Commission approves storefront renovation for 815 Franklin Street with conditions

The Michigan City Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for façade improvements at 815 Franklin Street after hearing a presentation from the property owner. The applicant, identified in the meeting as Connor (speaker 9), said the project would remove mid-20th-century cladding, restore the building's turret and recessed storefront, and replace second-floor windows with double-hung units; he told the commission the turret is "probably the only 1 left on Franklin Street" and that restoring the original character is the goal.

Commissioners pressed for detail on window types and storefront materials, and Indiana Landmarks representative Blake (speaker 6) told the commission he supported double-hung windows on the second story and urged caution about any operable garage-style opening on the south elevation, recommending a fixed plate-glass window if the commission chose to allow a new opening. Chair (speaker 2) called for a motion; the motion to approve COA 2026-029815 included a condition that the applicant provide final product cut sheets for staff review, and the motion passed on a roll call vote. The commission's approval is conditioned on the cut sheets and final staff sign-off of the specified windows and storefront components.