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Commission advances adaptive‑reuse grant for downtown building after revised facade presentation
Summary
The commission authorized staff to move forward with next steps in an adaptive‑reuse grant for a 1908 downtown building (not a facade‑only grant), approving staff authorization by roll call and discussing retention of historic fabric, increases in leasable area and future public‑space coordination for Liberty Plaza.
James Grama, the city's development manager, introduced an adaptive‑reuse grant request and Derek Maxson of Green Box Architecture presented revised facade renderings for a circa‑1908 building on Main Street. The team described the building as roughly 2,300 square feet and single story with a basement that will be rehabilitated into approximately 1,600 square feet of leasable office space. Designers proposed continuing existing stone and improving the rear façade with new glazing to admit light and reduce water intrusion.
Maxson stressed this is an adaptive‑reuse grant (not a facade grant program) and described accessibility, ADA improvements and modest rear expansion under 200 square feet. Commissioners asked about historic‑facade language in the project title and whether proposed changes genuinely restore historic architecture; several said the revised materials and recess retention addressed earlier concerns. Commissioners emphasized storefront activation (avoid excessive frosting of windows) and expressed interest in ensuring the project fits downtown design standards and storefront continuity.
Commissioner motioned to authorize staff to move forward with the next step in the adaptive‑reuse grant process; the roll call vote recorded Commissioners Scott Wilson, Mike Mitchell and Rocky Smith and Mayor Denise McGriff all voting in favor and the motion passed.
What's next: Staff will proceed with grant process steps and design review, and the applicant will continue outreach to HRB, PRAC, OCBA and the Downtown Oregon City Association as described in the presentation.
