Natchitoches historic commission ratifies two roof projects, approves signs and renovations with preservation conditions

The Natchitoches Historic District Commission met and voted on several applications affecting downtown and nearby residential streets. Commissioners ratified two roof‑replacement requests, approved a commercial sign application, granted a renovation and small‑sign request with conditions for a private house, and accepted a late paint application from First United Methodist Church.

At the start of new business, the commission ratified an applicant-initiated roof replacement for Lance Lopez (agenda item 3.1) and separately ratified a City of Natchez application for a central fire station roof (item 3.2). Both items were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The commission approved signage for a restaurant at 805 Washington Street (applicant: Rodolfo Vargas). The proposal described two 54‑inch circular, stencil‑cut metal signs with halo (back) lighting; the applicant said the finish will be raw steel intended to patina with age. Commissioners reviewed ordinance constraints (noting that neon is not allowed) and clarified that halo/backlighting oriented to bounce light off the wall rather than project forward is acceptable. After discussion the commission voted to approve the sign as presented.

James McGuire, owner of a house at 301 Williams Avenue, presented plans to renovate and to add a small 2'x3' sign reading "Dot's Resting Spot." McGuire described buying back his childhood home and seeking to restore it and add a bedroom and bath while maintaining the historic streetscape. The commission emphasized preservation standards for visible elevations: vinyl siding is not permitted on façades visible from primary streets, replacement windows must present wood moldings and operable muntins (mullions) rather than flush vinyl units, and decorative porch details should be retained. The commission approved McGuire's application with conditions: limit vinyl to side or rear elevations not visible from the primary streets, install wood or painted party‑board where visible as discussed, submit revised sign drawings and final paint colors to staff, and ensure replacement windows replicate the existing muntin pattern and exterior moldings.

The commission accepted a late application from First United Methodist Church to repaint the building at its office location. Reviewers selected a semi‑gloss body color described as Tapestry Beige and a Blue Jeans accent; members asked the church to supply a physical paint sample to staff for final confirmation. The motion to accept and approve the paint plan passed by voice vote.

One porch‑repair application (Joseph Milliken, 115 Cypress Avenue) lacked a representative and was continued to the next meeting. Commissioners also discussed inconsistent or potentially improper downtown merchandise and signage displays (Rolling Hills and a donut shop were given as examples) and said staff would pursue appropriate notice or enforcement routes rather than taking immediate action at the meeting.

Next steps: applicants required to submit revised sign drawings, window specifications, and paint samples to staff for final clearance; zoning changes (for example, a future short‑term rental conversion discussed during McGuire's presentation) remain a separate process and would require rezoning or permitting by the appropriate zoning authority. The commission adjourned after completing the agenda.

Quotes from the meeting include the applicant for 805 Washington Street describing the proposed sign: "Similar placement to the current Maglio signs ... It'll be 2 54 inch diameter circles, stenciled metal, backlit halo lit ... The finish is gonna be raw steel, so it'll rust over time." James McGuire described his intent for 301 Williams Avenue: "I was able to buy the house back, and now I wanna basically renovate the house so that I can bring it back up to standard."