Historic Review Board
Regular MeetingFort Mill, SC · October 11, 2022
Minutes
MINUTES
TOWN OF FORT MILL
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD
October 11th, 2022
112 Confederate Street
4:30 PM
Present: Chairman Louis Roman, Megan Brinton, Scott Couchenour, Elizabeth Leventis, Jessica Scarlett,
Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Planner I Tim Kramer, Senior Planner Alex Moore
Absent: David Booth, Niki Todaro
Guests: Mark Kurowski, Jon Fortes, Amy Fortes
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Louis Roman called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Louis Roman entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the September 13th, 2022, Historic
Review Board (HRB) meeting. Scott Couchenour noted that he was not at the September 13th HRB meeting although
the minutes indicated he was in attendance. Chairman Roman asked that the minutes be corrected reflect that Scott
Couchenour was not in attendance at the September meeting. Meghan Brinton made a motion to approve the minutes
with this correction. Jessica Scartlett seconded the motion. The minutes were then approved by a vote of 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Senior Planner Moore provided an overview of an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) at 217
Main Street. He noted that that this location is both located within the town’s historic district and listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
The building was constructed in circa 1900 and once was home to Frosty Witherspoon’s Men’s Shop. Most recently
it was home to a restaurant, Local Dish, which was very popular and successful. The current applicant for a
Certificate of Appropriateness, Mark Kurowski, will be opening a new restaurant at this location.
As part of this new endeavor, Mr. Kurowski is requesting permission via the COA application for the following
improvements:
• A new projecting sign
• A new awning
• New, exterior paint colors
• Repair of minor masonry issues on the rear elevation of the building
Moore stated that the historic district guidelines have parameters for the implementation of projecting signage and
noted that this information was presented within the staff report. Additionally, he provided the zoning and building
requirements for projecting signage which included the following:
• The maximum signage area for such a sign is 12 square feet
• The sign may extend a maximum of 3’ from the façade
• The bottom of the sign must be at least 8’ above the sidewalk
Moore stated that the projecting sign as submitted meets these standards.
He then explained that the applicant is also proposing to change the exterior paint color including the base layer
and trim. If approved, the base layer would be “Naval” (Sherwin Williams brand name for navy-like color) and
the trim would consist of “Fleur de Sel” (Sherwin Williams brand name for white-like color).
Additionally, Moore stated that the applicant is proposing replace the existing awning. The proposed new awning
would be black and include the restaurant branding on either end. Finally, he noted that the applicant is proposing
minor masonry repair on the exterior of the rear elevation. Moore then stated that staff recommended approval of
the Certificate of Appropriateness application as submitted.
Mark Kurowski, the new owner of the building, then provided additional information on the project. This included
noting that the existing, second story apartment, although currently vacant, would continue to be used as a domicile
in the future.
Jessica Scarlett asked Mr. Kurowski if the existing railing on the rear of the building would remain the same.
Mr. Kurowski indicted that the railing would remain unchanged.
Scott Couchenour asked Mr. Kurowski if the unpainted brick on the northward facing demising wall of his building
would remain unpainted.
Mr. Kurowski stated that this wall had unfortunately been painted by the contractor doing the exterior painting on
the building located at 219 and 221 Main Street.
Planning staff then indicated that the demising wall separating 219 and 221 Main Street was to be left unpainted as
part of the work going on at that location and that this issue would have to be looked at by the town.
Elizabeth Leventis then asked if the exterior doors of the building would also be painted naval.
Amy Fortes, co-owner of the restaurant to be located at 217 Main Street, then stated that the exterior doors would
be painted “Heirloom Red.” She then provided a color sample for the HRB members to look at.
There was then general discussion among HRB members regarding the proposed color of the building.
There being no further discussion, Chairman Roman then entertained a motion on the application.
Elizabeth Leventis made a motion that the certificate of appropriateness be approved, including the proposal that
exterior doors be painted “Heirloom Red.”
Megan Brinton seconded the motion.
The HRB then voted 5-0 to approve the certificate of appropriateness application for 217 Main Street.
INFORMATION ONLY
1. Certified Local Government (CLG Evaluation) Report
Chairman Roman presented the recent letter from the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SCSHPO)
indicating that the town had earned a satisfactory rating from SCSHPO. This means that the Town of Fort Mill is
meeting its responsibilities as a participant in the South Carolina Certified Local Government (CLG) program. The
evaluation period included fiscal years 2016-2017 to 2020-2021.
There being no other business, Chairman Roman adjourned the meeting at 5:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Alex J. Moore, AICP
Senior Planner
October 25th, 2022
Agenda
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD MEETING
112 Confedera te S tree t
October 11th, 2022
4:30 PM
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. HRB Meeting: September 13th, 2022 [Pages 2 - 5]
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) [Pages 6 -19]
Applicant Name: Mark Kurowski (Miaxelan 235 LLC)
Owner Name: Miaxelan 235 LLC
Property Address: 217 Main Street
Purpose: Certificate of Appropriateness request for proposed projecting sign, exterior
color change, new awning, and exterior repair.
