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HDRC unanimously approves Hink Block exterior paint and awning reroof in downtown Auburn
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Summary
The Historic Design Review Commission approved a permit to repaint the Hink Block (818–846 Lincoln Way) and replace a cedar‑shake awning with a metal standing‑seam roof; staff recommended approval and noted cedar shake is prohibited for replacement under the local ordinance because of fire‑safety/WUI rules.
The Historic Design Review Commission on March 17 unanimously approved a permit to repaint the exterior of the Hink Block (818–846 Lincoln Way) and to reroof the existing wood‑shake awning with a metal standing‑seam covering.
Planning Director Tia Klump presented the application, saying the Hink Block is a contributing building in Auburn’s downtown historic district and that the proposal includes new body and trim paint (colors drawn from the commission’s Sherwin‑Williams historic palette) and replacement of the cedar‑shake awning with metal standing seam. Staff recommended approval and noted the cedar shake cannot be used for replacement because local fire‑safety and wildland‑urban‑interface (WUI) regulations prohibit replacing existing cedar shake with that material.
Nut graf: The project is limited to exterior paint and an awning reroof; staff said storefront brick and glass will remain unpainted and that building and public‑works permits (including any required encroachment permits) will be conditions of approval.
Property owner Sue Thompson said she is eager to begin the work and expects tenants will be pleased. Commissioner questions focused on whether support uprights and related fixtures would be repainted and whether nearby light poles or utility work (not part of the applicant’s scope) would affect the awning; staff and the applicant said the uprights will remain but will be repaired and repainted as part of the building‑permit work, and that repairs to utility poles are handled by PG&E.
A commissioner moved to approve the Historic Design Review Permit (File HDRP 26‑01) for exterior paint and reroofing; the motion was seconded and the roll call showed all commissioners present voting aye. The commission approved the permit unanimously.
What’s next: The applicant must obtain required building permits for the reroof and any repairs to the awning support structure and obtain a public‑works encroachment permit if work occurs in the public right of way. Staff said the proposed colors are drawn from the HDRC‑approved Sherwin‑Williams palette and that no new signage was proposed in this application.
