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Commission asks for clearer renderings and matching storefronts before approving 703 Main facade work
Summary
The commission continued review of a proposed adaptive‑reuse and historic‑facade project for the Coal Building (703 Main), asking the applicant to return with accurate renderings that address inconsistent doors, inset treatments and street activation. The motion to continue carried with one dissenting vote.
Developers and the architect presented a preliminary design for adaptive reuse of the Coal Building at 703 Main on Nov. 5, but commissioners asked for clearer, more historically grounded renderings before moving forward.
Architect Derek Metzen (Green Box Architecture) described plans to extend the main floor, convert basement space to occupiable offices, reinstall a fabric awning and unify the base of the façade with locally sourced gorge stone. He said funding for a façade grant had been allocated and that the project would increase leasable square footage by roughly 40 percent.
Commissioners raised several design concerns: they asked for accurate depictions of existing inset windows, consistent storefront doors, and more street‑facing glazing to avoid dead storefronts. Commissioner Rocky Smith said the current façade drawings did not convincingly incorporate historic features and said he could not support the design as presented. Metzen acknowledged some historic elements remain on the rear wall and agreed to revise the façade concept following commission feedback.
Commissioner Mitchell moved to continue the matter so staff and the applicant could develop refined façade renderings and pursue parallel work on financials and entitlements; the motion passed with Commissioner Smith voting no. Staff said the applicant will return with updated renderings and that the design‑review and entitlement process will proceed in tandem with financial review.
The commission’s direction was procedural: return with detailed, accurate renderings showing consistent storefront treatments and clearer street activation; no grant or funding decisions were finalized at the Nov. 5 meeting.
