Landmarks Commission approves Hartman Building facade restoration, asks applicant to relocate commemorative plaque
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Summary
The Canal Winchester Landmarks Commission approved exterior façade changes for the Hartman Building at 32 West Waterloo St. (CA26001) on Jan. 27, 2026, with a condition that the applicant reconfigure the proposed limestone plaque or move it so as not to obstruct future tenant signage.
The Canal Winchester Landmarks Commission on Jan. 27 approved exterior renovations to the Hartman Building at 32 West Waterloo Street while requiring the applicant to revise the placement or design of a commemorative plaque so it will not obstruct future tenant signage.
Staff told the commission the 1923 building (with a 1934 eastern addition) would have its mansard roof removed in part, have trim reintroduced above doors and windows, new metal canopy work, reopened window openings and either a commercial storefront system or a full-glass garage door at the primary opening. Staff noted the applicant proposed a limestone plaque on the upper parapet to commemorate the building’s history but warned that the plaque could impede future tenant signage.
The applicant said the project is currently speculative — "it's spec right now" — but asked for enough exterior approval to file for a building permit so interior work and financing can proceed. The applicant also said the project team is open to shifting or resizing the plaque to accommodate tenant signage.
Commission members asked detailed questions about transom windows, whether the original wood frames and wavy glass might be salvageable, the potential for operable garage doors for an open-air use, and how masonry repairs would be accomplished. Staff and the applicant discussed working with a contractor and an environmental consultant (Spence Environmental) to address site contamination issues that could affect financing and construction timelines.
After discussion, a motion to approve CA26001 carried with the single condition that the Hartman Building plaque/sign be reconfigured or relocated to preserve tenant signage opportunities. The commission took a roll-call vote and recorded affirmative votes from members present; the motion passed.
What happens next: the applicant said they will coordinate with staff on the plaque's scale and final placement and return revised details if needed before sign/plaquing is finalized. The exterior approval will allow the applicant to pursue a building permit while interior/site remediation and tenant negotiations continue.
