Historic Preservation Commission approves full facade renovation at 110 South Eighth Street

The Opelika Historic Preservation Commission approved a plan to renovate the front and rear facades of 110 South Eighth Street during its January 2025 meeting. The commission voted to allow removal of the existing plywood and aluminum storefront and to install new black wood-clad windows on the upper level and black aluminum or steel storefront at street level, along with reclaimed masonry for the storefront base and two recessed wood doors.

The work aims to restore light and visibility to the upper-floor windows that were boarded up and to recess the new doors to keep door swings off the sidewalk. Staff recommended approval of the replacements, the reclaimed masonry base, transom windows above the doors and the recessed storefront. Staff also recommended applicants return later for signage approval.

Commission discussion focused on the number and placement of rear windows and whether an existing fan opening would remain for ventilation. Staff clarified that some rear openings had previously been fan openings rather than windows and that the applicant did not supply a total count for reclaimed windows on the rear; staff later confirmed the rear would include three new windows matching the upper window style and possibly retain a fan opening for ventilation.

A commissioner moved to accept the proposal “as written,” a second was offered and the motion passed on a voice vote. The minutes record a voice approval but individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript. The applicant indicated upper-floor space is intended for small offices; staff said there are no parking requirements for the downtown storefront.

The commission’s approval is administrative design review; the applicant must still return for signage review and must follow any building- or fire-code permitting required by city staff before construction begins.