Abilene Landmarks Commission approves ADA ramp for TMP Freight Building, authorizes replacing two bay doors

The Abilene Landmarks Commission on an untabled vote approved a certificate of appropriateness for changes to the TMP Freight Building at 901 North First, including construction of an ADA-compliant ramp on the building’s west elevation, replacement of two wooden bay doors with glass, and railings matching the building’s east elevation.

The commission approved staff’s preferred configuration known as “option 1,” a smaller landing and ramp that staff said avoids potential encroachment into the public right of way. The motion carried in a 4-1 roll call vote: Commission members Hood, Allen, Portaine and Lee voted yes; Commissioner Young voted no.

The decision addresses a long-running conversation between preservation advocates and the building’s owner over how to make the west side accessible while preserving historic character. Kara Veil, a planner with the City of Abilene planning department, told the commission staff reviewed the proposal under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and recommended approval of option 1 along with replacement of the wood bay doors to match prior glass replacements.

Owner Charles (Charlie) Wolf, who spoke during public comment, said he supports a version of option 1 that provides safe, accessible entry without creating a large…