UFO approved to remain on storefront downtown

The Waxahachie Heritage Preservation Commission unanimously approved to keep the UFO on the storefront of A Perfect Peace, a tobacco shop located at 202 S. Elm St., during its Oct. 13 meeting.

The red, yellow and green UFO is mounted on the upper left side of the storefront. Additional bricks were arranged to make the UFO appear as if it crashed into the building. An alien making a peace sign and holding a gun that reads “Peacekeepers” stands atop the store’s sign, directly to the right of the UFO.

The UFO is made of lightweight materials and was mounted by French Cleat Mounts with a steel sub structure and does not hurt the integrity of the building, according to paperwork filed with the city. The paperwork lists Dusty Autrey as the building owner.

No one was at the meeting representing the matter but the paperwork to the city noted that the UFO was moved from the roof to the storefront to help attract people to downtown. The UFO holds historic significance as it was used as “a main staple” on George Clinton’s 2004 stage in Dallas, Texas, according to the paperwork. “I don’t think it’s (the UFO) particularly historic to our area, but as a piece of art, I think it’s kind of cool and wonderful,” commission member Becky Kauffman said. “I think it’s a personal expression, and I think it fits nicely with the rest of what’s up there. It’s their choice of art, and art is in the eyes of the beholder.”

Commission member Shannon Simpson pointed out the installation can be reversed because it had not penetrated the exterior of the building.

Commission member Jacqueline Montejano agreed, that as long as the building wasn’t damaged, there was no problem with keeping the UFO.

(Editor's note: The article originally attributed information on the paperwork filed with the city to the building owner, Dusty Autrey, whose name was included on the documents. The Sun has since been informed by the city that the paperwork was actually filled out by Amy Gilbert as one of the business owners. While Gilbert's name was not on the paperwork used for the attribution, the Sun apologizes for the mistake and will work with the city to ensure proper attributions are made in the future).

Originally published October 17, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/business/ufo-approved-to-remain-on-storefront-downtown---updated/article_aa18a3d6-4e94-11ed-8cb6-7bcb900aa1f7.html