A cluster of Suffolk’s downtown storefronts will soon feature improvements reminiscent of the 1920s.

The Historic Landmarks Commission approved a request on Thursday by L.U.P., LLC, owners of 167 N. Main St., for enhancements to the Jones Building, a two-story commercial structure with apartments on the upper levels.

Formerly home to the historic Chadwick Theater, the building occupants include Barr Brothers Jewelers, the Republican campaign headquarters and two vacant stores. To the north, the old Eliot Hotel sits, known as Suffolk Towers.

To avoid a conflict of interest, Randy Hicks, chairman of the commission, excused himself from deliberations on the proposal because he is the primary architect. Hicks has several downtown projects to his credit, including the Washington Street and Main Street centers.

Hicks addressed the commission from the podium during the public hearing. According to planning documents, the owners -who did not attend the hearing — seek to restore the first story of the building, dating back to 1925, including the existing storefronts and to enclose the breezeway, which creates extensive foot traffic from North Main to Saratoga Street.

For the security of the apartment residents, Hicks explained that the proposal calls for closing the opening off to create a well lit, protected area for residents while waiting for the elevator. Future plans also include a fifth storefront using this space, and an interior hallway.

Commissioners, in a 5-0 vote, approved the replacement of the existing storefronts with a new design, to include larger windows with recessed wood composite base panels and entrances. Hicks said colors had not been decided on for the awning and other building features, but they would be consistent with city’s historical palate.

As for closing the open corridor, Commissioner G. Stewart Tyler questioned whether a public right-of-way had been established considering that the area had remained available to through traffic for more than 15 years.

The planning staff had recommended that it remain open; however, the commissioners agreed that the decision was not within its purview, considering that it’s private property.

The commission &uot;does not have the authority to say there will be a corridor through someone’s building forever,&uot; said Hicks, still speaking from the floor.

He added that it would be difficult to lease apartments with the security concerns created by the open corridor. He commented that it’s not uncommon for vagrants to frequent the space, and to urinate in the area.

Plans also call for upgrading the upper level apartments. The owners are also seeking federal and state tax credits to aid with the project because of its historic designation. Hicks did not have a cost estimate, and thought that the planned work would be carried out expeditiously in the coming months.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com