Council allows compromise roof on Taco Rio after Delano design review split

The Wichita City Council voted to overturn a staff design‑review denial and approved a revised roof replacement on the Taco Rio building in the Delano neighborhood, accepting a faux Italian‑style composite tile as a compromise between original terracotta roofing and basic asphalt shingles.

Scott Wadel, planning staff, summarized the issue: the applicant proposed replacing low‑profile terracotta tiles with a lower‑cost asphalt shingle; the Delano Design Review Committee denied the application, citing preservation of architectural character, while the Delano Design Advisory Committee (a volunteer group) recommended approval. Owner representative Stratton told the council the building was purchased in 2024 and that the initial composite shingle option was estimated at about $15,000, while the proposed faux Italian replacement would cost roughly twice that and genuine terracotta would be another 30–40% more. "This new compromise does cost more," Stratton said, "but it does not cost as much as a Spanish terracotta tile." (applicant quote)

Neighbors and members of the Delano Design Advisory Committee argued the building is one of few with terracotta features and urged careful review; preservation advocates also suggested salvaged tile options. Vice Mayor Glascock and others said the lengthy delay (about 82 days) had harmed the tenant and business operations, and the council adopted alternate findings to approve the application so the owner can obtain roofing permits. Councilmembers also requested staff re‑examine the Delano committees’ structure so volunteer and staff input are better integrated.

Outcome: council approved the application (substitute motion passed) and directed staff to study consolidation or clearer charters for the Delano advisory and review committees so similar conflicts can be resolved more quickly.