Commission approves facade work at 49 West Chicago Street including mansard removal

The City of Coldwater Downtown Historic District Commission on April 15 approved facade work at 49 West Chicago Street that will remove an existing mansard roof, open blocked third-floor openings and install metal-clad wood windows, and add a new signboard and siding.

Jake, a staff member presenting the application, told the commission the proposal includes “removal of [the] mansard roof, the installation of third floor windows, and the installation of a new signboard and siding,” and that the application is receiving funds from the facade restoration initiative. The applicant said the project has been on their list for years and that work behind the mansard will determine the final window orders and any masonry repairs.

Commissioners asked whether windows exist behind the masonry and the applicant confirmed the openings are present but filled with masonry and will need to be opened and assessed before final window selection. The applicant said crews will undertake tuckpointing and masonry repair where needed and put in windows that match the building’s color and character.

A commissioner moved to approve the mansard removal, third-floor window installation and new signboard and siding; another commissioner seconded. The commission carried the motion by voice vote.

Next steps include permit review and the applicant’s contractor opening the mansard to confirm existing conditions before ordering windows. The commission did not specify a construction start date during the meeting.