Monroe Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – June 10, 2026

The City of Monroe Historic Preservation Commission met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1:01 PM in Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue (agenda listed 1:00 PM). Present were Corrine Wartenweiler, Jordan Norby, Tom Mitchell, Aaron Holverson, and Mary Soddy; Donna Bahler and Jeff Maliszewski were absent. The commission approved four Certificates of Appropriateness, two facade grant actions, and heard a presentation on sign approval procedures. The meeting adjourned at 1:38 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The May 13, 2026 minutes were approved as presented.
• Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Rick Maliszewski at 910 17th Avenue to replace the shingle facade with maintenance-free metal siding while keeping the current black look. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Corinne Wartenweiler; unanimous voice vote.
• Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Urban Spa & Boutique at 1609 10th Street for a black sign with white print reading 'boutique' above the awning. A separate sign permit will go through the Zoning Administrator. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Aaron Holverson; unanimous voice vote.
• Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Chocolate Temptations at 1004 17th Avenue for roof work related to a previously approved facade grant. Motion by Aaron Holverson, second by Mary Soddy; unanimous voice vote. During discussion, commission members noted the building’s rooftop arch had been removed during the rubber roof replacement; a State Historic Preservation contact considered the arch original and recommended reinstallation, but the commission had not yet heard whether the applicant would do so.
• Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Mark Jacobson at 1118 17th Avenue after his facade grant had been approved. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Corinne Wartenweiler; unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Facade Grant – 1502 11th Street (Schardt Orthodontics): The commission discussed the roofing project, described as similar to Chocolate Temptations. Motion by Aaron Holverson, second by Mary Soddy to approve the facade grant application; passed on voice vote.
• Facade Grant Updated Quotes – 1505 9th Street (Monroe Chamber Building): Commissioners reviewed updated quotes after requesting two quotes per project component. The original application included a $16,327 quote from Neff Paints and a $69,361 quote from True Home; updated quotes discussed included PHD Renovations at $67,500 for roofing/gutters and painting quotes from Neff Paints and CGR Painting. There was discussion about whether the roofing quotes were truly comparable and about using the lower quote because the grant is a 50% match. Motion by Aaron Holverson, second by Mary Soddy to approve the facade grant using the Neff Paints and PHD Renovations quotes; passed on voice vote.
• Sign Approval Process Presentation: Shannon Haydin of Vandewalle & Associates explained zoning review procedures in the Historic Preservation Overlay District. She outlined three project tiers—renovation review, design alteration review, and project review—and said that, for consistency and transparency, she would bring all applications she has authority to review to the Historic Preservation Commission. She described how pre-existing non-conforming signs can be maintained by changing the sign face if there is no structural alteration or land-use change, while structural alteration or relocation requires full compliance with Chapter 9 (signs) and Chapter 7 (historic preservation). She also noted that certain temporary signs—window signs, feather signs, inflatable signs—do not require permits; window signs are limited to 25% of window area but the code does not limit the number of window signs. In response to a question, she confirmed that a sign must be for the business on the property; an off-premises sign would face significant restrictions.
• Member Business: Commissioners discussed the collaborative review process and window-sign color recommendations, with one member suggesting muted, historic colors rather than bright colors. It was noted that the historic palette is recommended but not required. A question about the staffing agency at 1024 17th Avenue was resolved: the window clings had initially been too large, so staff measured the windows and told the business the allowable square footage, and the resubmitted design was compliant.

Key Outcomes

• All four Certificates of Appropriateness were approved unanimously.
• The facade grant for 1502 11th Street was approved.
• The facade grant for 1505 9th Street was approved using quotes from Neff Paints and PHD Renovations.
• The commission will review all sign and renovation applications that the Zoning Administrator has authority to approve.
• Adjourned at 1:38 PM by unanimous voice vote.