Heritage commission approves Stiefel Theatre window replacement

Theater officials urge quick window replacement ahead of winter

Commission selects 'Honeysuckle' trim for historic windows

Black window trim denied despite downtown trend

Theater drops frosted glass request to maintain historic facade

Heritage commission approves Stiefel Theatre window replacement

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina Heritage Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace six deteriorated second-floor windows on the west-facing facade of the historic Fox-Watson Theater Building at 151 S. Santa Fe Ave. The application, filed on behalf of the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, allows the theater to remove failing vinyl inserts installed in 1996. The new Pella Reserve Traditional units will maintain the building's historic aesthetic, remaining within the existing openings and retaining the original one-over-one double-hung configuration.

Theater officials urge quick window replacement ahead of winter

SALINA, Kan. — Stiefel Theatre board past chair John Quinley and technical director Kent Buess urged the Salina Heritage Commission to approve the window replacements before cold weather sets in. Quinley testified that the current 1996 windows are in terrible condition, stating they allow snow and dust to blow directly into the venue. Following their testimony, the commission quickly finalized the remaining design details so the custom manufacturing and installation could begin before winter.

Commission selects 'Honeysuckle' trim for historic windows

SALINA, Kan. — After postponing the decision to weigh exterior color options, the Salina Heritage Commission voted to require a "Honeysuckle" exterior window cladding color for the Stiefel Theatre's new upper windows. While city staff noted that "Poplar White" would be a closer visual match to the window sashes themselves, the commission ultimately sided with the terracotta-like Honeysuckle shade. Commissioners noted the muted color would better hide downtown dust and dirt while closely complementing the historic second-floor brick and cement sills.

Black window trim denied despite downtown trend

SALINA, Kan. — Despite a plea from theater board members to authorize black window frames, the Salina Heritage Commission opted for lighter, historically accurate colors. Stiefel Theatre board past chair John Quinley noted that most recently revamped downtown storefronts use black frames, arguing it provides a more modern look. However, city staff and the commission determined that the theater's national and state historic register status required adherence to stricter preservation standards that favor the building's original, lighter color scheme.

Theater drops frosted glass request to maintain historic facade

SALINA, Kan. — Plans to use frosted or obscured glass for a second-floor Stiefel Theatre restroom window were officially withdrawn following concerns raised by the Salina Heritage Commission at its Aug. 5 meeting. To ensure the upper floor's window pattern remains visually consistent from the exterior, the theater will use clear glazing across all six new windows. Privacy for the restroom will instead be handled from the interior using curtains or similar treatments.

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