Historic Preservation Commission elects John Butler treasurer, approves three COAs

The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission elected Commissioner John Butler as treasurer and approved three Certificates of Appropriateness during its March 26 meeting.

Commissioner John Butler was elected treasurer by roll call after a motion and second; the roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from attending commissioners. Vice Chair Jack Baker congratulated Butler after the vote.

On agenda business, the commission approved COA 2617, submitted by petitioner Craig Ferman, to replace an asphalt shingle roof with a matte charcoal standing‑seam metal roof at 509 West Allen, a noted Colonial Revival house. The program manager said the district already includes examples of both asphalt and metal roofs and concluded the proposed material would not downgrade the property’s survey rating. Petitioner Craig Ferman told commissioners the chosen finish is nonreflective and intended to be visually compatible with the brick façade. After questions about color and reflectivity, Commissioner Jeff Golden moved to approve the COA and Commissioner Daniel Schlaggel seconded; the measure passed on a roll‑call vote.

The commission next considered COA 2619, a retroactive application for a basement egress window at 301 East Glendor Drive. Staff reported that the window and a small well had been installed after the petitioner missed previously scheduled hearings; a notice of violation and follow‑up letter were sent in October and November 2025 with no reply, and a retroactive application followed after staff established direct contact with the owner. The program manager recommended approval, saying the change is low‑profile, installed at basement level on a secondary elevation, and does not appear to remove or damage key historic materials. The petitioner apologized, explaining he missed notices and contractors completed the work for safety reasons; commissioners expressed concern about the timeline but voted to approve the retroactive COA.

Finally, the commission approved COA 2620 for 2320 North Fritz Drive, where petitioner Ian Yarro proposed adding four contiguous windows on an enclosed front elevation and one additional window on the north end. Staff described the structure as a mid‑century–era modified ranch and said the new fenestration would complement the building’s altered addition. Commissioners asked for minor alignment adjustments and supported approval; a motion to approve with the exhibited changes passed by roll call.

All votes on the three COAs were recorded by roll call and passed with the attending commissioners in favor. The commission also approved the March 12 minutes earlier in the meeting with a clerical correction to note that a property owner was present in person rather than online.

The meeting closed after a brief public‑comment period and commissioner announcements.