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Opelika preservation commission approves storefront renovation at 809 1st Avenue, rejects aluminum storefront option
Summary
The commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new storefront at 809 1st Avenue (MediGold Building) but, following staff and State guidance, required brick or a cinder-block-plus-stucco finish instead of the proposed aluminum storefront.
The City of Opelika Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work at 809 1st Avenue during its February meeting but directed the applicant to use brick or a compatible finish rather than the proposed aluminum storefront.
Staff noted that while the building front is part of the downtown historic register (the MediGold Building), the specific 809 1st Avenue address is a new address. Staff described two renderings submitted by the applicant — one with aluminum-frame storefront windows and full-glass doors, and one with a brick façade — and told commissioners that current guidelines do not support aluminum storefronts in this location. "Aluminum storefronts is not allowed," the staff presenter said, recounting State guidance that "it would be an error in judgment to allow an aluminum storefront and she recommended that it be, bricked like the rest of the buildings downtown." As an alternative, staff said carrying cinder block to the front with a stucco finish could be acceptable.
Commissioners discussed affordability concerns with brick but repeatedly stated a preference for brick or stucco in order to maintain compatibility with neighboring facades. Several commissioners noted that aluminum storefronts have been used elsewhere on 1st Avenue but emphasized that those earlier examples do not make aluminum appropriate for every property. One commissioner said, "I like the brick personally," and another responded that brick would be more appropriate.
A motion to approve the COA as presented with the exception that brick (or the recommended cinder-block-and-stucco alternative) be used on the front in place of an aluminum storefront was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript. Staff will proceed to implement the approval consistent with the commission’s direction.
The project also includes a metal canopy with standing-seam construction, new flashing, modified side openings for emergency egress, channel-letter signage and gooseneck lighting; staff recommended approval of these elements provided they meet size and compatibility requirements.
