Littleton panel approves exterior changes, rooftop fly tower for Town Hall Arts Center at 2450 West Main

The Littleton Historic Preservation Commission voted 5–0 on Nov. 17 to approve a certificate of appropriateness allowing exterior modifications — including a rooftop fly tower and a reconfigured entrance — at 2450 West Main, the Town Hall Arts Center.

Staff recommended approval after concluding the proposal meets the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for treatment of historic properties. The staff presentation described the rooftop addition as a 23‑by‑38‑foot structure set back roughly 26 feet from the facade that will increase the building’s height to about 42 feet, approximately 3 feet below the district maximum. The application also calls for restoration of second‑floor windows, replacement of exterior downspouts with interior systems, reconfiguration of ground‑floor storefront glazing, and limited infill of a non‑historic rear addition.

Applicant Paul Bryant, the project architect, told commissioners the design aims to restore the building’s original arcade and to “celebrate” its use as a theater. Bryant said the fly tower is designed to be removable and that materials were chosen to reference historic elements — including a teal glaze chosen to match terracotta details — while keeping the addition visually subordinate. He described operational benefits from adding a fly tower, including expanded production capability and improved circulation for the building’s roughly 230 seats.

Public commenters raised aesthetics and safety concerns. One resident, Pam Chadbourne, who lives about a block and a half away, said she did not understand the plan to light the fly tower at night and questioned narrowing the entrance doors; she urged that any light sources remain shielded so bulbs would not be directly visible. Staff and the architect said the lighting strategy is intended to be subtle — a linear flood wash rather than bright spotlights — and noted lighting could be conditioned to reduce nighttime prominence if the commission chose to do so.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about materials, glazing and sight lines. Staff explained windows on the north elevation are to be restored in place and that applicants explored reglazing options for improved insulation. The applicant confirmed the fly tower will be clad in painted metal panel with an aluminum-framed Italian‑Renaissance‑style screen that will create a translucent, layered appearance when lit.

A commissioner moved to approve HPC Resolution 052‑2025, approving the certificate of appropriateness for 2450 West Main; a second followed. After debate focused primarily on whether the fly tower should be lit at night and whether lighting should be conditioned, the commission voted 5–0 in favor. Commissioner Henderson was absent and an alternate served in a voting position.

The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed with the exterior work as presented; staff indicated restoration and construction will follow any applicable building‑permit and lease processes between Town Hall Arts Center and the city. The project’s public‑hearing record and staff report will remain on file with the commission.