Denison board approves EIFS and sign removals for 728 West Main, exempts large rooftop sign

The Denison Historic Preservation Board on Nov. 5 recommended approval of proposed exterior modifications at 728 West Main Street, the former Goodyear building, with one notable exception: the board agreed the large rooftop sign would remain in place for now.

Staff introduced the application and identified the structure as vacant; staff said signage and awnings would require separate permits. Applicant Scott Maher, who identified himself at the meeting as representing the property at 728 West Main, told the board he proposes applying EIFS (an exterior insulation and finish system) to the north and west elevations, painting other visible sides in a light "repose gray," and using an iron-ore color for trim and garage doors. Maher said EIFS and a consistent color scheme would "make it look tighter, cleaner" and attract tenants.

Board members raised practical concerns about EIFS over existing metal tile and mismatched surfaces, noting some metal tile is rusted and may need removal before EIFS installation. A board member said painting alone could highlight differences between tile and brick; Maher acknowledged substrate work may be required and said parts of the metal tile are coming loose.

The rooftop sign drew particular focus. Board members asked whether the rooftop sign would be removed; Maher said it is operational and indicated full removal could cost roughly $8,000, so his plan was to paint the sign black and leave it in place until a tenant is found and removal could be split with the tenant. Staff and members noted that interior-lit signs are often "grandfathered" so long as size or placement is unchanged.

After clarifying the scope — EIFS on the northwest and south sides, removal of most signage but not the large roof sign — the board made and recorded a motion to recommend approval. The transcript records the motion as moved by "Linda Corne" and seconded by Linda Anderson; members answered "Aye" and the chair declared the motion carried. The board’s recorded action allows the applicant to proceed with the proposed exterior changes while retaining the rooftop sign until a future tenant or further action.

Next steps for the applicant include separate permits and reviews for awnings and new signage; staff noted parking lot resurfacing and other exterior improvements were planned but not part of this application and would be a later phase.