Historic Resources Commission

November 17, 2005 Minutes

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.