Historic Commission approves plans for three downtown grant building renovations
COLDWATER — Three downtown buildings will receive money for facelifts after the Coldwater Historic District Commission approved the work Monday evening.
All three qualified for matching funds from state and local grant money.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provided $75,000, while the Coldwater Main Street/Downtown Development Authority provided $37,500 for the $112,500 grants.
Work can now start on 49 W. Chicago St., Jeannie's Diner at 14 W. Chicago St., and Southern Roots Salon & Spa at 5 S. Monroe St.
The owner signed contracts with Main Street Program Manager Audrey Tappenden immediately after the meeting.
49 West Chicago St.
Owner and architect Scott Morrison will remove the modern mansard roof and restore the façade to its original 1800s look.
The mansard front is reminiscent of the front put on the Tibbits Opera House around the corner in the 1970s, which has now been restored to its original 1876 look.
Removing the mansard will allow Morrison to return windows in the bricked-up third-floor front wall.
Morrison said a metal ceiling slopes from 13 feet to nine feet in the back on the third floor. "There is an access to a roof deck," Morrison said.
The historic commission also approved the tuckpoint of the brick masonry, new windows, a new sign, and siding. Morrison will repaint the façade.
Beyond the façade, Morrison will spend $60,000 to add sprinklers to the three-story building and $18,368 to replace the roof.
The total cost is $151,659 for all building improvements with a $35,000 restoration grant.
Hope Café and Chameleon Gift Shop occupy the first floor, with 2nd Story Marketing upstairs.
14 West Chicago St.
Chuck Wood will repair the 14 and 16 W. Chicago storefronts and the rear of 16 W. Chicago.
Only Jeannie's Diner at 14 West Chicago received a $27,500 grant.
The storefronts will be washed and repainted using an existing color scheme
Restorers will replace the deteriorating brick on the front. The rest will be tuckpointed.
The second-floor wood windows are rotten. "These windows are in a condition that they can be refurbished and reinstalled, keeping the building's historical texture intact," Building Restoration, Inc. said in its bid.
Aluminum windows will replace those on the back of the buildings.
Prior story DDA approves three historic renovation façade grants
Because the restoration company will be there, Chuck Wood plans to work on the facade and rear of 16 West Chicago as well. "They're going to repair that mortar that's over the top of the brick. They're going to use chemicals to remove stains as much as possible."
Restorers will stabilize the water-damaged brick by downspouts.
Total project costs are under $100,000
5 South Monroe St.
Southern Roots and Spa will repair the brick and repaint all three sides of the building.
Owner Danielle Kitts Green said with a leak, "The roof will be a full repair."
"Two windows in the back will be restored as well as the lower-level windows in the alleyway," Green told the board.
The brick in the alley needs repair. "We have terrible issues with water seeping into the building. I was told it was due to salt accumulating up against the building during the snow," Green said.
Subscribe Follow this story. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter.
Green received a $50,000 grant for the $125,000 project.
Work on all three projects can start this spring.
— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Three downtown building projects receive Historic Commission approval