Property Information: Town of Fort Mill Historic Preservation District
LC, Local Commercial Zoning District
INFORMATION ONLY [Pages 20-24]
1. Certified Local Government (CLG) Evaluation for the Fort Mill Historic District from South Carolina State
Historic Preservation Office (SCSHPO). This evaluation includes the following years: FY 16-17 to FY 20-21.
ADJOURN
The following press was notified of the meeting by email or fax in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act: The
Herald; CN2; WRHI; Fort Mill Times, and WBTV. The agenda was also posted at the entrance to Town Hall the
required length of time and on the Town website. The Town of Fort Mill is committed to assuring accessibility with
reasonable accommodation, of Town services and facilities for all individuals, in compliance with federal law. Please
contact the Town Manager’s Office at 803-547-2116 if you need assistance.
1
MINUTES
TOWN OF FORT MILL
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD
September 13th, 2022
112 Confederate Street
4:30 PM
Present: Chairman Louis Roman, David Booth, Megan Brinton, Scott Couchenour, Elizabeth
Leventis, Planner I Tim Kramer, Senior Planner Alex Moore
Absent: Jessica Scarlett, Niki Todaro, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis
Guests: Shanon Little, Helen Stewart, Lisa Edwards
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Louis Roman called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Louis Roman entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the August 9th, 2022, HRB
meeting. Elizabeth Leventis made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. David Booth seconded
the motion to approve the minutes. The minutes were then approved by a vote of 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Senior Planner Moore provided an overview of this request. This request for a certificate of
appropriateness initially came before the HRB on Tuesday August 9th, 2022. At that meeting, the HRB
voted to defer action on the COA so that additional information could be provided by the applicant.
This request included: (1) A true and accurate schematic of the proposed window signage; (2) Uniform
business branding; (3) Paint samples indicating suitability for outdoor use; (4) A swatch sample indicating
that the paint used on the doors will match the color of the awning; (5) The possibility of the currently
boarded, upper story windows being restored. However, this was more of a suggestion as the HRB
discussion indicated that their wish for the applicant not to be held up due to this.
To that end, the applicant has provided additional information beginning on page 17 of the HRB packet
with the revised, proposed color scheme. Then, on page 19 you have the revised wall sign submittal. Page
2
21 includes the revised window sign submittal. Note the original sticker sample. Additionally, as noted
within the application information, the applicant is now proposing the inclusion of a trompe’ l’oeil. See
pages 22 and 23 of the HRB packet.
A trompe’ l’oeil is a visual illusion in art, which is supposed to result in the eye perceiving the painted
detail as three dimensional. This particular artistic piece was approved in July 2018 for Olive’s Mud
Puddle located immediately next door at 229 Main Street.
The HRB approved the drawing as shown on page 23. The current applicant has now provided the drawing
as shown on page 24. This is the finished drawing. However, this particular item was not provided to HRB
in July 2018.
The staff recommendation is that HRB grant approval for the proposed improvements as submitted with
the condition that all branding as shown on the wall sign window signage shall match and that the new
color of the exterior doors be “Destiny” and be of exterior grade. The HRB may include additional
conditions as they deem necessary.
Chairman Roman then gave opportunity to Ms. Shanon Little to speak to the HRB regarding her project.
Ms. Little went over the revised information. She noted that the current front door consisted of royal blue
and that the existing awning color consisted of “Loyal Blue” as the submitted swatch sample indicated.
She then stated that she wished to do either the “Retreat” color or “Destiny” color for the front door. These
colors were also submitted as swatch samples within the revised information.
Additionally, Ms. Little presented the proposed, revised window signage, wall signage, and trompe l’oeil.
She also noted that she intended to work with the property owner to try and influence him to open the
boarded, upper windows. Ms. Little indicated that if the owner did become amenable to this portion of
façade improvement, it would occur later.
The HRB indicated that they really liked the revisions that Ms. Little had made to her certificate of
appropriateness (COA) application since the initial meeting in August.
Megan Brinton moved to approve the revised COA application as submitted.
Elizabeth Leventis seconded the motion with the condition that the revised color scheme for the exterior
doors could include either the applicant’s 1st or 2nd color choice.
By a vote of 5-0, the HRB then voted to approve the revised COA application with the condition that the
revised color scheme for the exterior doors could include either the applicant’s 1st or 2nd color choice.
3
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Senior Planner Moore provided an overview of this request. The applicant is Lisa Edwards of 1% Lists
Advantage. The building is located at 118 Main Street and is located within the downtown historic district.
This building is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The applicant is proposing the
installation of a new projecting sign at this location.
