Architectural & Historic Board of Review
Town Hall 27 East Main Street
Agenda — 24 items
- I. Call To Order
- II. Roll Call
- A. Architectural & Historic Board of Review Board - Board Member Attendance Determination.
- III. Public Comment
- IV. Consent Applications
- A. 76 Maple Dr (Historic District) Alteration (Roof replacement) Submitted by William Lewis a) Staff recommends approval as submitted.
- B. 89 First Street Sign (Wall and Hanging) Submitted by Joe Berdine, Sign-a-rama a) Staff recommends approval as submitted.
- V. Old Business
- A. 88 N. Main Street (Historic District) Alteration (Door Replacement) Submitted by Joseph Kernan a) Staff notes this application was tabled at the September 23, 2026 AHBR meeting. b) During the meeting, the applicant expressed a willingness to explore potential modifications to the existing door that has been installed to better align with the surrounding historic district. Following the meeting, staff provided the applicant with contact information for HHA and Cleveland Restoration Society to see if they could offer technical guidance. Additionally, staff reached out to these organizations separately and asked if they could provide recommendations on how to modify the replacement door for better compatibility with the historic district. The applicant requested the full responses be included with the agenda attachments. c) Staff has prepared the attached memo with case overview and recommendations.
- VI. New Business
- A. 190 N Main Street (Historic District) Sign (Wall and Hanging Sign) Submitted by Splott Graphics a) Section V-5 (c)(1) of the Architectural Design Standards states that signs should be fabricated on and of materials that are of permanent quality, good durability and are complimentary to the building of which they become a part. Question if the proposed aluminum and vinyl wall and hanging sign material is compatible with surrounding signs. Staff recommends the sign be constructed of High Density Urethane (HDU) or wood with routed letters, similar to the other surrounding signs within the historic district. b) Suggest the applicant reduce the number of colors incorporated into the proposed design for better readability and visual clarity.
- B. 31 Church Street (Historic District) Addition (Covered Parking) Submitted by Kirk Hartung a) Staff notes this application received informal review at the August 12, 2026 AHBR meeting. b) Staff notes this application received approval for a side yard setback variance from the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals at the September 30, 2026 meeting. c) Appendix 1(2) of the Secretary of Interior Standards states the historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. Additionally, Appendix 1(5) of the Secretary of Interior Standards states “Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved.” Staff notes the applicant is proposing to remove the existing side porch to accommodate the new roof structure. Staff notes a historic porch would be removed to accommodate the new proposed parking area. d) Submit product spec sheets of all proposed exterior materials.
- C. 6616 Westpoint Dr Addition (Screened Porch) Submitted by Eric Kuczek, Sojourn Architects a) Section IV-4 (h)(3) of the Architectural Design Standards states that additions should be designed to be compatible with the main structure by incorporating materials and a foundation to match. Question if full foundation is needed under proposed screened porch as the screen porch does not appear visually supported by the paneling. Suggest removal of additional boral paneling on right side elevation.
- D. 198 Ravenna Street Addition (Primary Bedroom, Bathroom and Front Porch) Submitted by Robert Nair, Atlas Carpentry a) Section III-1(g)(8) of the Architectural Design Standards state that Large expanses of blank wall are to be avoided. Fenestration placement should be at a maximum of approximately every 12 feet. Revise left and right side elevations to better meet this requirement. b) Verify proposed column width on front porch addition. c) Verify proposed foundation to match existing d) Verify proposed roofing material to match existing
- E. 37 S. Main Street (PNC Bank) Commercial Alteration (Awnings, Windows, and Vestibule) Submitted by Michelle Cocos, GPD Group a) Staff notes the proposed scope of work includes the removal of existing windows and installation of new first story glazing systems on west elevation, two proposed awnings on west elevation, new entry door and storefront glazing system on west and south side elevation bump out, relocation of existing exterior lighting on west side elevation, and proposed window replacement on second story south side elevation. Staff notes the proposed building signage is not part of this application. b) Staff notes the building was constructed in 1893; however is not located within the Historic District or a designated individual landmark. c) Section IV-4 (e)(2) of the Architectural Design Standards states that wings usually have a simple composition that is dependent on the main body. Question proposed bump out glazing system at west and south side elevation and how it relates to the main mass. Suggest the use of more traditional exterior materials to be more compatible with the main body. d) Question proposed wall material at west-side elevation bump out. e) Section IV-4 (g)(1) of the Architectural Design Standards states that roofs on projections should match the roof material of the building (unless both roofs are flat) and to the extent possible, shall be the same kind of roof. Natural finish metals such as copper, terne coated steel, or lead may be substituted for any roofing material. Staff notes a metal roofing material is proposed.
