Historic & Landmarks Preservation Board Meeting - September 24, 2026

The Historic & Landmarks Preservation Board (HLPB) met on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the Common Council Chamber. The board approved minutes, renewed a lapsed certificate for Whiskey River, approved a signage package for Wells Fargo, approved a storefront renovation at 1013 Park Street, and deferred a decision on the Fern Tree facade application pending further discussion on a proposed mural.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (July 23, 2026): The draft minutes were approved unanimously.
• 38 North Division Street – Whiskey River (COA Renewal): The board issued a new Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the previously approved design (rear patio, retaining walls, overhead framing with sail shades) to allow the project to move forward after the original COA had lapsed.

Discussion Items

• 920 South Street – Wells Fargo (Signage): Jim from MRC Signs presented revised signage plans for the Wells Fargo branch. The applicant addressed prior board concerns by converting directional signs to a brown color scheme with white posts, updating window graphics, and removing stickers from the ATM. The board found all requests had been satisfied. Outcome: Motion to grant the certificate passed unanimously.
• 1013 Park Street – Storefront Replacement (Façade): Architect Joseph Thompson presented a proposal to replace the existing aluminum storefronts with a traditional wood-style design using Boral trim. The plan included leveling the base to accommodate a new fire line, adding gold leaf accents, and integrating a sign band into the new storefront. The board discussed paint color, suggesting a warmer white (e.g., Simply White) over a bright decorator white. Outcome: The board approved the application with the final paint color and gold leaf application to be approved by staff.
• 13 South Division Street – Fern Tree (Façade): Staff member Sam presented revised drawings. A major point of discussion was a proposed mural covering the second and third floors. The board expressed significant concern about the precedent this would set for murals in the historic district, the owner having full discretion over the final mural design, and that the board's original suggestion was limited to the first floor. Board members John and Arya noted that while the rendering was aesthetically pleasing, they did not feel comfortable approving the mural due to its scope. Outcome: The application was deferred to the next regular meeting (October 29, 2026) to allow the applicant to respond to the board's comments, specifically regarding the mural.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals/Votes Taken:
  • Approval of July 23, 2026 minutes (Unanimous).
  • 920 South Street (Wells Fargo): Motion to grant Certificate of Appropriateness for the revised signage (Unanimous).
  • 38 North Division Street (Whiskey River): Motion to issue a new Certificate of Appropriateness for the previously approved design (Unanimous).
  • 1013 Park Street (Storefront Replacement): Motion to approve the facade changes with staff-level approval of final paint color and gold leaf (Unanimous).
• Deferred Application:
  • 13 South Division Street (Fern Tree): The application was deferred to the next meeting on October 29, 2026. The board requested the applicant address concerns regarding the proposed mural, citing precedent and lack of board control over the final artwork.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026.