Commission approves balcony door conversions, siding repair at 627 W. Crawford St.

The Denison Historic Preservation Board approved a certificate of appropriateness for facade alterations at 627 West Crawford Street, allowing the replacement of upper-story windows with doors to provide separate access to a balcony and the removal of a non-street-facing window in favor of siding.

The board heard that the project would add privacy for individual tenants and that the alterations can be reversed if needed. A staff presenter said the changes are "consistent with the style of the building" and recommended approval. Applicant Gayla Simmons, whose address she gave as 627 West Crawford Street, told the board the two upstairs units would each have a bedroom door leading to private balcony space, and that the existing balcony door would remain "for, you know, fire emergency." Simmons added the new doors and siding would be built and painted to match the existing exterior.

Board members asked whether the balcony currently is accessible and whether siding materials would match existing cladding; Simmons replied the units can access the balcony now and said the new siding would be made to match. The applicant said structural and building-permit work would follow city permitting if the board approved the certificate. One board member moved to approve; the motion carried with all members voting in favor.

The approval covers only the facade alterations presented to the board; Simmons and staff said any required city permits would still be sought before construction begins. No changes to the building’s primary roof or openings onto public right-of-way were proposed.