- F. 39 Essex Circle Addition (Golf Simulator & Storage) Submitted by Nate Bailey, Hara Architects a) Section IV-4 (h)(1) of the Architectural Design Standards states that an additional wing may be added to any mass of the building. This wing must be attached at the rear or side of the building and may not extend forward of the main body. Additionally, Section IV-4 (b)(2) of the Architectural Design Standards states that the front face of the main body must sit forward at least 18” from the front face of the wings. Staff notes the existing house has a forward projection; however, the proposal would substantially expand it.
- VII. Other Business
- A. 179 Elm Street (Historic District) (Informal Review) New House (Single Family Dwelling) Accessory Structure (Detached 2-Car Garage) Submitted by Nate Bailey (Hara Architects) a) Staff notes that the existing house on the property was approved for demolition at the June 24, 2026 AHBR meeting. b) Section I-2 (b) of the Architectural Design Standards state that new buildings and alterations shall respect the existing context and framework. Staff notes the overall design is compatible with the existing architectural framework of this area. c) Section IV-4 (d)(3) of the Architectural Design Standards states that materials used in any mass must be applied consistently on that mass on all sides of the structure. Question proposed siding at east-side elevation and if materials end on an inside corner. d) Question proposed metal roofing material across the full front facade, suggest asphalt shingle to better align with the surrounding historic district. e) Suggest additional fenestration on east and west-side garage elevations to better meet the requirement.
- B. 80 N Main Street (Hudson’s Restaurant) (Informal Review) Alteration (Doors and Patio) Submitted by Kevin Altomare a) Staff notes the proposed scope of work includes relocation of the front entryway door, removal of existing windows and brick columns along the east side elevation, expansion of the existing outdoor patio and the installation of two overhead doors. b) Staff notes the building was constructed in 1946. c) Staff recommends the Board consider the guidance provided in the National Parks Service Preservation Brief #11, Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation when evaluating the proposed modifications. Preservation Brief #11 is attached for the Boards review. d) Staff notes the intent of the proposed project is to widen the existing outdoor patio and install overhead doors for an enhanced outdoor dining experience. Question overall compatibility with the surrounding Main Street storefronts; however, staff notes the proposed improvements would activate the existing building frontage and contribute to a more vibrant downtown environment. e) The National Park Service Preservation Brief #11 for historic storefronts identifies recessed entrances as a traditional storefront feature and recommends retaining historically accurate entrance locations. Recommend the applicant recess the proposed entryway door a minimum of three feet to better meet this requirement. f) The National Park Service Preservation Brief #11 for historic storefronts states the importance of evaluating and retaining existing storefront features where possible and that wood may be a more appropriate replacement than masonry for storefront framing. Staff recommends the Board consider the extent of alterations proposed to the existing brick columns, including opportunities to retain or salvage the existing brick as part of the proposed improvements. The Board may also wish to consider reconstructing the storefront from the existing header downward using painted wood or another compatible material to achieve a more cohesive design, rather than attempting to replicate the existing brick and mortar.
- C. Minutes of Previous Architectural & Historic Board of Review Meeting: September 9, 2026
- D. Minutes of Previous Architectural & Historic Board of Review Meeting: September 23, 2026.
- VIII. Staff Update
- IX. Adjournment
- 24 * * *
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