Two major building projects came before the Historic District Commission at its April 21 meeting. Commissioners reviewed renderings of the rooftop patio of Poole’s Tavern (Exchange Bar and Grill) at 157 E. Main, and also considered a request to demolish the buildings that comprise Foundry Flask at 456 E. Cady to allow redevelopment of the site with a mixed-use building.
Foundry Flask site
Jim Long, representing the
Foundry Flask property at 456 E. Cady, is seeking to demolish the
existing buildings on the 4-acre site. A public hearing has been
scheduled for the May 19 HDC meeting.
At the hearing, the
commissioners will hear from residents regarding the demolition of the
existing buildings. Commissioners will discuss the demolition proposal,
and possibly make a decision then or ask the applicant to return to the
June meeting with additional information before deciding on the
demolition request.
Poole's Tavern second floor addition
For the rooftop patio, HDC members had concerns about the building plans as presented in renderings and discussion by associates of Craig MacDonell, MacDonell Associates, who were representing Poole's owner Grant Baidas. HDC members would like to see the building changes be more compatible with other buildings along the street.
Their concerns included:
• Use of a metal railing instead of a solid parapet (low protective wall). This could also be a safety issue since people on the rooftop deck would be right up against the Main Street facade. In addition, the railing is not consistent with other buildings downtown.
• Use of materials that are inconsistent with other buildings in downtown, such as fluted concrete block and reflective glass.
• As designed, the HDC thought that the stair structure has too much mass and looked imposing. It was advised that materials comprising the stairs be consistent with the downtown and find ways to reduce mass/dominance along the streetscape.
The commission wants the applicant to consider these concerns and recommendations and provide updated renderings at a future meeting.