Historic Denison Building Set for Facade Restoration

The Historic Preservation Board of Denison, Texas, convened on August 6, 2024, to discuss key initiatives aimed at preserving the city's architectural heritage. The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the previous session held on July 2, 2024.

A significant item on the agenda was a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) concerning the painting of the storefront facade at 120 West Main Street, known as the O'Malley building. This structure, built in 1898, is recognized as the only intact 19th-century storefront in Denison. The owners proposed to repaint the facade, currently in deteriorating hunter green and maroon, to a shade from the historic color palette called Blue Ridge Furnace. The board members expressed enthusiasm about the preservation efforts, noting the discovery of original hardwood floors and ceilings during renovations. The motion to approve the painting request was unanimously carried.

Another topic of discussion involved a city-initiated request for the placement of a sculpture at the Crawford Street entrance of Forest Park. Although the park is not within the historic district, the board emphasized the importance of transparency and a formal approval process for public art installations near historic areas. While the board does not have the authority to approve the sculpture directly, they agreed to recommend support for the initiative, ensuring that future placements are handled with care and consideration for the historic context.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to maintaining Denison's historical integrity while accommodating new artistic expressions in the community.