Columbus council approves encroachment agreement to restore historic front steps at downtown building

The Common Council on Sept. 2 approved an encroachment agreement that allows Keith and Andrea Lopnow to install a second set of exterior steps that will extend into the city right-of-way to reach a front door raised about 2 feet above the sidewalk.

Mike, a city staff member, told the Committee of the Whole the property owners are undertaking a building restoration at the corner of Mill and Dickinson and want to add a second door similar to one that existed historically. He said the main-floor elevation requires steps that currently extend about four feet into the right-of-way and that a 19-foot distance from building face to curb leaves ample space. “These steps have been there, like, over 100 years,” Mike said, framing the proposed work as restoring a historic condition.

The encroachment agreement as described by staff would allow the temporary placement of the additional steps in the right-of-way. Staff said the permission would remain unless the building suffered significant damage — discussed in the meeting as if more than about 50% of the structure were destroyed — at which point the steps would need to be removed or relocated during reconstruction.

Alder Rokey moved to approve the agreement during the Common Council meeting and Alder Finkler seconded the motion. Council members voiced no further objections and the motion carried by voice vote.

The council did not specify conditions for long-term maintenance or liability in the public discussion recorded in the minutes; the agreement as presented focuses on allowing temporary access during the property’s restoration. The item was first discussed in the Committee of the Whole earlier in the evening and then taken up and approved by the full council.