Angola commission approves facade renovation at 108 South Wayne Street

The Angola Historic Preservation Commission on June 23 approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior renovations at 108 South Wayne Street, allowing the property owner to repair damaged limestone, replace windows and make other exterior changes. Staff recommended approval and commissioners voted in favor after discussion of materials and preservation techniques.

The project applicant, Daniel Reinhold, is proposing to repair broken limestone on the front façade, clean and whitewash the stone, replace all windows with black‑framed energy‑efficient units, remove damaged rounded windows at the front and infill those openings with limestone to match the façade, add three new windows and a replacement door at the rear, and cover existing foam on the rear elevation with fiber‑cement (shiplap) siding, painted white.

Allison Bagelow, a staff member who presented the application and the staff evaluation, said the proposal "does comply with applicable ordinances and guidelines outlined in the Angola Historic Preservation Guidelines" and that the materials chosen "are appropriate for preserving the historical character of the building." Bagelow also noted that traditional lime wash is breathable and compatible with limestone and recommended testing the whitewash on a small area to ensure compatibility.

Applicant Daniel Reinhold described structural and water‑intrusion issues behind the façade and the condition of several stained‑glass windows. "It's leaking water to the inside because they haven't been properly maintained for years," Reinhold said, adding that repairing the existing stained glass would likely cost "probably twice as much as getting new windows." He said the stained‑glass units would be removed and rehung inside when feasible.

Staff highlighted applicable guidance from the Angola Historic Preservation Guidelines cited during the presentation: storefront guidance recommending repair or replication of traditional storefront parts; wall guidance allowing preapproved composite materials such as fiber cement in high‑moisture locations; window guidance calling for new windows to match original size, shape and operation when beyond 50% repair; and paint guidance noting that painting previously unpainted stone is discouraged except in limited, tested circumstances.

Reinhold told the commission the work will include adding limestone drip caps above sills to prevent further water infiltration and to better support the openings, and that the design aims to retain as much original material as possible while stabilizing the structure and producing a unified streetside appearance. He said the proposed new windows under consideration include models from Andersen or Windsor.

The applicant indicated he is applying for a façade grant and requested $10,000 toward the exterior work. Staff said the total estimated exterior project cost is $41,600.

A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness for the renovation at 108 South Wayne Street was made and seconded; commissioners voted "aye" with no recorded opposition and the motion passed. The commission earlier noted that Jordan would abstain from consideration of this item.

Under City of Angola practice, a certificate of appropriateness must be issued by the commission before a building permit is issued or work begins; staff recommended approval consistent with that requirement and with the preservation guidelines. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with permitting and the proposed facade grant application will be considered separately under the city's grant process.