Historic Resources Commission approves Salem Square fence restoration and multiple West End projects

The Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission on May 6, 2026 approved a set of Certificates of Appropriateness addressing repairs, signage, and landscape and building work across the Old Salem and West End historic districts, and unanimously recommended the Chatham Building for Local Historic Landmark designation.

The Commission voted to replace the deteriorated perimeter fence around Salem Square with a 48-inch white board-style fence based on an 1840 E.A. Vogler view and Moravian records. Staff recommended the design, which uses cast concrete posts behind bandsawn wood rails and eliminates the bottom rail to reduce rot. Michelle McCullough, Historic Resources Officer, presented the documentation; Bridget Smith, director of facilities, testified in support. Marilyn Little recused from the matter. The motion to approve COA2026-038 passed with the standard conditions that the applicant obtain required permits, submit any revisions to staff for review, and provide photo documentation upon completion.

In West End matters, the Commission approved COA2026-020 for 1408 Brookstown Avenue, allowing the installation of 18 Maxeon 3 solar panels after the applicant provided a revised diagram showing panels screened behind a gabled dormer. Staff (Isabel Coletti) noted that 11 panels will sit on a low-visibility rear addition and seven will be placed above a shed dormer on the main structure, with three positioned below the gabled dormer peak. Commissioner Noah Reynolds moved the order and Commissioner Spencer McCall seconded; Jason Thiel recused from the hearing. The approval included standard conditions requiring permits, staff review of minor deviations, and photographic certification after completion.

Other project approvals included: • COA2026-028 — 614 N Spring Street: installation of three 4-by-8-foot trellis panels (pressure-treated spruce) along the fence line; approved 9–2 with Chair C.J. Idol and Marilyn Little opposing. • COA2026-030 — 401 Church Street (former St. Paul Methodist Church, Kernersville): installation of a removable 3-by-4-foot aluminum sign on a noncontributing 1960s brick wall; approved unanimously with conditions including mortar-joint installation and a 180-day removal condition if the space remains unoccupied. • COA2026-033 — 846 W Sixth Street: replacement of 13 windows on a noncontributing structure with energy-efficient double-hung units matching the historic six-over-six pattern; approved unanimously. • COA2026-035 — 66 West End Boulevard (E. Wright Noble House): approval of comprehensive rehabilitation work and a new rear stucco portico; the applicant withdrew a separate request to replace historic primary windows during the hearing; motion passed unanimously. • COA2026-036 — 1220 Glade Street: after-the-fact approval for seven basement-level window replacements with white vinyl units; staff had recommended denial based on visibility and grille type, but the Commission approved the application on a 9–3 vote after applicants cited moisture infiltration and inoperability as justification. Opposed were Ed Bouldin, C.J. Idol, and Monica Thompson.

The Commission continued COA2026-031 (1105 Glade Street) at the applicant's request: staff found the proposed fieldstone retaining wall acceptable but concluded that proposed landscaping elements (boulders and brick ground cover in the public right-of-way) were incongruous. The Commission asked the applicant to supply details on materials, masonry units, boulder size/color, and the proposed ground cover; the matter was continued to the July 8, 2026 meeting with materials due to staff by August 5, 2026.

On nominations, Kayla Halberg presented the Chatham Building for Local Historic Landmark consideration; with no public comment the Commission voted unanimously to recommend designation.

Procedural notes: Jason Thiel recused from COA2026-020; Marilyn Little recused from COA2026-038. Standard conditions attached to approvals typically require obtaining any other permits, staff review of minor revisions before work begins, and submission of a Certificate of Appropriateness Request for Certification of Completed Work with photographic documentation within ten days of completion.

Next steps: the Commission set its next meeting for June 3, 2026. Several community engagement and Preservation Month activities were discussed, including walking-tour brochures, the Sidestown marker unveiling later in 2026, and volunteer opportunities tied to the Historic Marker Program.

Votes at a glance: COA2026-020 (1408 Brookstown Ave) — approved, unanimous (motion: Noah Reynolds; second: Spencer McCall; recusal: Jason Thiel). COA2026-028 (614 N Spring St) — approved, 9–2 (opposed: C.J. Idol, Marilyn Little). COA2026-030 (401 Church St, Kernersville) — approved, unanimous. COA2026-031 (1105 Glade St) — continued to July 8, 2026 (additional materials requested). COA2026-033 (846 W Sixth St) — approved, unanimous. COA2026-035 (66 West End Blvd) — approved, unanimous (applicant withdrew primary-window replacement request). COA2026-036 (1220 Glade St) — approved, 9–3 (opposed: Ed Bouldin, C.J. Idol, Monica Thompson). COA2026-038 (Salem Square fence) — approved, unanimous (recusal: Marilyn Little). Chatham Building nomination — recommended for Local Historic Landmark, unanimous.