Owner to restore Odd Fellows building; board OKs shed and allows limited glass block where windows are missing

Madison Historic District Board of Review granted a certificate of appropriateness for a rear shed under a new fire stair and allowed glass block in locations where windows no longer exist at 408 Mulberry Street, the former Odd Fellows Lodge, while urging the owner to retain historic window fabric where it remains.

Applicant Tim Goddard presented plans that include constructing a storage shed beneath an exterior fire stair and replacing several deteriorated side windows. Goddard said glass block and more robust infill were intended to improve security in alleys and make maintenance easier; he also said the shed roof would be pitched and connect visually to the stairs above.

Multiple board members recommended preserving existing historic windows and suggested alternatives. One member recommended aluminum‑clad units with frosted glass or security grilles instead of glass block; others emphasized that glass block is not historically typical for the building’s 1911 construction but acknowledged glass block exists elsewhere in town. A public commenter and board members discussed federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits; preservation advocates cautioned that using non‑historic materials could jeopardize state or National Park Service review for tax incentives.

The board’s read findings of fact identified the outbuilding and window changes and concluded the project met guidelines with the clarification that existing historic windows must be retained where present; where windows were already missing on the south elevation, the board indicated glass block would be acceptable. The motion to grant the certificate passed on roll call.