Imperial Theater to install six-foot rod-iron fencing on Broad Street after HPC approval

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved a conditional certificate of appropriateness for the Imperial Theater to install six-foot black aluminum fencing and gates along Broad Street.

Chip Matson, president of the Imperial Theater board, told the commission the fencing is intended to ‘‘cut down on folks using it as a cut-through and graffiti and other things to do in the alleys that we're trying to discourage.’’ He added the gates would be secured when the theater is not open and that fire and emergency access would be preserved with a Knox box and required openings during performances.

Staff and Historic Augusta recommended approval, noting the proposed design meets downtown design guidelines but that the commission must ensure egress is not obstructed. The commission approved the fencing with conditions to maintain access and to limit the fence height to six feet. Commissioners asked staff to confirm that any installed gates would not interfere with emergency exits.

Ending: The theater must obtain required permits and incorporate the egress/access conditions into final gate designs before construction.