NEWBERRY — The city of Newberry’s Architectural Review Board unanimously approved a request last Thursday by Verizon Wireless to place eight antennas on the roof of 1303 Main St. (Parr building) in Newberry.
A Kimley Horn representative for Verizon showed the board photo simulations of what the eight towers will look like on top of the building and how the towers will be placed. The antennas will be connected to sleds so the roof will not be damaged.
Board member Cile Hursey expressed concern for the city’s civil defense horn used to alert the community during tornado activity, but was assured the antennas are specifically aimed to project out to get the maximum coverage in this region.
The towers will be specifically for Verizon customers. Verizon has licenses to transmit and receive on certain frequencies. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the request at 10 a.m. Wednesday in council chambers at City Hall.
The board also approved a request by Armfield School Supply, 1406 Main St., to replace the existing downstairs showroom windows and replace the current double door with a single door matching the other entrance to the building.
The new windows will be identical to what is currently on the building, but will have better insulation and be more energy efficient. The current windows are loose and losing their seal. Recessed lighting along the outside of the building was also approved.
John Nichols was eager to get started on his approved project at 905 Main St. in Newberry as a part of the city’s Facade Grant improvement program. Nichols said the windows on the building will be replaced with glass windows that are more energy efficient with grids inserted that could be removed.
Following recommendations from board members, Nichols will replace the current door with a glass door and will choose from recommended ARB paint colors for the exterior of the structure. Brick on the exterior will also be repaired.
“I’m hoping that if I invest a little money in it, I can get a business or office space to rent it out and see other growth on that section of Main Street,” Nichols said. “I’ve been wanting to do something with it for a long time, but it needed so much put into it. The facade grant has me inspired.”
The owner of On Demand Realty, 1700 Main St. sought approval to place the words “At Home Senior Care” on the exterior of the building similar to the “On Demand Realty” wording with the same color and size. Board members agreed that the new wording could be added to the exterior.