Charlestown Historic Landmarks Commission approves downtown sign and Fisherman's Hall siding; tables windows and amphitheater

The Historic Landmarks Commission met in Charles Town and approved multiple Certificates of Appropriateness while tabling several items for more information.

James, a city historic‑preservation staff member, opened the night with a series of staff reports and recommended approval of a wall sign at 217 West Washington Street. James said the proposed metal‑faced sign measures about 2 feet tall by 14 feet wide, will not be illuminated, and meets the commission’s sign standards (the staff report cited a 32‑square‑foot maximum and a 6‑foot maximum height). The commission opened public comment, heard none from the gallery, and approved the COA “as submitted,” the chair (S1) announced after a voice vote.

The commission also considered a post‑event COA for 400 East Liberty Street after staff reported that a prior contractor had demolished a rear chimney not shown on approved plans. The applicant’s representative said an architect advised demolition because the chimney had significant cracking and mortar deterioration and that the owner has been making structural repairs to the building. "The chimney was demolished by the prior contractor," the applicant said; James confirmed the staff recommendation for approval, and the commission approved the demolition COA.

On a window‑replacement application for 524 and 526 East Washington Street, James explained that the house is a contributing circa‑1910 brick duplex and that HLC rules normally require like‑for‑like replacement. Ivan, who identified himself while presenting the project, said the proposal would retain existing wooden frames and replace only the operable sashes with vinyl sashes set in a 6 over 1 grid. Several commissioners said they preferred to hear from the commission’s window expert Nick before taking action; the commission voted to table the item until Nick can attend.

The commission heard two proposals for Fisherman’s Hall (321 Southwest Street): replacement of existing siding with HardiePlank and construction of an adjacent amphitheater and pavilion. James outlined the building’s history as an African‑American benevolent society structure and reviewed HLC guidance that simulated materials are generally discouraged on primary facades unless they convincingly replicate original details. Jamila, representing the project, showed HardiePlank samples and said the smooth, wood‑grain‑matching profile they propose would be used in accordance with an easement with the State Historic Preservation Office. "The smooth [HardiePlank] is the one we would have to use per our easement with the State Historic Preservation Office," Jamila said. Commissioners expressed support for approving the siding portion now to reduce future maintenance and approved the HardiePlank siding, while asking the applicant for additional details (stone type for column bases, retaining‑wall design, sidewalk materials and railings) before considering the amphitheater and pavilion. The commission tabled the accessory‑structure proposal pending those materials and details.

Near the end of the meeting the commission elected Amanda Updike as chair and Diane Drake as co‑chair for the calendar year, per the commission bylaws. The chair adjourned the meeting after the vote.

What’s next: Applicants whose items were tabled were asked to return with the commission’s technical expert(s) or with the additional material specifications requested (window expert Nick for the East Washington application; detailed materials and structural information for the Fisherman’s Hall amphitheater).