Socorro HLC tables Dollar General application over design concerns

The Historical Landmark Commission for the City of Socorro voted unanimously to table consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed Dollar General, citing that the chain's submitted design is not congruent with the district's design guidelines.

Commission staff said the applicant, Brooke Dallenberg, submitted a modern-looking design that uses materials acceptable to the district but whose overall aesthetic “is a very modern looking design that is not congruent with the historical district.” The commission’s staff recommended tabling the application until the applicant provides a revised design that aligns with the district guidelines.

Commission staff showed commissioners images of the proposed storefront and contrasted them with previously approved, locally appropriate examples, including a modified McDonald's and other buildings that use terracotta-style roofing, ornamental crowning and framed window cutouts to match the district’s Hacienda/Southwest character. Staff said the applicant indicated a flat metal-panel roof that would not be visible from the street; the commission’s principal concern was the building’s overall form and detailing, not the building materials.

Commissioner Rafael Padilla moved to table the item and Commissioner Ricardo Rocha seconded. Commissioners Padilla, Rocha and Jesse Montelongo voted aye and the motion carried; the item was tabled pending a revised design submission from the applicant.

No members of the public spoke during the item. The commission directed staff to communicate the motion and the guidance on acceptable design features to the applicant.