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Board denies keeping painted masonry at 416/418 East Main; orders exterior paint removal, allows touch-ups on main house
Summary
The board found painting masonry on an ancillary tank house at 416/418 East Main inappropriate and denied the application to retain the paint; it approved a limited paint touch-up and door color for the main Victorian structure while directing removal of paint from the accessory structure’s exterior.
The Fredericksburg Historic Review Board on Dec. 10 declined to approve keeping paint on the masonry ancillary structure behind 416/418 East Main and directed that exterior paint on the tank house be removed, citing material conservation concerns.
Staff explained that painting natural stone or low-grade masonry can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration and recommended removal of exterior paint on the accessory building. The tenant/applicant said the painted structure is visible from the bar’s backyard, contributes to a successful local business and attracts visitors. "This tank house is a huge viewing point," the tenant said, adding the painted wall helps the business’s visibility.
Board members acknowledged the tenant’s concerns about business impact but noted preservation guidelines generally prohibit painting of natural masonry because of long-term material damage. The board voted to deny the portion of the application that would allow exterior painted masonry to remain on the accessory tank house; at the same time the board approved paint touch-ups and a green-black front-door color for the main Victorian structure (application COA 2024-1001, items limited to the main building), subject to the city-approved palette.
Staff reiterated that interior finishes are outside the board’s purview but recommended careful, conservation-minded paint removal for the masonry, using gentle products to avoid surface damage. The board asked staff to provide guidance and resources on safe paint-removal methods and to coordinate next steps so the tenant can reopen while meeting preservation requirements.
What happens next: the applicant will be given guidance on recommended materials and methods for paint removal and must remove exterior paint from the ancillary masonry or seek an alternative treatment that protects the material; staff will follow up on compliance and provide a list of approved conservation approaches.
