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Historic Resources Commission approves partial restoration of former AA Wilder's building at 518 SE Jackson
Summary
The Historic Resources Review Commission approved HR-24-020 to remove corrugated metal from the lower facade of the former AA Wilder's building at 518 SE Jackson, revealing original window frames and an ornate cornice; staff said the owner intends to pursue state grant funding for a fuller storefront restoration next year.
The Historic Resources Review Commission voted to approve Historic Resource Review application HR-24-020 for exterior alterations and partial restoration of the former AA Wilder’s men’s clothing shop at 518 Southeast Jackson Street in the Roseburg Downtown Historic District.
Staff told commissioners the building retains a ‘‘really nice original cornice and the pilasters’’ but that much of the lower facade was covered after the 1959 Roseburg blast by corrugated metal. According to the staff report, the applicant discovered original window frames behind a suspended ceiling; staff said photos taken from the attic show window frames and ‘‘broken shards of glass from the explosion.’’ Staff recommended a straightforward approval to remove the corrugated metal panels, repair and repaint surviving materials and to support a later, more extensive storefront restoration through state grant funding when the application window opens early next year.
Commissioners questioned whether shards of glass remained and whether similar coverings exist on other downtown buildings; staff and commissioners confirmed other examples and said past facade grant programs helped many downtown upgrades. Several commissioners expressed enthusiasm that the project could spur additional downtown improvements and suggested city involvement in promotional activities, such as a ribbon cutting or inclusion in a newsletter and social media posts.
Commissioner Bentley Gilbert moved to approve the application, and a commissioner seconded. Commissioners voiced ayes and the motion passed with no opposition recorded. Staff said it would coordinate with the applicant about the timing of work and possible grant applications.
The commission’s action approves the requested exterior alterations and partial restoration; staff indicated the owner may seek a more extensive restoration and state grant assistance next year. The commission set no additional conditions in the action recorded at the meeting.
