One of the final remaining contributing structures in the Holden-Parramore National Register District will be turned into The District Gastro Bar/Social Eating House at 532 W. Church Street (MAP) in the Holden-Parramore National Register Historic District. The structure was built in 1922 and purchased by the new owners, Casey Preston, T And C Downtown Development, LLC March 2017.
All rehabilitation work is required to be done in accordance with all applicable U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation.” This project went before the Appearance Review Board in July.
The project will include the following changes:
- Adding a pre-engineered metal building addition to the rear of the building to house a new kitchen facility, restrooms and some additional interior seating which will double the size of the existing tenant space
- New signage and exterior murals are also contemplated in the submittal documents. Proposed murals must be hand painted by an artist and must comply with the City mural guidelines and policies.
- A pass-thru bar and outdoor dining area to the east that is owned by the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency. The profile and material of the outdoor dining area canopy and pergola must match the material and profile of the Church Street canopy.
- Restore the existing canopy to its traditional design - The proposed cornice obscures the historic architecture of the parapet and is not approved. The existing parapet design must be preserved and stabilized.
- Removing the old paint and exposing the original brick - Staff does not support the proposed sandblasting method to remove the paint. Sandblasting will damage the finish of the original brick, exposing the softer interior of the brick to water intrusion and potential decay.
- Parking area improvements on the adjacent lot to west which is owned by the City of Orlando
