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Commission offers feedback on Columbus Gift Academy exterior renovation; staff urges preservation of chimneys and historic lintels
Summary
Conceptual review of exterior work at the 1925 Columbus Gift Academy focused on lower-level lintel replacement, door and window preservation and the proposed removal/capping of a nonfunctional chimney; commissioners asked for detailed photos, salvage plans and justification for any removal.
The commission provided design feedback during a conceptual review of exterior renovations proposed for the 1925 Columbus Gift Academy, which is part of a larger Columbus City Schools project. The district's engineering representative described plans to replace lower-level lintels, repair and replace doors and windows, clean and repoint masonry, and address a deteriorated, nonfunctional chimney.
Why it matters: The building dates to 1925 and features character-defining masonry and fenestration; commissioners and staff emphasized retaining historic materials and details where feasible while accommodating necessary structural repairs and door replacements needed for code or durability.
Discussion and guidance: CTO engineering representative Lee Markman said crews aim “to make it look basically like it does then,” describing lintel replacement that will remove and reinstall brick only where necessary. HBO staff reminded the commission and applicant that chimneys are often considered character-defining features; staff noted the Columbus case history where a chimney proposed for removal at another school was later required to be repaired. Commissioners urged applicant to salvage and clean original brick for reinstallation where possible, supply photos showing the condition of existing doors and windows, and provide justification and alternatives if the district wants to remove the chimney.
Commissioners asked staff and applicant to arrange a site visit timed to avoid school hours so staff can inspect the lower-level openings and the condition of the lintels and doors. The commission did not take action; the item will return when the applicant provides the requested condition photos, details about which doors would be replaced and a more complete justification for any chimney removal.
Next steps: Staff asked the applicant to supply photos showing damage and the specific doors proposed for replacement, and to prepare salvage and repair plans for the lintels and brick so the commission can evaluate a future application.
