The Prattville Historic Preservation Commission approved three proposed facade changes to the city-owned bank building and deferred consideration of signage until applicants return with clearer visual samples.

City planner Jonathan Smith presented the petition by WCB of Auburn, which listed four requested alterations: a bifold glass door replacing two east-elevation windows, a kitchen service door, a new awning over the main entrance, and tenant signage. Smith emphasized that this is a noncontributing commercial building and that contemporary alterations should not create a false sense of history but must be compatible with the district.

Amy Hilliard, the city’s economic development director, told commissioners that “the goal of that building is for the entire building to be revenue generation,” explaining the city’s intent to activate the first floor as a revenue-generating restaurant space. Architect Vanessa Newton described the bifold door as an exterior-opening system that "provides your natural canopy" and explained operational advantages such as visibility and service flow.

Commissioners split the request to consider the three structural items together and to handle signage separately because of district precedent and the packet’s lack of a signage mock-up. After a public hearing that included a lengthy comment from John Lee Finnegan expressing concern the renovations would change downtown’s character, the commission approved the bifold door, the service door, and the awning unanimously.

On signage, commissioners said the application packet lacked visual examples and debated backlit versus front-lit approaches. Rather than deny the signage outright, the commission voted to table the signage item and asked applicants to return with clearer visuals that align with downtown guidelines; the commission noted staff could process administrative resubmissions without an additional fee if applicants provide revised visuals.

The commission’s approvals concern design compatibility only; any separate licensing (for example, alcohol service) remains the responsibility of other governing bodies.