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Historic Lancaster Commission unanimously approves six downtown exterior projects
Summary
At its March 19 meeting, the Historic Lancaster Commission unanimously approved six applications for exterior work in the downtown historic district, including asbestos roof removal and replacement, a barber pole sign, a Scipio Smith statue and interpretive sign, a retaining wall, and seasonal canvas awnings.
The Historic Lancaster Commission met at 2:00 PM on March 19, 2025, at City Hall and unanimously approved six exterior-alteration applications affecting downtown historic properties.
The commission approved CA-00523 at 150 E. Chestnut St. after contractor Madison Staley of Exterior Improvements reported the existing roof contains asbestos. Staley told commissioners the firm is pursuing an asbestos abatement license and plans to remove the shingles using a constructed tunnel and wetting procedures to limit dust; the proposal calls for peppercorn-colored asphalt shingles and replacement of up to 12 skylights with Velux MO8 models, with the possibility of installing fewer skylights if flashing prevents reinstallation. Commissioner Matt Brady moved to approve the application, Jason Annecy seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
At 314 N. Columbus St. (CA-00524), applicant Michael Giacomoni asked to install an exterior barber pole and window clings listing services. The commission approved the signage as submitted on a motion by Brady, seconded by Joyce Harvey.
The commission also approved CA-00525, a proposal from the Fairfield County Heritage Association to install a 6-foot-4-inch statue of Scipio Smith between the Ohio Glass Museum and the Fairfield County Municipal Court, accompanied by an 18-by-24-inch interpretive sign. Michael Johnson said the downtown site was chosen because it is where Scipio Smith’s shop was located; he also said he will consult Claypool Electric about lighting. Jason Annecy moved to approve the statue application; Joyce Harvey seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
At 130 Union St. (CA-00526), applicant Edward Ingham requested replacement of the roof with asphalt shingles to match existing style and color and noted that some fascia and soffit might be replaced in-kind where needed. Commissioners approved the application on a motion by Debi Stemble, seconded by Matt Brady.
For 144 King St. (CA-00527), Jody Baxter and contractor Gerry Childers proposed a sandstone retaining wall along the front of the property; Childers said the photograph in the packet was a material/style reference. The commission approved the retaining-wall and landscape features application on a motion from Brady, seconded by Jason Annecy.
Finally, the commission approved CA-00528 at 135–137 W. Main St., submitted by Kurt Lape on behalf of Sherman Rotary, to install seasonal canvas sail awnings in Center Alley anchored into mortar joints; Lape said anchors will be permanent but the sails will be removed seasonally and will be triangular panels in red, blue and yellow with no underlighting. Commissioners questioned anchor placement and wind concerns before approving the application on a motion by Debi Stemble, seconded by Matt Brady.
Commission business also included approval of the February 19, 2025 minutes. No communications, public comments, administrative approvals or old business were reported. The commission announced its next regular meeting for April 16, 2025. Chairman Bryan Everitt adjourned the meeting at 2:43 PM; minutes were submitted by Shannon Seesholtz.
