Historic district panel finds 147 West Main St. eligible, approves $7,500 estimate for repainting and siding repair

On June 4, 2025, the Westminster Historic District Commission voted to declare 147 West Main Street eligible for the city's pre-construction historic-district tax credit program and approved a $7,500 estimated labor cost from LPE Construction Services for sanding, siding repair, priming and two finish coats of paint.

Melissa Thorne, the city's economic development coordinator, presented the application (filed as TC-2503) and said the property is eligible under the zoning ordinance (section 143-5(b)) because it lies within the Westminster Historic National Register District. The commission reviewed photographs of peeling paint on the building's east and west elevations and the proposed scope: remove peeling paint, sand and repair siding, apply one coat of primer and two coats of finish paint, and caulk.

Applicant Kevin Bankert, the property owner, told the commission that the contractor estimates he submitted separate labor-only and full-service quotes and that he intends to buy the primer and paint himself. "The estimate include[s] is basically the labor. I would still have to buy the primer and the paint, but yes," Bankert said. He also said he expects to purchase roughly 20 gallons of primer and about 40 gallons of paint and that any additional material costs would be his responsibility.

Commission discussion covered the building's history, materials and project oversight. Art Deepa, director of community planning and development, told commissioners the main block was built in 1875 and that a rear addition was constructed in 1980. Commissioners noted the building has cedar shingles and that, per program rules, replacement materials and window work should be compatible with the historic character; staff said wood windows would generally be required if replacements are undertaken.

Two contractor estimates were included in the application packet: LPE Construction Services (the applicant asked the commission to use this quote) and Standball Home Improvement (the packet indicated a labor-only note on one submission). After discussion, the commission moved and approved that the property is an eligible property and that the proposed work qualifies as eligible work under the ordinance. The commission then accepted the $7,500 LPE Construction Services estimate as the project cost to be used for the program and confirmed the process for final reimbursement: Bankert must submit proof of payment to validate the eligible costs and the program's matching calculations. Staff advised that the applicant may return to request a change order if unforeseen conditions arise during work.

The commission recorded the approvals by voice vote and concluded the item; no individual roll-call tallies were recorded in the public discussion. The next step is for the applicant to proceed with the contracted work and for staff to process post-construction documentation to confirm the final eligible amount and the certificate of eligibility for the tax credit program.

The commission also discussed paint color and other appearance details during the review; Bankert indicated his planned color is a gray and said he intends to touch up shutters and trim when painting is complete.