La Conner planning commission approves storefront window replacement at Caravan Gallery

The La Conner Planning Commission on Aug. 5 approved application LU25-37HDR to replace the storefront windows at Caravan Gallery, 619 South First Street, replacing deteriorated picture‑style panes with vertical upright windows.

Staff planner Asia Iles told the commission the existing windows are "very, very dilapidated" and not structurally stable. Iles said vertical windows are permitted under the town's historic preservation district code and recommended approval, noting the roof and awning will remain over the new windows though the proposed façade drawing did not show the awning.

The building is in the town's mapped floodplain and within 200 feet of the shoreline; Iles said the work qualifies as repair and maintenance and does not require a separate floodplain permit. Commissioners asked for that clarification during the hearing.

Commissioner John Hults moved to approve LU25-37HDR; Commissioner Bruce Bradburn seconded. The motion passed with all commissioners present voting in favor. Commissioners and the applicant discussed awning materials and colors and whether foundation work during the repair might lead to further façade work; the applicant said some front repairs and foundation work are planned once the storefront is opened up.

The commission placed no additional conditions beyond retaining the existing roof/awning over the storefront and the standard building and historic‑district requirements discussed during the hearing. The applicant was in the audience and answered commissioners' questions during the public hearing.

The commission record for LU25-37HDR will reflect the approval and the stated plan to keep the awning and roof in place above the new windows. Appeals or additional permits, if required by other agencies (for example for foundation work), were not discussed in detail at the hearing.