Historic design review board approves a string of home repairs, storefront changes and a new MedSpa

The Vermilion Historic Design Review Board on Wednesday, May 7, approved multiple certificates of appropriateness for residential fences, paint and door replacements and signed off on a proposed MedSpa storefront, the board announced.

The board convened at 6:00 p.m., took roll call and approved the minutes from its April 2 meeting before hearing a series of applications from homeowners and business owners seeking permission for exterior changes in the city's historic district.

Jason Valerie, who identified himself as the fence contractor representing Jean Alexander at 5754 Washington Street, asked the board to approve a 6-foot solid cedar privacy fence that steps down to 3.5 feet toward the sidewalk. “I'm representing Jean Alexander at 5754 Washington Street. I'm her fence contractor,” Valerie said. The board discussed property-line jogs and a paper patio that encroaches on the neighbor's lot and then voted to accept the fence application.

At 820 State Street a resident who gave his first name only as John described plans for a cross-buck and horse fence along the south property line and some landscaping to visually break up long runs of picket fencing. Board members advised consulting the building department for height and setback limits; the board approved the appearance plans and reminded the applicant that separate building permits may be required.

Pat Stein presented color swatches for 5718 Huron Street and said the plans maintain a historic palette for siding and trim. Board members discussed saving decorative porch supports for possible reuse and approved the paint colors as presented.

Multiple homeowners seeking like-for-like repairs — including replacement of a double front door with a single door at a home on Liberty Avenue, repairs to rotted porch trim and replacement of gutters — described storm damage and failing materials. The board approved the proposed door replacement, gutters and concrete-color matching where applicants proposed like-for-like repairs.

An applicant identified as Chad described plans to reopen a rear beauty salon and front MedSpa under the name June Med Spa and presented signage and color samples. The board accepted the application as presented.

Mayor (speaker labeled 8) offered support for a resident’s request about a half-dead tree on the tree lawn, saying he would send the tree commission to inspect and offered to accept an email from the resident to initiate that process: “It would be a letter from me, but I'll do it,” he said.

Votes at a glance - Approval of April 2, 2025 minutes — motion carried (recorded yes votes during roll call). - 5754 Washington Street: fence application approved (motion carried; recorded yes votes by board members present). - 820 State Street: fence/landscape appearance approved; applicant advised to obtain building-permit clearance. - 5718 Huron Street: exterior paint colors approved. - Liberty Avenue (front door/porch repairs): door and like-for-like repairs approved; tree question referred to tree commission. - 5734 South Street: front-door color, picket-fence style and concrete color approved. - Commercial storefront (June Med Spa): application accepted.

Board members consistently approved the applications after brief presentation and limited discussion focused on matching historic materials and ensuring applicants pursue required building permits. Several applicants described storm damage and insurance shortfalls that constrained restoration choices; the board repeatedly emphasized preservation where feasible but noted that for residential properties its directives are advisory and that the building department enforces code and permits.

The board set its next meeting for June 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.