Commission approves tenant improvements and metal signage at 535 North Market

The Chehalis Historic Preservation Commission voted May 21 to approve a tenant improvement package and signage for a downtown storefront at 535 North Market.

City staff and the applicant presented mockups showing two sign options: a painted rectangular sign and a stamped‑metal, relief sign. Staff said the applicant preferred the stamped‑metal option. Commissioners reviewed the façcade change — primarily removing an alcove to create a flat‑faced storefront — and discussed sign depth and materials before moving to approve the package.

Josh, a building‑department staff member, shared the applicant's mockups during the meeting and showed both options. "This is the stamped metal, that's in relief from the facade," Josh said while displaying the samples. Annie, a city staffer handling permit coordination, told the commission the metal sign was preferred by the applicant.

A commissioner noted the metal letters would "give it a little bit of shadowing, a little bit of pop," and another said they preferred the painted option personally but would not hold up the permit. The commission voted to approve the full tenant‑improvement and signage package. Staff said they would prepare a certificate of approval for the applicant, expected to be issued the following week, and reminded the applicant that a separate signage permit process is also required by the city.

The work described is a façade alteration and signage change; staff characterized the proposal as "pretty straightforward," describing a flush façade replacement and sign placement above the clerestory windows. Commissioners agreed an electronic review and documented email exchange would be used to collect any follow‑up comments before final paperwork was issued.