Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Restoration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves phased restoration at 413 East Bridal; mural postcards to be removed for conservation
Summary
The commission approved a phased certificate of appropriateness for the former Wellworth Building at 413 East Bridal, authorizing removal of sheet metal and awning, replacement of storefront glass, removal and conservation of mural postcards, and sidewall repairs; the owner will return with detailed drawings and samples.
The Texarkana Arkansas Historic District Commission voted on Feb. 22 to approve phased restoration work at 413 East Bridal (the former Wellworth Building), authorizing the removal of a sheet-metal façade and awning, replacement of storefront glass, removal of mural postcards for conservation or relocation, and repairs to the sidewall.
David Jones, the owner and applicant representing Luna Bella Holdings, told the commission he plans to restore the building’s front to a historical appearance, replace the awning, and work with the commission on awning and storefront-glass designs. Jones said he will consult with the original mural artist and other local stakeholders about conserving or relocating the postcard mural pieces.
Commissioners recommended uncovering the underlying façade by removing the sheet metal and awning so that the building’s condition can be evaluated before finalizing plans. The commission approved a phased approach that permits removing the metal and awning, replacing storefront glass, removing mural postcards to enable sidewall repairs and repointing, and returning to the commission with design drawings and material samples for the awning and upper windows.
During discussion, commissioners emphasized preserving any salvageable upper windows but noted modern fire-code requirements may require new doors or other changes. Owner David Jones said the upper glazing may be original, but energy and code considerations could affect the final choices; he committed to uncovering the façade and returning with a proposed plan.
A roll-call vote recorded Michael Hendricks, Jeff Brown and Jamie Simmons voting yes, Dave Jones abstaining, and Greg Gallagher voting yes; the motion carried. The commission asked the owner to consult the original artist (named in the meeting as Georgia Hovnick) about postcard conservation and to bring awning mock-ups and storefront-glass samples to a future meeting.
Next steps: remove the sheet metal and awning to expose underlying materials; owner to present drawings, tile/trim samples and proposals for the upper windows and awning in a follow-up appearance before the commission.