Generally, the historic district guidelines indicate that there should be clear objectives established for the
signage with limited impacts on defining features of a given building. With this proposed sign, the
submitted drawing indicates the sign has a clear advertising objective in that discernable and clear graphics
are used.
The proposed location on the façade of the building is appropriate. The existing sign bracketing will be
used for this sign, and the signage system will be placed in the same location that has been used previously.
The town’s zoning ordinance indicates that a projecting sign shall not exceed an area of 12 square feet
and may not extend more than three feet from the façade. The proposed projecting sign consists of 4.17
square feet, and it will extend three feet from the façade.
Additionally, the town’s building code indicates that a projecting sign must be placed so that the bottom
of the sign is located at least eight feet above the sidewalk. Planning Staff recommends that the HRB grant
APPROVAL for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed projecting sign as submitted.
Chairman Louis Roman then asked the applicant if she had any comments.
Ms. Lisa Edwards noted that she bought the 1% Lists Advantage franchise for this area. She stated that
the red and blue as shown on the proposed sign were the primary franchise colors. The sign would be of
the same dimensions as the previous projecting sign at this location.
Chairman Roman asked HRB members if they had any questions about the application. There being none,
he then entertained a motion.
Elizabeth Leventis made a motion to approve the COA application.
David Booth seconded the motion.
Then, by a vote of 5-0 the HRB approved the certificate of appropriateness.
There being no other business on the agenda, Chairman Roman briefly noted that the South Carolina State
Historic Preservation Office (SCSHPO) had recently given the town a designation of “satisfactory.” This
designation means that the town is meeting its responsibilities as being one of 36 local governments in the
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state to achieve Certified Local Government (CLG) status. This evaluation includes the years FY 16-17
to FY 20-21.
Chairman Roman then adjourned the meeting at 4:47 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Alex J. Moore, AICP
Senior Planner
September 28th, 2022
5
H I S T OR I C R E V I E W B OA R D
Applicant: Mark Kurowski
Subject Property: 217 Main Street
Property Owner: Miaxelan 235 LLC
Tax Map # 020-02-01-007
Zoning District: Local Commercial, LC/Historic District
Zoning Case: 2022-0707
REQUEST
The Planning Department received an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Mark
Kurowski, the owner of 217 Main Street, for the following improvements:
1. A new projecting sign
2. A new awning
3. New exterior, paint colors
4. Repair of minor masonry issues on rear elevation of building
SITE DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PLAN
This property is located within the downtown historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP). The building was constructed in circa 1900 and once was known as Frosty Witherspoon’s Men’s
Shop. The following link includes this information along with older pictures of the establishment: Fort Mill 217
Main St — TBHH
The Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines have schematic parameters for the implementation of projecting
signage. These guidelines are attached. Generally, the historic district signage guidelines indicate that there
should be clear objectives established for the signage with limited impacts on defining features of a given
building. If the subject building has discernable locations of original signage, such areas should be targeted for
new or updated signs. The proposed signage should be compatible with the building and site. The impact on the
overall area, including adjacent structures, should also be considered.
The new awning that is proposed is black with the establishment branding on both ends. The Fort Mill Historic
District Guidelines indicate that awnings are appropriate in the design of storefronts. Such awnings should be
configured to be in proportion with the building and should not cover or obscure significant features of the
building. While solid colors are encouraged, historic images indicate that the awning on this respective building
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once consisted of a striped pattern. A simple shed shaped awning is appropriate in the instance of rectangular
openings. Signage on a canopy is appropriate in areas with high pedestrian use.
The exterior color palette that is preferred in The Fort Mill Historic District is of a traditional or historic feel. If
the historic color scheme is not known, then an interpretation of those on similar building is appropriate, matte
rather than high gloss paint finishes is preferred.
Masonry repair should be undertaken to preserve historic materials. Deteriorated masonry mortar joints such be
repointed with mortar that matches the strength, composition, color, and texture of the existing (if appropriate)
or the original. The mortar joints should be duplicated in width and profile.
Regarding the proposed improvements, vis-a-vis the above historic district guidelines, the following summation
points should be made:
• The proposed projecting sign drawing (attached) indicates a clear objective in design and branding. The
impacts upon the building’s character defining features will remain limited. The location is appropriate
to the facade, and it appears that the sign will be located at least eight feet above the sidewalk in
accordance with building regulations. Additionally, the sign as designed falls within the maximum square
footage allowed for a projecting sign (12 square feet) and it extends no more than three feet from the face
of the façade in accordance with the zoning regulations.
• The awning as designed meets the guidelines of the historic district. As noted above, these guidelines do
encourage awnings that are solid in color. Additionally, signage or branding on an awning is appropriate
in portions of the historic district which are pedestrian oriented, such as Main Street.
