Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM in City Hall Room 301-A. The commission reviewed several certificates of appropriateness, including major window and siding replacement proposals, a mothball status request, and a historic plaque application. The meeting included testimony from property owners, contractors, and staff.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6–16, covering staff-approved certificates of appropriateness for various exterior repairs and installations (tuck pointing, HVAC, porch repairs, fences, etc.), were approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the September 14, 2026 meeting were approved.
• Updates and announcements were noted, including registration for an upcoming conference.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 (2908 W. McKinley Blvd): The applicant (building resident) agreed with staff's recommendation to deny the proposal for vinyl window and steel door replacement, stating he understood the need to restore original materials and would seek guidance for proper repairs. The contractor for the applicant was not present.
• Item 3 (1021 E. Brady St – window replacement): The contractor for the owner (Modern Exteriors) stated they had already ordered wood-clad vinyl windows and sought to match the second-floor vinyl windows (installed without a COA). They argued the original windows were beyond repair due to deterioration and that the proposed windows were high quality. The owner was not present; the contractor presented on his behalf.
• Item 4 (1021 E. Brady St – siding replacement): The same contractor argued for full replacement of the original wood siding with new cedar, citing extensive deterioration (75% replacement needed) and the desire to install a modern moisture barrier (Tyvek). They noted the fish-scale shingles could be replicated. The commission questioned the necessity of full replacement versus selective repair.
• Item 5 (830 E. Brady St): Christina Klose, homeowner and city employee, spoke in favor of installing a historic site plaque to promote awareness of the Brady Street Historic District. She described the house’s history and her motivation to highlight historic preservation on the street.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (2863 N. Grant Blvd – mothball status): The owner LaShanda Anderson reported that major projects (column replacement and concrete) were completed, and window replacement was anticipated for spring 2027. Staff confirmed the porch structural issues caused delays. The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness for mothball status.
• Item 2 (2908 W. McKinley Blvd – window/door replacement): Staff recommended denial, noting that existing historic windows and doors were repairable, vinyl windows are not approved, and the applicant could use the historic tax credit. The applicant accepted the recommendation, and the commission voted to deny.
• Item 3 (1021 E. Brady St – window replacement): Staff recommended denial, stating that original windows appeared salvageable and that wood-clad vinyl windows have never been approved by the HPC. After discussion, the commission denied the proposal.
• Item 4 (1021 E. Brady St – siding replacement): Staff recommended denial, arguing that wholesale removal of historic siding was not warranted and that selective repairs could be handled at staff level. The commission denied the proposal, with guidance that selective replacement and repairs could be approved by staff.
• Item 5 (830 E. Brady St – historic plaque): Staff supported the plaque, noting the house’s interesting history (built circa 1880s by Irish immigrants, speakeasy during Prohibition). The commission approved the plaque unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Certificate of appropriateness for mothball status at 2863 N. Grant Blvd (moved by Chair, seconded, unanimous).
• Denied: Certificate of appropriateness for window and door replacement at 2908 W. McKinley Blvd (moved, seconded, unanimous).
• Denied: Certificate of appropriateness for window replacement at 1021 E. Brady St (moved, seconded, unanimous).
• Denied: Certificate of appropriateness for siding replacement at 1021 E. Brady St (moved, seconded, unanimous). Staff will process selective repairs under a new COA.
• Approved: Historic site plaque at 830 E. Brady St for Christina Klose (moved, seconded, unanimous).
• Consent Calendar items 6–16 approved unanimously.
• Minutes from September 14, 2026 approved.
• Meeting adjourned.