The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of approval for facade rehabilitation of the Salzmann Shoe Repair building at 911 Eighth Avenue (Case HPDR2025-0015), allowing alterations needed to convert the long-vacant building for use by a new tenant, Edison's Ice Cream, while excepting two items from the approval: the proposed vertical wood paneling and aggressive paint removal by power washing.

Staff planner Betsy Gallums reviewed the application and recommended the commission approve most proposed work — replacing storefront windows and doors, restoring transoms, reinstalling windows on the west elevation, replacing missing or damaged brick kick plates, and moving the historical projecting Salzmann sign indoors — but she recommended against the proposed vertical wood paneling and against using power washing to remove paint from masonry. Gallums said power washing risks damaging raked or softer-textured brick and recommended that paint only be removed where it is actively peeling and otherwise be prepared and repainted using gentler methods consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Tom Donkel, the owner’s representative, and Nate Freire, owner of Edison's Ice Cream, described the planned fit-out and branding. Donkel said the design team plans a “retro” sign package and that signage will be submitted under a separate sign permit; Donkel said the team intends to open in spring and is working on building and right-of-way permits.

Donkel and Freire explained the reasoning behind the proposed wood cladding that would wrap structural columns visible behind the storefront glazing and said the feature also supports interior finishes. Commissioners and staff discussed alternative materials; multiple commissioners suggested an architectural metal cladding or a narrower metal frame more consistent with historic storefront materials. Gallums said she would work with the applicant if the commission wanted to allow staff to approve final material substitutions and details.

The motion the commission adopted approved the project “with the exception of the wood paneling and paint removal by power washing” and gave staff discretion to approve final details and minor changes, including signage and methods for paint removal. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Public commenters from Historic Greeley praised the proposal to restore transoms and remove exposed masonry from direct weathering while urging adherence to Secretary standards and cautious treatment of painted masonry. The applicant said it has engaged contractors and will coordinate with city building and CDOT offices for any encroachment permits needed to set scaffolding or close sidewalk area during work.

The commission’s approval covers design-review matters under local code; separate permits remain required for building, encroachment, and signage work.