• The proposed new paint colors include Naval and Fleur de Sel These paint colors seem to be appropriate
in that they are simple in character. Additionally, it is appropriate that there will be one base color (Naval)
and one accent color (Fleur de Sel).
• It is anticipated that the applicant will handle the minor masonry repair on the rear of the building using
a “best practices” protocol. As noted above, the historic district guidelines recommend that masonry
repair should be undertaken to preserve historic materials. Deteriorated masonry mortar joints should
be repointed with mortar that matches the strength, composition, color, and texture of the existing
(if appropriate) or the original. The mortar joints should be duplicated in width and profile.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Planning Staff recommends that the HRB grant APPROVAL for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed
exterior improvements as requested by the applicant.
7
ATTACHMENTS
• Projecting signage guidelines
• HRB application
• Façade and rear elevation pictures w/description of work to be done
• Submitted drawings
8
Projecting Sign
This is an attached sign which projects and has one end attached to
a building, and which does not employ ground support.
5.14 Design a projecting sign to be similar in character to
those seen traditionally.
• Design the sign bracket as a decorative or complementary
element of the sign. The bracket should appear as part of the
sign composition and design.
5.15 Projecting or blade signs may be considered.
• Locate small projecting signs near the business entrance, just
above the door or to the side of it.
• Mount moderately sized projecting signs higher on the building, Design the sign bracket as a
centered on the façade or positioned at the corner. decorative or complementary
• Small hanging signs are appropriate under a canopy on commercial element of the sign.
building types or from the inside of a porch on residential building
types.
Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines
9
10
Page 2 of 2 Date Received:�
Historic Review Board Date:
�
Explanation of Work: Please use the area below to provide a detailed explanation of the proposed work. When
explaining the work, please provide information on the design, materials, colors, as well as installation/construction
procedures. For example, when applying for a wall sign please provide detail on the design of the sign, what
materials will be used, what colors will be used, and how will the sign will be affixed to the wall. Please attach
continuation sheets as needed.
@) ?a;V\lr o\\ s,·J.c� Na-1c\" (:s'n.P-1w,'r, \.µ,\\1'e1W>� - \-\-C,5WloJYi) w �-th
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-t({r w �"Jc) 1v ) (5\.-o.rw,"" \..J�\h"... � - SW !"1�4 flev,r Je $e "
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(4) Add proposed projecting sign to application per applicant’s request. See attached email.
AJM
Acknowledgement of Requirements: The applicant acknowledges that the information provided is complete and
that any exterior modification, except for ordinary maintenance or repair (not involving change in design, material,
color, or outer appearance), shall not commence until the Historic Review Board approves the specific modification
through a Certificate of Appropriateness. Additional permitting may be required prior to beginning work, including
zoning review, stormwater/engineering review, building permitting, and business licensing. Please note,
AU
incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Signature Date
P.O. BOX 159 • 200 TOM HALL STREET • FORT MILL, SC 29715
TELEPHONE (803) 547-2034 • FAX (803) 547-2126
11
From: Mark Kurowski
To: Alex Moore
Cc: Penelope Karagounis
Subject: Re: 217 Main Street
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022 2:18:24 PM
Attachments: image001.png
***This is an EXTERNAL email. Please do not click on a link or open any attachments unless
you are confident it is from a trusted source. ***
Good afternoon Alex.
I just received some information from the tenant on a projected sign they'd like to add to the front of the
building. Can we add this to the current COA application so it can be discussed with the other items
requested? If not, I'll have the tenant submit a separate application.
Details of the sign are below and the proof is attached.
Sign size: 2’8” wide x 4’6” tall (not including mounting bracket)
- Hanging mount type bracket to mount sign to building
- All aluminum construction
- 1/2" thick raised acrylic panel with vinyl graphics for logo
- Double sided
Thanks,
Mark Kurowski
704-458-2364
On Monday, September 19, 2022 at 02:22:24 PM EDT, Alex Moore <amoore@fortmillsc.gov> wrote:
Hi Mark,
I did receive your application.
I will place this on the agenda for Tuesday October 11th.
This meeting will take place at 112 Confederate Street and will begin at 4:30 PM.
Please plan to be in attendance at this meeting.
12
13
Projected
Sign
Awning
graphic
Left &
Right
14
15
Sections of facade,
Trim areas will be including both brick
painted "Fleur De and siding, that are
Sel" (Sherwin currently yellow will
Williams SW766) be painted
"Naval" (Sherwin
Williams
HGSW6244).
Current awning will
be replaced with a
new, black awning
16
Sections of rear
elevation that are
currently yellow will
be pained
"Naval" (Sherwin
Williams HGSW6244)
Trim areas will be
painted "Fleur De
Sel" (Sherwin
Williams SW766)
17
Projected
Sign
Awning
graphic
Left &
Right
18
19
20
21
22
23
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