Historic commission approves Funtopia entrance that alters community mosaic, requires repairs

The Charles Town Historic Landmark Commission voted to approve COA 2025-02 permitting a new door opening for Funtopia that will remove a section of the downtown mosaic, provided that any damage to the mural is repaired prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The motion to approve, offered by a commission member and seconded, passed by voice vote after a public hearing and applicant response.

During the public hearing Amanda Stroud, who identified herself as a private citizen, urged the commission to protect the mosaic, saying the project "was a great community project" and that removing panels would "interrupt the flow of the mosaic, thereby telling the incomplete or disjointed history of the county." Applicant Nathan Smith said the change was needed for interior layout and egress: "according to our architect, in order for us to be able to split the building and do what we need to do inside, this was the only option we were given," and he said the applicant will try to preserve removed pieces for display and use a screen print over the new doorway.

Commission discussion balanced preservation and safety. Commissioners noted the mosaic panels are mounted to Durock and that careful removal is feasible; the Fire Marshal's guidance on safer egress was cited as part of the justification for the new entrance. Staff recommended approval with the specific condition that any mural damage caused by the work be repaired prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy; the commission added a separate stipulation removing the proposal's request to place the text "Funtopia" on the side of the building.