Historic Zoning Commission

Market Square H-1: Level II

8-I-14-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Major repair or replacement of materials or architectural elements

Design of proposed wooden storefront cornice to be simple molding with a fascia board below, similar to that of 18-22 Market Square. Cornice to be installed directly above the three original multi-light transom windows where there is currently a 30-inch high wood panel spanning the facade. Heavy curved custom wooden brackets under the cornice to be spaced to align with the existing divisions in the transom and to also have 12-inch high dentil molding evenly spaced between brackets. Metal flashing to be installed behind cornice to divert water away from transom window.

Site Info

McBee Trading Company Building. Two-story brickbuilding with elaborate corbelling, limestone sills, lintels and cornice and altered storefront. A dry goods store named the McBee Trading Company was the first occupant of this building, followed by the Huff Edington department store. In 1935, it became a White Store and by 1950 a clothing store.

1) The lower storefront façade of 28 Market Square has been heavily altered since its construction c. 1895; however, the transom windows are original and have a unique opaque gridded glass design. They are a character-defining feature of the building and should be retained and protected.

2) An early photo of the building indicates that some type of molding was in the mid-building-level location.

3) Other buildings in Market Square from the same general era do exhibit a cornice over the storefront -- some are simple and some have dentil molding; therefore, a dentiled cornice at this location on the building is not inappropriate, although may not be an original feature since the actual design is not known.