Historic Preservation Board approves three-story mixed-use building at 223 West Main

The Denison Historic Preservation Board approved a certificate of appropriateness for new construction at 223 West Main, clearing the project's compatibility with downtown design guidelines.

Staff described the project as a three-story, roughly 32,000-square-foot wood-frame building with a brick exterior and a TPO membrane roof. The ground floor will include two commercial spaces — one pre-leased for a restaurant and the other intended for an art gallery — and the upper floors will contain 18 loft units. Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2026, staff said.

Architect Bob Pontarelli identified himself as the architect of record and recused from the board’s vote; the minutes reflect his recusal. Pontarelli described design features intended to break the façade into three vertical sections with traditional corbeling and a cornice to provide historic-appropriate articulation. "We used corbeling and stepped elements to give definition and break up the massing," he said.

Board members discussed parking (shared rear lot to serve residents and patrons), the gated walkway between buildings and nighttime access control, and material choices — including consistent brick color on the block. One board member cited the Secretary of the Interior’s standards to underscore the guideline that new construction should be compatible but identifiable as new; staff and board members said the proposal met that test.

Following comments and clarifying questions, Ms. McDuffy moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness and Mr. Ayers seconded; the board voted in favor with no opposition recorded. Staff noted potential follow-up on walkway lighting or sightlines and suggested coordinating with the city visitor center on nighttime access control.

The approval covers the certificate of appropriateness as presented; the applicant or staff may return with permit-level details and any conditions that apply under building and fire codes.