Historic board holds mural decision for Entry project after members warn of precedent

Staff presented updated drawings for the Entry project showing brick stripped back and a proposed mural across the front. Several board members said the overall restoration was faithful to the building's historic character, but members objected to the mural as presented because it extended beyond the 1st floor and could create a precedent for murals across the historic district.

One committee member said, "I don't feel comfortable approving it with the mural. I don't think there's a historic precedent for this," and cautioned that approving a large, upper-floor mural could be cited by future applicants. Others suggested the mural could be allowed if limited to the 1st floor or presented as a separate application with full details and precedent studies. Given the applicant was not present and multiple members expressed concern, the board agreed to hold the application and asked the applicant to return with revised materials that narrow the mural scope, finalize artwork, and supply paint/color samples for staff review.