HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION

ACTION SUMMARY

November 17, 2005, 7:00 p.m.

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Commissioners Present: Veatch, Sizemore, Alstrom, McKenzie, Marvin and Antle

Staff present: Zollner, Miller, Smith

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ITEM NO. 1:         Action summary

One typographical error was noted: Comm. Sizemore commented that Item 7, under commission discussion, noted that he had attended school in Lawrence, but he had not attended school in Lawrence.

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Antle to revise Item 7.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM NO. 2:         CoMMUNICATIONS

a) Receive communications from other commissions, State Historic Preservation Officer, and the general public.

§ Notification from the Kansas State Historical Society that the Breezedale Historic District Nomination will be considered at the Historic Sites Board of Review on November 19^th.  The meeting will be open to the public.

§ Lisa Smith was  introduced.

§ Bob Bettis, from the State Historic Preservation Office, introduced himself.

b) Comm. Sizemore and Comm. Antle recused themselves from the Breezedale item. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

No member of the public spoke on this item.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. McKenzie asked if the action would be to approve or send a letter of support for the Breezedale Historic District Nomination. Staff reported that the Commission voted to send letters of support for National Register nominations in the past.  Staff provided a draft letter of support for this nomination.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. Veatch, seconded by Comm. Marvin to send a letter of support for the Breezedale Historic District Nomination.

          Motion carried unanimously, 4-0, with Comm. Sizemore and Comm. Antle abstaining.

ITEM NO. 3:        DR-10-77-05: 641 Ohio Street; Interior Remodel and New Porch; Certified Local Government Review.  Submitted by George Paley, the property owner of record.  The property is listed as a contributing structure to the Old West Lawrence Historic District, National Register of Historic Places.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of all building elevations. Staff presented an alternate compromise before the applicant presentation. Compromise consisted of an enlarged footprint of the front porch with an alteration of the roof pitch so that it would be slightly above a flat roof. The State Historic Preservation Office indicated they would approve tax credits with this change.

APPLICANT PRESENTATION

Mr. Paley was present to answer questions and stated agreement with staff’s recommendations.

Several points were verified:

• The porch and the posts are not original, and the applicant wants to make it look more original, while widening the porch to make it more functional.
• The porch would be 7 ft. wider on all sides except the front. The depth would remain the same.
• Staff showed a drawing of the proposed column.
• Comm. Alstrom recommended an additional column because the column spacing is very wide on the front.
• Staff will research whether imposing the condition of an additional column would affect tax credits.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No member of the public spoke on this item.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. McKenzie had the impression that staff’s conversations with the parties involved satisfied her with what was in the report. Comm. McKenzie expressed a desire to go along with what would satisfy the tax credit and not impose anything that would hinder that.

Comm. Alstrom noted he would also include advisement on tax credits and the State Historic Preservation Officer’s opinion if an additional column would be good.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. Alstrom, seconded by Comm. McKenzie to approve the Certified Local Government Review for the project at 641 Ohio Street, with the conditions noted in the staff report, amending the final porch design to be approved by the Historic Resources Administrator and the State Historic Preservation Office, and removing the constraint on size,

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM NO. 4:        DR-10-86-05: 1340 New Hampshire Street; Driveway; Certified Local Government Review.  Submitted by Antonio R. M. Simoes, the property owner of record.  The property is listed as a contributing structure to the South Rhode Island Street Historic District, National Register of Historic Places.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of elevation and proposed location for the driveway.

APPLICANT PRESENTATION

Mr. Simoes was present to answer questions and provided a drawing explaining the driveway he would like to have.

