Historic Preservation Board approves privately funded stone sculpture for 317 West Main

The Denison Historic Preservation Board voted to approve a privately funded stone sculpture for placement at 317 West Main, staff told the board.

Ms. Tate, a city staff member presenting the item, said the artist was on the city’s approved artist list after review by the design committee and that the committee had approved the design. She said the sculpture would rest on two 2-foot-by-2-foot pedestals and is similar in scale to an existing downtown sculpture known as “Selfie Girl.”

Rhonda Bourne, who identified herself as living at 226 West Main Street and as one of the building owners, clarified the submitted title was listed as “Friends.” “I wondered about the title — it was submitted as ‘Friends,’” Bourne said. The board agreed the submitted title would be used in permitting records.

Board members asked about dimensions and siting. One member noted the piece would be roughly five feet tall and asked whether the placement as shown — two pedestals about 12 inches apart — matched the photograph in the packet; staff confirmed that it did. After discussion, Ms. McDuffy moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness and a second was recorded; the board voted in favor with no opposition noted.

The board’s approval applies to the certificate of appropriateness as presented; staff did not record additional conditions in the meeting minutes. The statue is privately owned but will be placed on the public right-of-way in front of the property.