The Historic Preservation Commission approved façade repairs at 835 East Levy Street after county representatives and roofing contractors described persistent water‑penetration problems and the proposed fix using metal wall panels.

Staff said the building — originally built in 1959 and refaced in 2017 — has leak issues on rear facades that staff recommended addressing. Cameron County Maintenance and Operations Director and Rio Roofing’s representative explained that the 2017 refacing did not extend around the rear facades and that block and old brick are exposed behind stucco. The contractor proposed a waterproof membrane, patch channels and 12‑inch‑wide vertical metal panels with concealed fasteners, plus elastomeric coating on taller stairwell walls.

Hedley Hitchens of Rio Roofing reviewed on‑site findings, including block and brick behind the stucco, conduit runs that the project would enclose, and removal of a horizontal storefront window that has caused leaks. Hitchens said the plan includes new flashing, interior repairs where needed and panel installation designed to eliminate the water infiltration. Cameron County’s representative said the county agreed with staff recommendations.

Commissioners questioned why the project proposed a different metal panel solution than the 2017 work; the contractor and county representatives said budget constraints and the need to address the unrefaced rear walls drove the current approach. The commission voted to approve the façade work; staff will require the building permit and COA documents to match the approved method.