Rome’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has approved plans for a side entrance door and landing at Purple Mountain Natural Foods, 504 E. First Avenue in Rome. The panel rejected owner Dee Brewer’s application for a second entrance and landing on the front of the building.

Historic Planner Delmos Stone reported that the request for the front entrance did not meet historic standards and Kelly Lindsey with Will Pinson Properties said that the side entrance alone should meet Brewer’s needs.

The HPC also issued a split verdict on a request from Raymart Signs at 204 Broad Street. In an unusual twist, the lettering on Raymart’s window sign is actually smaller than allowed by ordinance.

The Commission agreed to allow a portion of the sign to remain in place, but ruled that a message underneath the name of the business be removed. Commission member Leigh Barba said that since the business-involved signs, that’s its name was self-explanatory.

Barba said that more than 70 people have registered for a tour of the historic Cherokee Lodge building, renovated recently by Dr. Matt Mumber. The 6 p.m. tour is being sponsored by the Rome Area History Museum and will focus on much of the Masonic symbolism displayed in the large meeting room. Members of the History Museum can participate at no charge while others are being asked to pay a $5 fee. Call 706-235-8051 for reservations.