Staff reports progress, possible COA requirements for Brauner Building at 339 East Washington

City staff updated the commission on the status of the Brauner Building at 339 East Washington, reporting visible progress but noting some proposed repairs may still require commission review.

James shared photos showing significant improvement since 2024, saying the property has a new roof and crews plan to repair dormers and gutters. He said the contractor intends to stucco over the ground-level wall where a porch once attached and possibly wall over two window openings that are currently boarded. "If they do that, that needs a COA," James said, noting in-kind repairs that match original materials may be administratively approvable but changes to wall openings or materials could trigger a Certificate of Appropriateness review.

Staff said the building owner and the person working on repairs have been informed of design-review standards and code officials are aware. The commission asked staff to monitor the work and, if necessary, require a COA for stuccoing or window infill.