Historic Preservation Commission tables paint-and-awning plan for 220 East Harrison, urges Art Deco-sensitive redesign

The Historic Preservation Commission on Monday tabled consideration of an application to repaint and add canopies at 220 East Harrison Avenue, directing the applicants to return with revised designs and more documentation about the building’s original Art Deco façade.

A staff member told the commission that the application (HPC 26-00006) had photos and a summary but noted that the property is listed as a non-contributing resource in the local inventory, a point commissioners weighed as they discussed how to balance preservation goals with the current condition of the façade. "The building is a non-contributing resource," the staff member said during the presentation.

Lorie Stewart, who identified herself as a co-owner of the building with her sister, said crews removed the glazed façade tile because "the tile was cracking and falling, so we assumed it was a liability." Stewart said the owners have been trying to clean the underlying brick and have a prospective tenant, a farmers market, hoping to open in the next month.

Commissioners pressed the applicants on why the work proceeded before an HPC review and questioned whether the removed material — described in the record as Art Deco glass tile (Vitrolite) — was original to the 1930s storefront. Commissioners said preserving original or period storefront elements is a primary goal of the local preservation ordinance and urged the applicants to consider salvage or substitute materials if replacement Vitrolite is not available.

A staff member offered practical guidance, saying the commission has briefs on substitute materials and on cleaning historic brick and that applicants should include any proposed window changes in a revised submission. The staff member added, "There are substitute materials that can be used," and recommended the applicants consult state preservation resources for conservation and cleaning guidance.

After discussion, Commissioner Daryl Cington moved to table the certificate of appropriateness until the July meeting so the applicants could provide photos of the removed tile, material samples or substitute proposals, and any proposed window or awning specifications. Commissioner Steven Harrison seconded. Commissioners Daryl Cington, Steven Harrison, Nathan Turner and Valerie Duncan voted to table the application (recorded as 4-0).

The commission’s action means the application will return to the agenda next month; staff advised the applicants to submit clearer design drawings, documentation of any salvaged Vitrolite, and details on proposed awnings and windows.