Historic Resources Commission

November 17, 2005 Minutes

 

ITEM NO. 6:        L-10-01-05: Public hearing for the consideration of placing the structure located at 702 E. 11th Street (Hobbs Park) on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places. Adopt resolution recommending listing 702 E. 11th 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 11th 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. 11th 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.