Council allows full stucco removal at historic downtown building, approves sand finish after debate

The City Council on Nov. 12 granted an appeal from the St. Cloud Lodge (Odd Fellows) to remove existing heavy-textured stucco from a downtown historic building, permitting the owner to replace it with a sand-stucco finish and raised trim bands after debate about preservation standards and possible structural issues.

William Campbell, trustee for Saint Cloud Lodge No. 66, said the lodge sought removal to inspect and repair potential termite and structural damage under the stucco and to improve the building's exterior. "We don't particularly care for the aesthetics of that," he said, adding that the heavy-textured application "holds water" and has required repeated patching.

Staff and the city historic-preservation consultant advised restraint. Stephanie Streeter, principal planner, explained that the heavy-textured stucco "became historic in itself" and that the Secretary of the Interior's standards do not recommend wholesale removal of historic fabric unless necessary to address structural failure. Staff recommended approval of the appeal only if the heavy textured stucco were replaced in kind, but the applicant sought full removal and a modern sand finish. City architect/Deputy Director Marcus Bastian noted that once a wall is opened to repair the membrane, full replacement is often necessary to prevent repeated failures.

Council weighed two priorities: long-term structural preservation and maintaining historic materials and appearance. Several council members and members of the public argued the building's existing stucco is in poor condition and that a sand finish would improve downtown aesthetics; others cautioned that changing materials could affect the district's National Register status. After discussion, council approved the appeal, allowing full removal and sand-stucco replacement while incorporating the applicant's proposed raised trim bands to protect transition points. The roll call recorded unanimous approval.