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Landmark panel approves limited window boxes for Chejo's Boutique at Masonic Lodge
Summary
The Mansfield Historical Landmark Commission approved decorative window boxes and modest window trims for the Masonic Lodge storefront at 101 North Main Street, limited to street-level windows and the front transom, and required removal if the business vacates the property.
The Mansfield Historical Landmark Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal to add modest floral decorations and lightweight window boxes to the street-level windows and the front transom of the Masonic Lodge building at 101 North Main Street, the commission said.
Applicant Jennifer Heath told the commission she and the business owner aim for a subtle, boutique look and proposed three light-weight boxes for the lower-level windows and decorative trim around the front door and transom. “We're really proposing that we have 3 boxes on the bottom,” Heath said, describing weather‑resistant materials and a plan to remove the boxes for maintenance rather than install water‑retaining planters.
Chelsea Miller, the owner of Chejo's Boutique, identified herself for the record and provided the business address. Miller said she had recently removed an old sign and paid to clean up the storefront, noting she wants the display to be well maintained.
Commissioners asked about weight and wind safety, and one member raised concerns about liability should a box detach in high winds. Art Wright, the commission's preservation staff, said the proposed attachments would be limited to the wooden window frames and not affixed to brick facings, and described the elements as removable and reparable.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to bring the item forward and approve the decorations with conditions limiting placement to the lower (street‑level) windows and the front transom/door surround and requiring that the applicant or owner remove the decorations if the business vacates the building. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; no spoken nays or abstentions were recorded during that vote.
The commission noted the decorations would be maintained by the business and emphasized that the elements must be removable so future property owners would not be left with permanent or deteriorating attachments. The applicant said the materials would allow simple removal and repainting if needed.
Next steps: the approval is recorded in the meeting minutes as the action on case HLC 23‑007; any required permits or administrative follow‑up will be handled through staff.