Several points were verified:

• The garage in the back is a one-car garage, so Mr. Simoes would like to find more space for parking in what is a difficult neighborhood for parking.
• Mr. Simoes plans to park only one car in the driveway.
• There are already driveways on New Hampshire Street
• Mr. Simoes would like to have a simple driveway paved with bricks in the same pattern as the sidewalks, on the south part of the house.
• The driveway would have no impact on the front tree.
• The driveway will have a sand base.
• Mr. Simoes is willing to make the driveway narrower than it is in the proposal. Agreed to Comm. Alstrom’s suggested 9-10 foot driveway instead of the 20 foot driveway.
• The driveway would extend only to the back fence and not connect all of the way back to the garage.
• Staff commented on the other driveways in the neighborhood: there are three that are improved driveways and the others are gravel-based, shallow curve, not modern improved driveways. Some driveways connected to garage, most end in front or behind façade of the structure.
• Mr. Simoes was sent to the Commission by the Public Works Department.
• Staff will work with the applicant and Public Works to make sure the proper construction techniques are employed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No member of the public spoke on this item.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. Antle noted the presence of multiple driveways on the street already, in addition to the proposed narrower width, inclines him to approve the application for a driveway. Comm. Veatch agreed but commented that other driveways were put in before it was a district, and there are different rules in place now.

Comm. Marvin commented that parking is very difficult in the neighborhood. Comm. McKenzie agreed and noted she would support some minimal compromise, if appropriate.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Antle to approve the Certified Local Government Review for the project at 1340 New Hampshire Street, with the following conditions:

1. The width of the driveway will not exceed 10’;

2. The applicant provide complete construction documents to be reviewed and approved by the Historic Resources Administrator prior to release of a building permit.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM NO. 5:  DR-10-87-05: 742 Indiana Street; Window Replacement; Certified Local Government Review. Submitted by Jane Allyson Design Enterprises for the property owner of record.  The property is listed as a contributing structure to the Old West Lawrence Historic District, National Register of Historic Places.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of building elevations.

APPLICANT PRESENTATION

Jane Montgomery, Jane Allyson Design Enterprises, was present to answer questions.

Several points were verified:

• The window to be replaced is not an original window to the house. The hardware shows that the window was installed in the late-1960s or early-1970s.
• The proposal is for two casement windows with the same diamond patterns.  
• The existing windows have diamond patterns.  
• Comm. Alstrom suggested the relationship between the proposed window and the existing porch corner was awkward. The applicant stated the window had to be located in that spot due to the overhead electric lines and where they connected to the house.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No member of the public spoke on this item.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. McKenzie thanked staff for the photographs.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. Alstrom, seconded by Comm. McKenzie to approve the Certified Local Government Review with staff recommendations, striking the condition that the window be stored on site.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM NO. 6:        L-10-01-05: Public hearing for the consideration of placing the structure located at 702 E. 11^th Street (Hobbs Park) on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places. Adopt resolution recommending listing 702 E. 11^th Street (Hobbs Park) to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places and its associated environs definition, if appropriate.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of stadium elevations, the stadium, Hobbs Park, the Murphy-Bromelsick house, and an environs map. Staff noted that the house is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places because it was moved from its original location. The Lawrence Register of Historic Places does allow for moved properties, but the property is not eligible for the State or National Registers. The picnic area and restrooms are not under consideration for the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dennis Brown, representing the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, voiced support for this resolution for local designation. Mr. Brown noted that the municipal stadium is an exciting remnant of public life in Lawrence over 50 years ago. Many members on the board of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance very strongly support this project.

Schuyler Lister, of 1112 Delaware Street, voiced opposition to this resolution. He noted it seems strange to make the park historical when it doesn’t host anything other than softball games. Mr. Lister’s main concern was that properties, including his own, are affected by the Zone 2 designation on the environs map. He is concerned about his ability to remodel were this resolution to pass. Mr. Lister also noted that it would be wiser for the City to acquire a piece of commercially-zoned adjacent property and extend the park to make it more user-friendly. Making the park historic stifles creativity on the properties surrounding the area.

Lisa Pool, of 811 East 11^th Street voiced support for the resolution. She noted that an historic designation would be an attribute to the E. Lawrence neighborhood.

Staff noted that Zone 1 is the primary area for projects that may have an impact on Hobbs Park, because this zone has a direct line of site to the park. Minor projects of the type Mr. Lister is concerned with can be administratively reviewed; the full Commission will review major projects.

