Design review board approves Garage Automotive Museum expansion, refers historic sign to Heritage Commission

The Salina Design Review Board on an afternoon meeting approved a conditional certificate of compatibility for an expansion of the Garage Automotive Museum and renovation of the former Abner's Autos Quilting Station at the corner of South 4th Street and East Iron Avenue.

Planning staff recommended approval with conditions, saying the addition — including brick veneer, black horizontal ribbed metal panels, aluminum-and-glass overhead doors, repaired windows and trim, and a new wall sign — was designed to harmonize with the downtown context while using modern materials. The staff report identified the garage address as 108 South 4th Street and the corner building at 212 East Iron Avenue and noted the project combines new infill and renovation of existing masonry facades.

"It appears to staff the project architect has designed an addition that is consistent with what is already on the property and appears to be consistent with the design guidelines," planning staff said during the presentation, recommending option two — approval with conditions — and that any significant changes be returned to staff for potential further review.

Charles Renz, project architect with JGR Architects, said the design team worked to match existing brick and use modern materials to "break up" large wall planes. "We're really excited about it," Renz said, describing an EV charging station installed in a historic gas-pump feature and other design details intended to enhance the street frontage.

Tom Hester, representing the garage, asked whether the existing historic Champlin Oil sign could be removed and refinished. Planning staff replied the sign is historically designated and will be sent to the Heritage Commission for review next week; any removal or alteration of the sign will require Heritage Commission approval.

Board members adopted the staff recommendation, making findings that the addition and renovations meet the Downtown Salina design guidelines' intent to harmonize new construction with existing buildings. A motion to approve option two, with the condition that significant changes return to staff or the board, passed by voice vote.

The approval includes the proposed new wall sign (23 feet by 5 feet, about 115 square feet). Staff noted the property has about 500 lineal feet of frontage on 4th Street and that the C-4 zoning district allows sign area consistent with the proposal.

Next steps: the Heritage Commission will review the historically designated Champlin Oil sign; staff will monitor any significant design changes and the project will return to the board if the approved conditions are not met.