The Canal Winchester Landmarks Commission approved an application (CA25-026) on May 27 to convert a rear window into a walk-up café window, install an awning, and add planters at 8 South High Street. Commissioners also set the awning color to a forest green and off-white scheme on staff motion.

Chelsea, representing the applicant and the Winchester Farm Exchange tenants, described plans for a 4-foot sliding pass-through centered in the existing 8-foot opening, a dark-bronze frame to match existing storefront windows, an awning in a tan/cream or green palette, and planters about 30–36 inches tall to delineate the pedestrian window from vehicle traffic. She said planters would likely be black plastic initially but could be changed to concrete if the commission preferred.

Commissioners raised safety and visibility questions, including the distance between the planters and the nearest parking space and whether tall plantings would obscure the storefront. Chelsea said the parking loop and awning would leave roughly 4–5 feet between planters and the window, and that planters and awning placement would create a clear pedestrian zone. The applicant also noted a grease interceptor on site that would be relocated.

After the commission temporarily tabled the item earlier in the meeting to review awning color samples, Chelsea returned with Sunbrella fabric swatches. The commission selected a forest-green with off-white/cream combination (Sunbrella SKU referenced by the applicant) and directed that the awning have a scalloped edge. Commissioners approved CA25-026 on roll call with a unanimous vote; staff noted the window work may require a building permit and asked the applicant to follow up on any submittals for energy code or window conversion documentation.

Chelsea said the contractor estimated a four-week lead time from the approval to install the window assembly, with a goal of opening in summer.

The commission left details such as planter material and the presence of temporary sandwich-board signage to future coordination but encouraged simpler furniture-style planters rather than permanent changes requiring a separate review.