The Courthouse Square Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved The Oliver Hotel’s request for a Certificate of Appropriateness at their recent meeting, clearing the way for renovations of the restaurant and bar’s outdoor patio space.

Proposed changes include demolishing the existing knee walls, installing new pavers, planter boxes and benches, and adding custom millwork banquettes.

The renovation will also feature a new water element, an outdoor service station, and modern pergolas with retractable fabric shades.

Though the project passed without opposition from the commission, nearby resident Larry Wells voiced concerns during the public comment portion of the meeting—specifically over potential noise violations stemming from expanded outdoor use.

“We already deal with noise from the Velvet Ditch across the street,” Wells said. “If both venues are pushing to outdo each other with outdoor sound, it could turn into a competition of volume. We’ve had live music at The Oliver before that rattled the panes in my house.”

Wells urged the commission to apply the same restrictions to The Oliver as those imposed on the Velvet Ditch, which is prohibited from hosting live music or installing a sound stage.

However, Commission Chair Stuart Povall clarified that the body’s authority is limited strictly to visual and aesthetic considerations.

“Concerns like amplified sound or live music fall under the jurisdiction of the Planning Commission,” Povall said. “While we welcome public input, our role is focused on aesthetics and historic preservation.”

Tina Harbour, general manager at The Oliver, told the Commission that live music has been minimal.

“We’ve only had outdoor music a couple of times—a two-man band for our grand opening and a three-piece for a private wedding,” Harbour said. “Anytime (Wells) has called, we’ve turned the music down.”