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Board approves facade rehab at 120 South Rusk; asks owner to consider restoring bulkheads
Summary
The Denison Historic Preservation Board approved a certificate of appropriateness for facade work at 120 South Rusk (case 2025-012H): replacement of windows, doors and canopies; removal of exterior paint; reopening bricked openings; installation of a wrought‑iron gate and rear staircase. The board asked the owner to consider reintroducing bu
The Denison Historic Preservation Board on Feb. 18 approved a certificate of appropriateness for facade improvements at 120 South Rusk (case 2025-012H), allowing replacement of storefront windows and doors, installation of black metal canopies, removal of exterior paint, reopening of historically bricked openings, addition of a wrought‑iron gate on the south facade and a rear staircase, and related repairs to the south half of the west facade.
Staff described the building as a contributing structure in the historic overlay and recommended approval of the applicant’s proposed scope, subject to the applicant returning with a lighting plan when fixtures are selected. Applicant representative David Baca of 100 North Travis, Sherman, explained the owner will paint sample 4‑by‑4‑foot patches on the brick to choose a final color and that any removed paint would be removed by water blasting or other approved low‑pressure methods.
Board members discussed historic details, focusing on whether to require a bulkhead (the low masonry or visual base beneath large storefront windows) consistent with the building’s period. Several members noted storefront openings have historically changed over time and that contemporary storefront systems can still be compatible if they retain the building’s visual character. The board asked the owner to consider restoring or reinstating a bulkhead line to preserve the visual relationship between the window openings and the masonry.
A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness as submitted — with a recommendation that the owner consider retaining or reinstating bulkheads and a condition that lighting fixtures return for staff or board review — passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The building is contributing to Denison’s historic district; the work will reopen historic openings and repair original brick while balancing preservation concerns about storefront proportions and visual character.
What’s next: The owner will paint sample patches on the brick, proceed with the approved work, and return with a lighting plan for staff review before exterior fixtures are installed.