Comm. Alstrom voiced favor for the designation. In response to Mr. Lister, he noted that the reason to designate the park historic is that it is a cultural resource. It would preserve the character of the development pattern, so we don’t lose sight that the street was more pedestrian.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. Antle asked Staff about the designations of Zone 1 and Zone 2 on the environs map. Staff noted the difference between the state laws concerning a notification area, and local environs definitions. A great amount of research goes into determining a local environs definition: property use, boundaries, ownership, vegetation, signs, structures, outdoor spaces, views, natural features, ownership patterns, sites, smells, and sounds, etc. Historical research is done to document all those things, and staff looks at what exists today to come up with the environs definition. Comm. McKenzie noted that environs definitions have been useful in the past.

Comm. Sizemore agreed with Comm. Alstrom that the park is significant for the historical reasons previously stated by Comm. Alstrom and in the staff report, and the events associated with the park and stadium.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Antle to adopt the resolution recommending listing 702 E. 11^th Street (Hobbs Park) to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Marvin to adopt the associated environs definition for Hobbs Park.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM NO. 7:        L-10-02-05: Public hearing for the consideration of placing the structure located at 1839 Massachusetts Street (Fire Station #2) on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places. Adopt resolution recommending listing 1839 Massachusetts Street (Fire Station #2) to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places and its associated environs definition, if appropriate.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of building elevations and the associated environs map.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dennis Brown, representing the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, voiced support for this resolution for local designation. He noted that the east façade is a classic design.

Lance Burrr, who owns the duplex that sits just north of the building under consideration, encouraged the Board to designate the Fire Station. Mr. Burr is hoping to place his duplex on the register as well.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. Antle supported designation because the structure holds importance for the community. Sizemore agreed.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Veatch to adopt the resolution recommending listing 1839 Massachusetts Street (Fire Station #2) to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Antle to adopt the associated environs definition.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

Meeting recessed for 5 minutes -  8:26 p.m.

Meeting commenced - 8:35 p.m.

ITEM NO. 8:        L-10-03-05: Public hearing for the consideration of placing the structure located at 2819 Stone Barn Terrace (Grover Barn) on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places. Adopt resolution recommending listing 2819 Stone Barn Terrace (Grover Barn) to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places and its associated environs definition, if appropriate.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of barn elevations and the associated environs map.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Vern Horshlegger, of 2904 Sagebrush Street, asked how this resolution would affect his property. Comm. Sizemore directed the question to staff. Staff noted that all neighborhood covenants stay the same. Any minor project that requires a building permit, staff reviews; any major projects reviewed by the Historic Resource Commission. Comm. Alstrom confirmed to Mr. Horshlegger that overlay requirements do not change your land use by rights.

Dennis Brown, representing the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, voiced support for this resolution for local designation. He noted this is an authentic site on the Underground Railroad, and an historic territorial site in Douglas County.

Judy Sweets, Vice President of the Underground Railroad Association but representing herself tonight, encouraged designation. Ms. Sweets noted that John Brown came though the barn with 11 slaves in 1859 on his last trip through Kansas. The Underground Railroad Association has several documented articles and statements that demonstrated African Americans were brought to that property in care of J. Grover. This barn is also nationally significant. It is one of only a few remaining sites still standing of Underground Railroad sites.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. Antle noted that, as an historian, this is a significant structure for Lawrence.

Comm. Sizemore asked staff if the barn’s architectural integrity had been compromised. Staff confirmed that it had, making the barn not eligible for state or national registration.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Sizemore to adopt the resolution recommending listing 2819 Stone Barn Terrace (Grover Barn) to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Veatch to adopt the associated environs definition.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM NO. 9: Conduct a public hearing for consideration of proposed Conservation Overlay District and associated Design Guidelines for 8^th and Pennsylvania Neighborhood Redevelopment Area.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Staff presented photographs of elevations.

APPLICANT PRESENTATION

Bo Harris, of Harris Construction, as well as Rick Schladweiler and Sally Schwenk, were present to answer questions and provide a detailed map of the proposed overlay area. The applicant supplied the Commission and staff with revised copies of the design guidelines.

Several points were verified:

§ 3 years ago, when the Hobbs project began, Harris Construction started acquiring and bringing forth information they had to the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association. They presented information at their block party, and subsequent to that they sent notices to all homeowners and occupants from 7-10^th Streets and Connecticut Street east.

