Council backs Historic Preservation Commission recommendation to deny COA for 218 Indiana; occupancy blocked

The Committee of the Whole recommended denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for modifications to the three‑story mixed‑use building at 218 Indiana, following a Historic Preservation Commission review that found the installed exterior elements inconsistent with the approved Greek Revival design.

Staff explained that the commission had worked with the applicant through the permitting process and previously approved some changes, but that recent construction installed a different layout of corner boards, a different garage‑door style and omitted a decorative half‑circle gable element. The HPC recommended denial on the basis that those changes did not meet the original design intent.

During the committee discussion, a council member said the HPC had been accommodating but noted project elements not in compliance. The stated next steps to regain occupancy are for the applicant to modify the building to match the originally approved plans or to return to the HPC with revised plans for approval. A staff representative noted, “The building would need to be completed in accordance with the approved permit plans” and confirmed no occupancy may be issued while noncompliance remains.

Why it matters: council action preserves the protective review intended by the historic‑preservation process. By recommending denial, the committee enforces design conformance required by the prior zoning variance and the HPC approvals.

What’s next: staff will notify the applicant of the denial and outline the path to compliance (modification to match approved plans or submission of alternate plans to the HPC).