Owner of 65 West Morgan Street to provide exterior elevations after commission tables historic-district remodel

Jesse Logsdon, identified in the packet as owner of 65 West Morgan Street, told the City of Martinsville Planning Commission he plans a full renovation to restore the building and create two about-2,500-square-foot first-floor rental/office spaces and three upstairs apartments.

"We're just trying to basically, the foundation, the main structure of the building is compromised and needs to be re fixed before it all blows in," Logsdon said, describing structural concerns that he said motivated the interior work but acknowledged the commission's jurisdiction focuses on the facade.

Commissioners told Logsdon they need more specific exterior information before approving facade changes. The Chair noted the commission must see an elevation sketch showing exactly what will be done to the front and that state historic review will also apply. A committee member added that replacement glazing and brickwork must "fit in the same openings as the original" and said the panel will hold the petitioner to those standards.

Because the commission lacks the required elevation drawings, a motion to table docket PC26004 for one month until the April meeting carried by voice vote. The motion included an explicit request that the petitioner provide exterior elevation drawings through his architect prior to the next meeting.

The item will return at the commission's next regular meeting; the applicant was instructed to submit drawings showing window and door openings, proposed materials, and any intended changes to the front elevation.

The Chair closed the item after the tabling motion passed and the commission moved on to new business.