Denison board approves exterior restoration plan for Travelers Hotel at 300 East Main

The Denison Historic Preservation Board on June 2 unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior restoration, stabilization and additional improvements at the Travelers Hotel (the E.M. Cole Building) at 300 East Main Street.

Miss Tate, the city’s preservation staff member, told the board the application includes masonry repair and cleaning, repair or replacement and painting of wood trim and soffits, replacement of missing windows, reconstruction of a deteriorated south porch roof, and refinishing of an addition on the building’s southeast corner. "This is a contributing structure to the historic district," Tate said, and added that "all proposed work is appropriate and in alignment with the Secretary of the Interior standards for historic preservation." Staff recommended approval.

Caleb Breaux, who identified himself as a partner with Travelers on Mainland LLC, said the ownership group is "continuing to pursue federal tax credits and all the design work, both with the state and federally," and that they are working with a preservation consultant (Post Oak) and city staff on the project. "You guys have been very gracious with us," Breaux said, summarizing the team’s engagement with city staff.

The Chair read the motion language from the meeting packet and announced the motion and second as recorded in the meeting; following the second the board voted and the motion passed unanimously. Board members complimented the applicant’s documentation and noted the proposed mixed commercial and residential use is consistent with the building’s historic function.

The board’s approval clears the applicant to proceed with the exterior work subject to any administrative follow-up required by staff or by any conditions the board attached to the certificate. The board moved immediately to other agenda items after the vote.