Members of the Macomb Historic Preservation Commission spent nearly an hour last week discussing the new color of the building at 212 N. Lafayette Street, which is going to be the new home of The Crafty Coop, which is moving from its location next door at 206 N. Lafayette to the former Enchanted Florist building next door.
Community Development Director Julie Leonard said the building's turquoise marine paint color is not compatible with the historic palette.
A final decision on the color must be made by the commission. The Crafty Coop owner Laci Todd said the color is meant to be eye-catching to attract the attention of passers-by.
City Attorney Lisa Scalf said the building was a cream color in 1938.
Commissioner Savannah Ballard, who is also Macomb's Downtown Development director, said she sees the turquoise marine as more of an accent than a main color. Commissioner Sue Scott also said there should be a combination.
"Make it more about art than paint," she said.
Commissioner Lara Dively made a motion to approve the color as is.
"I lean toward giving businesses as much leeway as we can," she said.
Adding that she favored brighter colors downtown.
When it became apparent that other commissioners would not support the motion, Dively withdrew it and moved to table the issue to an Oct. 27 commission meeting. She said this would give Todd time to negotiate a compromise.
Commission Chair Dennis Danowski said he wants the issue resolved because he feels The Crafty Coop and its artistic clientele are a benefit to the downtown.
"She's doing a great thing for kids and for people of all ages," he said.