§ Applicants are requesting the Historic Resources Commission initiate the UCO district.

§ Applicants’ UCO documents four zones for this project:

Zone 1: Represented by the grey-blue structures. This is the East Lawrence Historic Industrial District, and the applicants are seeking national and state recognition for this area. Five historic structures exist in that zone.

Zone 2: Includes public right-of-ways, and an extension of existing Delaware Street using existing street patterns.

Zone 3: A mixed-use area on the west side of Pennsylvania Street, that would include a pair of corner grocery store-type buildings and a grouping of three different phases of townhouse structures with some parking underneath and additional parking on site.

Zone 4: Includes non-compliant buildings.

§ In developing design guidelines, this project involves National Register eligible properties. Applicants are attempting to establish design guidelines that will be easily utilized whether under a federal, state, or city review.

§ Applicants noted changes to preliminary document handed out: p.10-11 more specificity to zoning and overlay, removed any guidelines to interior restoration of historic buildings, will be compatible to Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

§ Applicants directed Board attention to p.9 showing the zones, and p.19 showing the recommended site improvements.

§ Applicants noted this part of East Lawrence is very diverse – it has never been a homogeneous grouping, it has always been  very mixed-use with a lot of diversity in the types of buildings and their placement.

§ The project envisions employee parking and entrances created in the old back-ends of the buildings, with a more formal entrance in front. There will be a dual-use for this parking: residents and visitors to residences will have access to parking.

§ National Register information has been filed and will be given to Commissioners tomorrow.

§ Comm. Alstrom addressed energy efficiency for Zones 3 and 4. Mr. Harris noted that issues of sustainability will be addressed the best they can while still building an affordable project.

§ On the West side of Pennsylvania Street, there are three empty lots and  a set of lots that are fenced in.

§ Concerns of East Lawrence residents regarding traffic have been addressed through changed drives.

§ The state has not had much reaction to the proposed higher density development. The state’s approach has been to look at this solely from the standpoint of new construction, scale and massing that is subservient and different from the historic district.

§ Staff noted the purpose of tonight’s discussion is to become familiar with the project, to receive public comment, and to initiate the UCOD, if the Commission feels this is appropriate. Recommendations can be given at the December meeting. Staff noted the fast time-schedule.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No member of the Public spoke on this item.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

Comm. Alstrom drew attention of Commissioners to the second heading on p.10 in the old version. That description defines the basics of what is going to go on in the new district.

The Commission would like to see the National Register nomination.

Comm. Mckenzie asked staff to outline the process for the UCOD. Staff explained the HRC can accept the documentation that has been provided and initiate the UCOD. The Commission will hold an additional public hearing at their December meeting. The Commission will make a determination at that point on how to proceed.

ACTION TAKEN

Motioned by Comm. McKenzie, seconded by Comm. Antle to initiate the process for the UCO for the proposed Urban Conservation Overlay District for the 8^th and Pennsylvania Neighborhood Redevelopment Area.

          Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

ITEM No. 10:     MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

1. Review of any demolition permit applications received since the October 20, 2005 regular meeting.

§ 1325 New York Street (Main Dwelling)

§ 200 Maple Street (Ancillary Structure)

The HRC will see both of these at their December meeting. No action required.

2. Architectural Review Committee and Administrative Reviews since the October 20, 2005 regular meeting.

The ARC had not met since the October 2005 meeting.

Administrative Reviews

DR-09-76-05:  825 Vermont Street; Public Art; Certified Local Government Review.  Submitted by Tim Holtzclaw for the property owner of record.  The property is located in the environs of Lawrence’s Downtown Historic District, the Carnegie Library (200 W. 9^th), and the Lucy Hobbs Taylor House (809 Vermont), National Register of Historic Places.  The property is also located in the Downtown Urban Conservation Overlay District.

DR-10-78-05:  701-705 Massachusetts Street; Site Modifications; Certified Local Government Review and Certificate of Appropriateness Review.  Submitted by Sabatini Architects for the property owner of record.  The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property is located in the environs of the House Building (729-731 Massachusetts) and Miller’s Hall (723-725 Massachusetts), Lawrence Register of Historic Places. The property is also located in the Downtown Conservation Overlay District.

