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Historic Resources Commission approves paint-only fix for painted brick at 640 Oakwood Avenue
Summary
The Historic Resources Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing repainting of previously painted brick at 640 Oakwood Avenue, with staff approval required for final color samples and related clarifications.
The Historic Resources Commission on Jan. 21 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the repainting of a previously painted brick area at 640 Oakwood Avenue, with final color and small finish details to be submitted to Historic Preservation Office staff for approval.
The commission’s action responds to an application in which the applicant documented unsuccessful attempts to remove an earlier paint layer from a coarse brick and proposed repainting only the previously painted area to better match the building’s original appearance. The commission approved COA 24066 with the condition that any final color matches and minor clarifications be submitted to HPO staff for administrative approval.
Why it matters: The building’s brick had been painted in the past and an earlier removal test failed, and the commission sought to limit interventions to the painted area and to ensure color compatibility with surrounding surfaces. Staff cited the city alteration standards and local guidelines when recommending approval.
Staff told the commission the applicant performed a removal test that did not fully return the masonry to an original finish and therefore proposed a targeted repaint. The applicant’s representative said there was “no true match with any specific paint color, but we'll do the best we can,” and described plans for a blended base coat and layered finish to approximate an original, weathered brick tone.
Commissioners discussed the color of small masonry caps and pediments and asked that any additional surfaces proposed for painting — including concrete cap pieces — be documented and submitted for staff approval. The commission noted that only the already-painted area is subject to repainting under the approved COA.
The commission voted to approve the application as conditioned. The motion directed staff to review and approve the submitted final color samples and any minor scope clarifications before work proceeds.
