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Historic Resources Commission approves multiple COAs, continues several applications for more details
Summary
At its Dec. 18 meeting the Columbus Historic Resources Commission approved a set of Certificates of Appropriateness — including awning/signage, rooftop pergola and window replacements — and continued a number of applications that required more detailed drawings, structural reports, or site plans.
The Columbus Historic Resources Commission met Dec. 18 and voted to approve several Certificates of Appropriateness while asking applicants to return with more information on structural details, site plans and material samples.
The commission approved an awning and signage package for a Liberty Street storefront (COA2501329111) on the condition that the applicant remove one of multiple lower signs; staff may finalize the approval if that change is made. Morgan Grama of the Historic Preservation Office summarized staff’s recommendation and told commissioners the awning fabric and valance signage met local design guidelines while the door decal or wall signage must be addressed.
Commissioners also approved a window-replacement package for a property on East Oakland Avenue (COA2501325110) pending staff review of updated drawings showing a simulated divided-light (SDL) meeting rail and slightly thicker mullions. Contractor Roger Farrell said the team would provide the updated drawings and the commission agreed staff could approve the changes administratively if the revisions were documented.
A rooftop pergola and column installation on Park Street (COA25011864517) for an AC Hotel rooftop was approved after applicants provided additional attachment details and explained waterproofing measures; commissioners asked for final attachment drawings for the project record. A solar-panel application for South Champion Avenue (COA2501013615) was approved after the applicant removed front-facing panels and relocated equipment to rear roof slopes in line with prior National Park Service guidance.
The commission approved a site-screening and fence package for Meyer Place (COA2501319512), specifically the vertical board-on-board dumpster enclosure and short fence sections; landscaping was removed from the current application and will return later in a separate submittal. A broader package of exterior alterations at 1340 Bridal Road — including porches, egress windows and replacement of glass-block basement openings — was approved with conditions requiring final color chips and manufacturer details to be submitted to staff.
Several applications were continued to return with more complete materials. A conversion and fence proposal at 165 North High Street (COA2501301164) was continued because commissioners wanted clearer window-by-window documentation and justification for an 8-foot security fence. A proposed in-ground pool and extensive new concrete hardscape at 1340 Bridal Road (COA25012701340) was continued pending a full site plan showing existing walkways, plantings and options for permeable paving. An application to replace front-porch columns at 1085 Bridal Road (COA2501289) was continued after commissioners asked the owner to provide a structural-engineer assessment and to explore repair-first alternatives.
Why it matters: The HRC’s decisions shape how historic streetscapes and buildings evolve. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized preserving original fabric where feasible, seeking documentation when replacements are proposed, and minimizing visual and environmental impacts (for example, by encouraging permeable paving and by limiting the visibility of fences along primary facades).
Votes at a glance (summary of outcomes): - COA2501329111 (Liberty Street, awning/signage): Approved with condition (remove one lower sign; staff approval possible). - COA2501325110 (East Oakland Ave, window replacements): Approved pending staff review of updated drawings (SDL/mullion details). - COA2501013615 (615 South Champion Ave, solar): Approved as submitted. - COA25011864517 (Park St, pergola/columns): Approved as presented. - COA2501319512 (Meyer Place, dumpster enclosure & fence): Approved (landscaping removed for later submission). - COA25013031103 (1340 Bridal Road, exterior alterations): Approved with conditions (color/manufacturer details submitted to staff). - COA2501194851 (851 Bridal Road, window package): Approved (see separate article for detailed discussion). - COA2501301164 (165 North High St, conversion & fence): Continued for additional documentation. - COA25012701340 (1340 Bridal pool/site): Continued for fuller site plan and permeability strategy. - COA2501289 (1085 Bridal Road, columns): Continued pending structural assessment and repair exploration.
All voice votes reported in the transcript were recorded as unified “aye” outcomes or motions carried; the meeting used motion/second/voice procedures rather than roll-call tallies for these items.
The commission asked staff to circulate explicit guidance about when staff-level approvals are appropriate (for instance, window replacements from the approved list and paint color samples) and emphasized that applicants should coordinate with building/zoning where site-coverage or safety-code questions exist.
