Staff to seek retroactive review after tenant paints storefront at 326 S. Braddock

During old business the board heard that the storefront at 326 South Braddock (formerly Pine Motors) was recently painted by a tenant without prior BAR approval and will require retroactive review.

Gavin, city preservation staff, said the storefront panels were painted over despite cracks and damage rather than being repaired. He noted the panels appear to be a reflective panel (possibly Vitrolite or metal) that does not hold paint well and that prior precedent exists for rejecting paint on that material; Piccadilly Grill had a similar concern raised in 2015. Gavin said the tenant had property‑owner permission but not BAR approval and that staff will prepare a retroactive application for the board to consider. He also flagged that images sent by the tenant were AI‑generated and that proposed awnings may not meet the 8‑foot clearance required by code, which could limit signage options.

Board members asked for photos and for staff to assemble a report and potential options for remediation or retroactive approval. No formal action was taken; staff expects to return the item to the board for consideration at a future meeting.