Commission approves storefront repairs at North High Street, asks for cut sheets and material samples

The Historic Resources Commission recommended approval of a certificate of appropriateness for exterior repairs and partial reconstruction of the storefront at 439 North High Street after damage from a vehicle crash.

Chris Follett of DSA Architects spoke for the applicant and outlined repairs: reinstalling existing signage and light fixtures, replacing the damaged column with a new cast limestone column, repairing a stone header with a new metal channel at the back of the header, replacing broken glass, and constructing a short concrete block knee wall finished to match the damaged wall. Follett and other project representatives said they had submitted revised drawings in response to prior feedback.

Staff recommended approval of COA 250009 at 439 North High Street with conditions that the applicant provide product cut sheets, material specifications and final details for the proposed column material (cast or reconstituted limestone), pinning method for connecting the existing lintel, and replacement-door specifications. Commissioners questioned whether the replacement column would be real stone or a cast/reconstituted product and requested cut sheets and mockups for staff review.

Project representatives said they are working with contractor Hanlon Rinaldi for the stone work and that the replacement column will be a full-piece replacement, not a patch. The commission approved the application with the staff conditions by voice vote and instructed staff to review the final materials and details before issuance of the COA.