THE Historic Preservation and Review Commission approved Thursday plans by Phil Joy to turn a lumber-drying shed into a two-story retail building.
Donna Beth Weilenman/Staff

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

Benicia Historic Preservation and Review Commission agreed Thursday with plans submitted by property owner Phil Joy to modify a retail building at 305 First St.

The panel also approved Joy’s plans to turn a former lumber-drying shed at 301 First St. into a two-story retail and office building.

The vote was unanimous. Commissioner Steve McKee recused himself because he is working on the project, and Michael White was absent.

It was the second time HPRC had seen the plans, which were initially approved Oct. 23, 2008.

Because of the sluggish economy, however, Joy said he was delayed in seeking building permits to proceed with construction.

“I was two weeks too late,” he said. He learned his original design approval had expired and he would have to submit his plans again.

Discussing the lumber shed, the panel agreed with Joy’s plans for a 9-foot ceiling height for the first floor, rather than a 12-foot height recommended by city codes. A 12-foot ceiling would “make it look like a skyscraper,” Joy said.

The HPRC also approved the design of a service door and ramp at 305 First St., site of Rosanna’s European Delights, a bakery that recently moved into the building.

One change recommended by commissioners was to do away with plans for the 2-foot, 6-inch street wall that would have been placed between buildings at 305 and 307 First St. The buildings are supposed to be separate and not look continuous, Vice Chair Leann Taagepera said. “They are unique buildings.”

“We want the store fronts to look like store fronts. We don’t want it to look like a mall,” Commissioner Toni Haughey said.

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