Commission approves façade changes and new awnings at 138 West Main

The commission approved MS 24-2, a façade-alteration request for 138 West Main that replaces a deteriorating painted surface with brick and updates storefront awnings.

The applicant said gray brick had deteriorated and previous repairs introduced red brick that was later painted; the proposed work uses a brick selected to match the adjoining building. Commissioners and the Design Review Board discussed proportions and directed that new awnings be scaled so they do not read as one continuous element across adjoining storefronts; the replacements will be metal rather than canvas.

Commissioners noted façade work on historic commercial corridors often uses differing materials between ground floor and upper stories. The board recorded a motion, second and affirmative votes to approve the façade updates and awning replacements.