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Appearance board approves revised exterior for former Jerry Cox building at 975 2nd Avenue, removes 1.5-inch muntin depth requirement
Summary
After reviewing several years of approvals and TRC findings, the Conway Community Appearance Board approved exterior plans for the redevelopment of the former Jerry Cox building at 975 2nd Avenue with modifications including relocation of HVAC screening, a reduction in faux shutters along the parking-lot side, inclusion of an ADA ramp within the property, and removal of the 1.5-inch window muntin depth requirement.
The Conway Community Appearance Board approved exterior design changes for the redevelopment of the former Jerry Cox building at 975 2nd Avenue, with the board removing a prior 1.5-inch minimum window muntin depth requirement.
Staff reviewed the project's multi-year history, noting initial approvals in 2019, a 2021 revision after which the rear of the building was found to encroach into the Riverwalk easement and triggered re-review, subsequent adjustments in 2023, and TRC review in 2024 that identified code conflicts. Staff said the applicant reduced the building footprint by roughly five feet on each side to address fire-rating and stairway placements and to avoid extensive utility relocations.
The applicant described exterior revisions for 2026: relocation of HVAC units and screening to the parking-lot side, a reduction in faux shutters on that elevation (from four to three due to HVAC placement), incorporation of an ADA ramp fully within the property lines, and elimination of some mechanical ventilation screening on the northeast elevation. The applicant emphasized efforts to retain the historic appearance of the Jerry Cox building using wood siding, black windows, stained rafters and faux shutters.
Addressing window details and practicability of muntin depth, a board member moved that the board “approve as presented and strike out the inch and a half depth requirement for the window muntins.” The motion was seconded and carried on an affirmative voice vote. Staff emphasized that this board approval covers exterior design only; the project still requires TRC approval, civil site-plan review, flood-standard compliance and separate reviews for landscaping and signage prior to construction.
The board also confirmed that an existing historic wall associated with the original Jerry Cox building will remain and be affixed to the new construction as previously requested by the board and city council.