DR-10-79-05:  10 E. 9^th Street; Exterior Repair; Certified Local Government Review.  Submitted by Dan Hermreck for the property owner of record.  The property is located in the environs of Lawrence’s Downtown Historic District and the North Rhode Island Street Historic District, National Register of Historic Places. The property is also located in the Downtown Conservation Overlay District.

DR-10-80-05:           125 E. 10^th Street; Sign; Certified Local Government Review and Certificate of Appropriateness Review.  Submitted by Fast Signs for the property owner of record.  The property is located in the environs of Lawrence’s Downtown Historic District, the North Rhode Island Street Historic District, Watkins Bank (1047 Massachusetts), English Lutheran Church (1040 New Hampshire), National Register of Historic Places, and the Shalor Eldridge Residence (945 Rhode Island), Kansas and Lawrence Registers of Historic Places. The property is also located in the Downtown Urban Conservation Overlay District.

DR-10-81-05:  1320 Ohio Street; Sign; Certified Local Government Review.  Submitted by Campus Christians for the property owner of record. The property is located in the environs of the John Palmer and Margaret Usher House (1425 Tennessee), National Register of Historic Places.

DR-10-82-05:           647 Massachusetts; Sign; Certified Local Government Review.  Submitted by Luminous Neon, Inc. for the property owner of record. The property is located in the environs of Lawrence’s Downtown Historic District; United States Post Office (645 New Hampshire) and the Eldridge Hotel (701 Massachusetts), National Register of Historic Places and Miller’s Hall (723-725 Massachusetts), Kansas Register of Historic Places. The property is also located in the Downtown Urban Conservation Overlay District.

DR-10-83-05:  1600 Tennessee and 1601 Kentucky Street; Vacation of Right of Way; Certified Local Government Review. Submitted by Kevin and Christy Kennedy, Tom Hoffman, and Lee Blackledge, for the City of Lawrence, property owner of record. The property is located in the environs of the William Priestly House (1505 Kentucky), National Register of Historic Places and the Ludington Thatcher House (1613 Tennessee), National and Lawrence Register of Historic Places.

DR-10-84-05:  1015 W. 6^th Street; Rezoning; Certified Local Government Review and Certificate of Appropriateness Review.  Initiated by the Lawrence City Commission. The property is located in the environs of the Witter S. McCurdy House (909 W. 6^th), Lawrence and National Register of Historic Places.

DR-10-85-05:  2.11 acres located south of W. 6^th Street between Missouri Street and Illinois Street; Rezoning; Certified Local Government Review and Certificate of Appropriateness Review.  Initiated by the Lawrence City Commission. The property is located in the environs of the Witter S. McCurdy House (909 W. 6^th), Lawrence and National Register of Historic Places.

DR-10-88-05:  944 Kentucky Street; UPR & Site Modifications; Certified Local Government Review. Submitted by the Lawrence Community Shelter for the property owner of record.  The property is located in the environs of Lawrence’s Downtown Historic District, the Col. James and Eliza Blood House (1015 Tennessee), the Benedict House (923 Tennessee), and the Charles and Adeline Duncan House (923 Tennessee), National Register of Historic Places.

ACTION TAKEN

Motion by Comm. Antle, seconded by Comm. McKenzie to approve the administrative reviews as presented.

Motion carried unanimously, 6-0.

3. Provide comment on variance (BZA) requests received since October 20, 2005.

§ 825 Main Street

§ 1901 Louisiana Street

§ 1400 Massachusetts Street

Staff explained the Commission reviewed the projects at the October meeting, the variances were heard, and the variance requests were approved pending no additional HRC comments.

There were no Commissioner comments.

4. General public comment.

No member of the public spoke on these items.

5. Miscellaneous matters from City staff and Commission members

Comm. Alstrom requested the Commission talk about fences interfering with traditional development patterns, specifically on Kentucky and Tennessee Streets. Comm. Alstrom made a recommendation that the HRC investigate options to revise the existing fence ordinance.

Motioned by Comm. Sizemore, seconded by Comm. Veatch to adjourn.

ADJOURN – 9:57 p.m.

Official minutes are on file in the Planning Department office.