Commission orders paint removed from rock foundation at 215 W. Nevada Avenue

The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission accepted staff’s recommendation that paint be removed from the exposed rock foundation at 215 West Nevada Avenue in the Sunset Heights Historic District while acknowledging the house’s exterior brick was painted before designation.

Staff said the house (contributing, built 1910) had been painted white and that, while painted masonry that predates designation may remain painted, the rock foundation and certain chimney elements historically were unpainted and should not be covered. Staff recommended removing paint from the foundation and encouraged color and material treatments that respect the property’s distinctive masonry and foundation character. Commissioners discussed repointing needs and the possibility that some owners use paint instead of repointing.

A motion to accept staff’s recommendation was seconded and passed with no recorded opposition. The commission and staff suggested modest mitigation steps — such as removing paint from the foundation and considering paint accents like shutters — rather than requiring full removal of paint from the entire façade because the brick had been painted prior to designation.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the administrative follow-up necessary to document the foundation paint removal and communicate the recommendation to the property owner.