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Prattville HPC approves façade repairs and painting for Moncrief building at 205–213 S. Court Street over objections about precedent
Summary
Polk Family Properties received a certificate of appropriateness to repair rot, replace hardware and repaint portions of 205 and 213 South Court Street. Commissioners debated whether painting the newer 1970s-era brick would set an undesirable precedent; Thea Langley urged consistency and cited past approvals. Vote passed 5–1.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted on Oct. 23 to approve exterior repairs and selective repainting for the Moncrief building at 205 and 213 South Court Street, a downtown property owned by Polk Family Properties.
Petitioner Billy Polk told commissioners the work focuses on replacing rotted wood, updating door hardware and repainting the main façade to tie together several materials, using colors drawn from the Historic Alabama palette. Polk said he intends to leave older, original brick unpainted but to paint newer 1970s-era brick and the trim so the façade reads more cohesively. He said the painted signage that reads “Pasta Mill” is deteriorating and will be removed; he also described plans for brass hardware and painted columns.
Commissioners expressed differing views about painting brick. Several members said painting brick can set a precedent; one expressed concern the commission had previously approved painted historic brick at other downtown buildings and that inconsistent application could invite legal challenge. Councilor-elect Thea Langley, who spoke during the public comment period, urged the commission to be consistent and supported Polk’s stewardship, saying, “Billy has great ideas” and noting Polk’s intent to preserve character.
Polk reiterated that the proposal uses historic color selections and that the newer brick does not match the older masonry; he said cleaning and cohesive painting would improve the block’s appearance. Commissioners discussed material differences, the presence of aluminum trim and the visual impact across the block. After discussion, a motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness as presented passed 5–1.
The approval authorizes Polk Family Properties to proceed with the described repairs and selective repainting; the record notes divergent commissioner views on precedent but does not record specific conditions attached to the approval beyond the certificate.
