Historic Preservation Board approves temporary courtyard fencing and furniture at 319 West Chestnut

The Denison Historic Preservation Board on July 21 approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior improvements at 319 West Chestnut, allowing fencing and outdoor furniture as submitted.

Dowell, a city preservation staff member, told the board the item concerns only materials and compliance with sidewalk-dining guidelines; placement and exact boundaries are being resolved with city public works. She recommended approval of the composite fencing material proposed by the applicant.

Applicant Wendy Acosta, owner of Desk and Easel, said the patio is intended to integrate with a future parking-lot redesign and that city staff contact Ronnie Bates had agreed to let the business proceed with a reduced scope while the city finalizes the redesign. "It will be installed in such a way that it can be removed," Acosta said, describing sleeves that allow panels to be picked up for fire and safety access.

Board members asked whether anchors or sleeves would violate the sidewalk-dining rules that generally prohibit permanent fencing. Staff said the agreement requires the outdoor dining to conform to the guidelines and that the fencing must be removable; the board discussed visibility, privacy and safety trade-offs for an opaque section of fence along the alley.

A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness for 319 West Chestnut (case 2026024H), covering both fencing and furniture as shown in the filing, was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The board did not record roll-call tallies in the transcript; the chair announced the motion passed.

Next steps: the city’s public works staff will finalize placement and any safety-related installation details before the fencing is installed.