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HARB recommends new windows, stucco and sign for former church at 2040 Sixth Street
Summary
Property owner presented plans to convert a vacant former church/commercial building at 2040 Sixth Street; the board recommended municipal council approve new windows filling existing openings, smooth beige stucco over existing surface and a replacement freestanding sign.
Rick Gallo, the property owner, told the board he is rehabbing the former Glissonia church at 2040 Sixth Street and intends to replace existing glass block and worn windows, apply new smooth beige stucco over wire lath, retain some upper ornamentation and install a new freestanding sign. He said the building has been vacant for roughly five to ten years, and he plans interior and exterior rehabilitation for a school or school‑related use across from existing schools.
At the meeting Gallo described the windows as old and leaking and said about 85% of the existing glass block was broken. He said the project will replace the glass block with large, multi‑bay windows (described in the application as quad windows with grids) and fill the existing window openings. He also presented a proposed new sign that will be relocated to the west side, white with black text and corporate logo, and said zoning approval had already been secured.
A board member moved to recommend that municipal council approve the certificate of appropriateness with conditions: install wire lathe and a new smooth beige stucco finish over the existing block facade; replace the existing freestanding sign with a new 48‑inch‑by‑32‑inch (4‑by‑3‑foot) white sign with black letters mounted on white posts; and replace existing glass block openings with new windows that fill the existing openings. The motion drew a second and passed on a roll call (Olivia Yes; George Yes). The board confirmed that after council approval the owner may proceed with building‑department permitting.
During discussion, the owner said some replacement windows will be operable for ventilation, while most will remain fixed because of high interior sill heights and code safety considerations. He also said he intends to use high‑performance windows (Gillen window systems were mentioned) suitable for the large glazed areas and interior mechanical and sprinkler systems will be accommodated by dropped ceilings where needed.
The board’s recommendation is advisory and will be considered by municipal council at its upcoming meeting. If council concurs, the owner can proceed with permits and construction.
