Opelika Historic Preservation Commission approves four COAs, discusses water intrusion at downtown storefront

The Opelika Historic Preservation Commission on May 11 approved four Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior work across the downtown historic district and discussed a persistent water-intrusion problem at one storefront that may require coordination with public works.

Staff introduced the first COA for 405 North 9th Street, describing a plan to remove an existing 6-by-20 screened porch and replace it with a new 14-by-20 screened porch on a poured concrete foundation with 6-by-6 posts, a flat metal roof, scribe panels and wood-plank stairs. Applicant Casey told the commission the porch will remain screened and that she plans decorative cross railings; staff recommended approval and the commission approved the request by voice vote.

The commission then approved a COA for 1008 3rd Avenue to construct an 8-by-16 rear addition with a concrete block foundation to be stuccoed and painted to match the existing structure, 4-inch lap (Hardy-style) siding to match the original reveal, Tucker Classic-series wood windows without grids, and an asphalt shingle roof. Staff said the addition will be mostly hidden from public view and recommended approval; the motion passed.

At 501 North 8th Street, staff presented a request to replace 13 side and rear windows with EnviroGUARD double-hung cellular PVC composite windows with simulated-divided-light (SDL) exterior and interior grids; front-facing windows will not be altered. Commissioners noted the product (and similar Fibrex units) has been approved on prior projects; staff recommended approval and the commission granted the COA.

The final COA covered a storefront and first-floor renovation at 116 South 8th Street. Staff described plans to remove existing plywood siding to expose brick, repoint and touch up as needed, install new fiber-cement sheathing and square trim to frame storefront windows and transoms, and replace the residential door with a new 8-foot wood door (specs to be submitted to staff prior to installation). Two exterior light fixtures at the residential entry were also proposed; staff recommended approval subject to staff review of door and lighting specifications.

Applicant representative Joel said the property owner may defer replacing the residential door now to allow time to choose the right unit. Commissioners and Joel discussed the possibility that removing the plywood could reveal significant brick deterioration and that in places the work may require re-bricking to achieve a compatible appearance. Joel and commissioners also raised a separate concern: surface-water and groundwater are reportedly diverting into the building at sidewalk grade, causing rot at the building base. Staff suggested the owner contact the city public-works division (referred to in the meeting as ESG) and offered to help connect the parties; no formal public-works remedy was decided during the meeting.

Staff also reported that enforcement letters have been sent in some cases and that replies are pending. The commission set its next meeting for June 11; one member indicated they will be absent. The meeting adjourned after the approvals and routine reports.

Votes at a glance: minutes from March — approved; COA 405 N. 9th (rear screened porch) — approved; COA 1008 3rd Ave (8×16 rear addition) — approved; COA 501 N. 8th (window replacements) — approved; COA 116 S. 8th (storefront/first-floor renovation) — approved.

What’s next: staff will review door and light specifications for 116 S. 8th before installation if and when the applicant submits them; staff said it will also follow up on enforcement letters and can facilitate contact with public works regarding the drainage concern at 116 S. 8th.