Commission continues review of adaptive-reuse plan for 703 Main Street, asks for clearer façade renderings

The City Commission on Nov. 5 voted to continue consideration of a design-review application for the Coal Building at 703/705 Main Street, directing the applicant and staff to return with more accurate façade renderings and additional detail on historic elements.

Derek Metzen of Green Box Architecture presented proposed exterior and interior changes that would add about 40% more leasable square footage, preserve an existing mural, and use locally sourced gorge stone on the base of the facade. Metzen said the project is not yet through entitlement and that financing and design review would follow separate steps.

Commissioner Rocky Smith pressed for clearer historic documentation and accurate visualizations; he said the renderings as presented omitted or obscured differences between the two street-facing storefronts, and he criticized inconsistencies in door design and window treatment. Metzen acknowledged limitations of the initial renderings and agreed to revise them. Several commissioners expressed support for pursuing entitlement and financial review in parallel but requested a refined facade package before returning to the commission.

The commission voted (majority) to continue the matter and requested matching doors, clearer depiction of the inset on the 703 side, and more accurate street views to evaluate how the project will engage the downtown pedestrian environment. The motion passed with Rocky Smith recorded as the dissenting vote.

No final design approvals or financial commitments were made; staff will work with the applicant on revised drawings and the city’s design-review and permitting process.