staff presentation. She told the commission the proposed wood paneling “decreases the transparency of the storefront” and that power washing to remove paint risks damaging softer textured brick. Gallums recommended preserving paint where it is sound, removing only actively peeling paint and preparing the surface for repainting, or testing gentler methods in small areas.

Tom Donkel, the owner's representative, and owner Nate Freire described the proposed tenant, Edison's Ice Cream, plans to open in the spring; Donkel said the owner prefers to include a vertical retro sign on the southeast corner but understands signage requires a separate permit and review. The applicant said some interior support columns motivated the choice of paneling; Donkel and Freire said they remain open to alternative cladding solutions and samples and indicated a target opening of spring (March–April) next year.

Commissioners and staff explored alternatives to the proposed wood paneling. Staff suggested a narrower metal cladding compatible with storefront metal frames would be historically appropriate and provide a mounting surface for signage without substantially changing storefront transparency. Commissioners directed staff to work with the applicant on alternative cladding and on a paint‑removal approach and delegated final minor design approvals to staff to streamline the permitting process.

A motion approving the certificate with the staff’s exceptions and delegating authority to staff to approve minor subsequent changes passed by unanimous voice vote. The motion as recorded notes the certificate meets criteria A, C, E, F and H of §24‑1003(j)(1) of the Greeley Municipal Code with the wood‑paneling and power‑washing exceptions; staff was given discretion to work with the applicant on final materials and signage approvals.

The city’s building‑inspection and public‑works processes will govern required permits for encroachment, scaffolding and temporary sidewalk/traffic control during construction; staff advised the applicant to initiate those permit requests during the preconstruction phase. Staff also reminded the applicant that a sign package requires a separate application and sign permit.