At its September 2025 meeting, the Lebanon Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to repaint most elevations of the commercial building at 117 North Meridian Street in Lebanon, Indiana, while leaving a repaired section of the east elevation as exposed brick.

The decision affects a building listed as a contributing structure in the National Register–listed Lebanon Courthouse Square Historic District. Derek, a historic preservation staff member, presented the staff report and said the application "is a pretty straightforward application" and that "staff recommends approval of the COA as submitted." Staff recommended painting the north and south elevations and the upper portions of the east elevation in Benjamin Moore York Gray to create a uniform appearance and to improve the building's presentation in the district.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the scope. Commissioner Scott Allen asked whether the north elevation shown in the photos was included in the scope; Derek confirmed it was. Derek explained that maintenance work on the lower half of the east elevation — described as paint removal and tuckpointing — left that portion in sound condition and therefore it will remain as exposed brick rather than being repainted. Derek also said the stairwell on the south elevation is not included in this application; he and the applicant will meet with RQAW (an outside reviewer contracted by the city) to develop alternative renderings for that area and may return to the commission with a separate application.

Casey Samson and Abby Samson, applicants listed as Samson Family Leather LLC, were present for questions. There were no public comments on the item. After discussion, a motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness as proposed was made and seconded; the commission voted to approve the COA by voice vote (tally not specified in the record). The commission recorded the application as approved.

In other business, Derek noted a staff-issued COA for a metal, direct-printed sign for Taco Alibi on the 4 Fingers Building that met district sign standards. The commission tentatively scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 2, 2025.

The COA approved at this meeting covers painting in the colors and on the elevations described; work affecting the stairwell or other elevations will require separate review and application to the commission.