Salina design board approves updated exterior for former gas station at Fourth and Iron

Salina's Downtown Design Review Board on Thursday approved changes to the exterior design of the building at 134 S. Fourth St., at the southwest corner of Iron Avenue and Fourth Street.

The application, CC26-017, was submitted by Charles Renz of Jones Gillam Renz Architects on behalf of Salina Educational Automotive Museum of America Inc., known as The Garage. It amends a design the board approved in 2025. The building, the former Abner's Autos/Quilting Station, was built in 1931 as a gasoline service station, according to the staff report.

Under the revised plan, the storefront framing changes from clear anodized aluminum to dark bronze. Simulated gray garage doors are replaced with Pella metal-clad window units in Pella Classic White with red accents recessed into the units. The painted brick along the lower part of the walls changes from gray to white, and the row of brick above the former garage-door openings and the light fixtures are painted red. The black ribbed metal panels were installed as approved earlier. The plan also shows a second historic-style fuel pump, and the electric vehicle charging station, a custom item, has not yet been installed.

The board approved the amendment by voice vote, subject to a staff condition covering substantial future changes to the approved exterior materials, colors, signage or site features. A second proposed condition, which would have required final plans for the electric vehicle charging equipment to go to staff before installation, was removed in the motion.

Michelle Peck, executive director of The Garage, told the board the museum plans to paint a "Fourth and Iron" marking at the corner, subject to permits.

The board previously approved work at the museum in June 2020 and two illuminated wall signs in August 2021. The appeal period for Thursday's decision ends Nov. 5.