Historic Lancaster Commission approves façade repair at 207 W. Main St.; substitutes siding material

The Historic Lancaster Commission on July 2 approved a façade repair for 207 W. Main St., directing the applicant to use traditional board-and-batten siding in place of the originally proposed T1-11. The work is intended to address storm damage to the building’s roof, sandstone and storefront sign.

Anna Ruff, the applicant, told the commission her building sustained storm damage that dislodged some sandstone and destroyed her sign. She presented three repair options and said her preferred choice would leave three rows of sandstone above the windows, install siding in a "blue tang" color with a white header and mount a new 3-D, non-lit acrylic-letter sign. "No teal green color shown in the provided photo will be used," Ruff said.

Commissioners expressed concern about the use of T1-11 siding and a preference for a more traditional appearance. Commissioner Debi Stemble moved to approve the application on the condition that T1-11 be replaced with board-and-batten material; Commissioner Joyce Harvey seconded the motion. The meeting minutes record that the motion was granted and that Bryan Everitt abstained from the vote. The minutes contain inconsistent wording — stating the motion was "granted unanimously" while also recording Everitt’s abstention — but do record Stemble’s motion and Harvey’s second.

The approved plan also calls for a new 3-D non-lit acrylic-letter sign across the front of the building and retention of the three rows of sandstone above the windows. The applicant confirmed the finished siding material will be board-and-batten rather than T1-11.

The Commission noted the applicant will appear again if further permit review or details are needed at the next regular meeting on July 16, 2025.