Architect Pete Bogle gets OK for changes for downtown Mean Mug

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 19, 2018

SALISBURY — The Historic Preservation Commission heard two requests Thursday from architect Pete Bogle, one concerning 110 N. Main St., which will house the new location of Mean Mug coffeeshop.

Kyle Harris, the staff liaison for the commission, said the property has some design flexibility because of the changes it has gone through since 1899, including being extensively modified in 1963.

“It no longer retains its original historic features,” Harris said.

Bogle said he wants to install casement windows similar to those on the Empire Hotel, add lighting, repaint and add signs. He said because of a canopy and its attachment, the building has an indention that would be used for the sign.

“I have no cheap way to make that indentation ever go away,” Bogle said. “Even with that repair job, you’re going to see a texture difference, some ghosting to it. The idea was why not use this for the sign? We’ll call it a beauty mark.”

The commission approved his request.

It also approved Bogle’s request to add shrubs and lighting at a parking lot at 201 E. Innes St.

Commission member Elizabeth Trick recused herself from considering the two requests because of a conflict of interest.

The commission got into a lengthy discussion on a request for a major design reconfiguration of 1008 N. Main St., which has multiple additions and fire damage. Owner Ricky McSwain said he wants to remove the back of the house that has a deteriorated foundation and fire damage, remove an outbuilding that was half on his property and half on his neighbor’s, and install a driveway from Miller Street.

Steve Cobb supported the request, saying the property would be “brought back from the dead.”

Trick said she had an issue with the shed roof and symmetry McSwain wants, since the home is a Victorian style. Harris said it is unknown what the back of the home originally looked like and that it currently has a “buffet of different styles.”

The commission approved the request 4-1, with Trick voting against it.

It also approved a request to remove and replace a greenhouse on the back of a 217 S. Ellis St. home. Michaal Grasso, the owner, said it is a functioning greenhouse and will still function as a greenhouse, but he said if he doesn’t do something it will fall down.

The commission agreed to demolish the building on 4013 N. Main St., which has been vacant for 19 years. The City Council will approve the demolition request. The property will be used for a Sharonview Federal Credit Union.

The installation of a white, steel garage at 329 E. Bank St. was sent back to the staff after members said the plans must be the right size and match the style of the house.

The commission approved permanently installing the “Swing on a Star” sculpture at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St. Clyde spoke during the public hearing, saying he does not think the sculpture is appropriate in size and material.

The commission agreed to pre-approve the historic landmark application for the Salisbury Southern Railroad Passenger Depot. Cobb recused himself because of a conflict of interest.

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet again Nov. 8 at 1 Water St.