The city of Delaware will work to resolve a downtown building’s gate that does not meet code, but was installed to deter intoxication-induced vandalism.
The 44 S. Sandusky St. building has an inset entrance with two doorways, one to the Olivina Taproom and another to a second-floor apartment, and is located near several bars.
A corner of the building’s alcove was used as a trash receptacle and restroom, according to city staff. The gate was installed along the alcove to be perpendicular to South Sandusky Street in front of the alcove’s often abused area.
Since the gate was installed “there has been quite a reduction in activity,” city development planner Dianne Guenther said, during a Historic Preservation Commission meeting Wednesday.
But the gate’s locking mechanism does not comply with code, she said, and a solution is being worked out with the property owner, who is expected to appear before the commission next month.
Commission Chairman Roger Koch said at Wednesday’s meeting the gate did not offend him aesthetically.
Chris Schobert, who owns the taproom, asked the commission in February to install a gate that would align with Sandusky and prevent downtown goers from entering the entire alcove at night.
The city’s architectural standards do not appear to address gated features on buildings. But Commission members did not want to set a precedent to allow the gate at the time. Koch suggested to relocate the apartment’s door to a new wall along the alcove.
In other business, the commission:
• Welcomed Stephanie Van Gundy as its new member. She replaces James Kehoe.
• Approved the rear additions for the 1820 Collective hair salon, 18 W. William St., building. The additions include converting a deteriorating section into two new parking spaces and replacing the enclosed staircase.
Commission members in general praised property and business owner Jack Kahaian for his restoration work on the 150-year-old building since he purchased it in 1999.
“You’re probably the best friend that building has had in 100 years,” said commission member Joe Coleman.
