Preservation board approves exterior updates for 124 West Main, including projecting blade sign

The Denison Historic Preservation Board unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior improvements at 124 West Main, known historically as the John Hill building. The approval authorizes new storefront signage (including a blade sign projecting into the right-of-way at its planned placement), painted metal cladding on the rear and east elevations, and replacement windows with a black finish.

Staff presented the application and described the building's history, noting it dates to the late 19th century and is listed as a contributing structure in the 2017 Rosen historic resources survey. Staff said earlier renovations had restored stairs, a ramp and storefront openings, and that the proposed work is intended to tie the front, rear and eastern elevations together visually.

The application described three signage elements on the front elevation and modest changes to the sign board; the rear elevation will receive painted metal cladding in a Sherwin-Williams "peppercorn" tone consistent with the city's historic palette, and the applicant proposes black-finish replacement windows and additional cladding below the roofline on the east elevation.

Board members discussed the revisions and asked staff and the applicant clarifying questions about materials, color and sightlines. The applicant and property representative spoke in support, and one board member said they liked the metal cladding's appearance tying the facades together. Miss Chelsea McDuffy moved to approve the certificate; the motion was seconded by Mr. Ponderelli and the board adopted the measure by unanimous vote.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with permitting and any required right-of-way coordination for the projecting blade sign; staff noted that final permitting and placement details will be managed through the city's permitting processes.