Report to the Lawrence City Commission
Landmark Designation for 839 Vermont Street
May 3, 2016
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission (HRC) respectfully submits for review and consideration L-16-00054: A Landmark nomination for the property located at 839 Vermont Street, the Carnegie Building. The Landmark application was submitted by the City of Lawrence, the property owner of record.
HRC Resolution No. 2016-04 recommends the City Commission designate 839 Vermont Street, the Carnegie Building, as a landmark on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.
C. CHAPTER 22 REPORT REQUIREMENTS (22-404.2(B))
(1) Explanation of the significance or lack of significance of the nominated landmark or historic district as it relates to the criteria for designation as set forth in section 22-403;
The Carnegie Building is significant for its architecture and its value as part of the development of Lawrence. The HRC determined that the structure meets criteria (1) and (6) in section 22-403.
(2) Explanation of the integrity or lack of integrity of the nominated landmark or historic district;
The structure maintains significant integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship that make it worthy of preservation.
(3) In the case of a nominated landmark found to meet the criteria for designation:
(A) The significant exterior architectural features of the nominated landmark that should be protected;
All elements of the south elevation of the structure including but not limited to the terra cotta details, stone details, classical columns, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills and arched windows, arches, brick in size and color, fenestration pattern, brick quoin pattern, parapet in height and design, and recessed entrance should be protected.
Elements on the east and west sides of the 1904 structure that should be protected include terra cotta details, stone details, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills and arched windows, arches, brick in size and color, fenestration pattern, brick quoin pattern, and the parapet in height and design.
Elements on the east and west sides of the 1937 addition that should be protected include stone details, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills, brick in size and color, and fenestration pattern.
Elements on the north side of the 1937 addition that should be protected include stone details, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills, brick in size and color, and fenestration pattern.
The flat roof for both the 1904 and 1937 portions of the building should be maintained.
(B) The types of construction, alteration, demolition, and removal, other than those requiring a building or demolition permit that cannot be undertaken without obtaining a certificate of appropriateness.
Alterations to any architectural element on the south elevation of the structure including but not limited to the terra cotta details, stone details, classical columns, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills and arched windows, arches, brick in size and color, fenestration pattern, brick quoin pattern, parapet in height and design, and recessed entrance should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Alterations to any architectural element on the east and west elevations of the 1904 structure including but not limited to the terra cotta details, stone details, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills and arched windows, arches, brick in size and color, fenestration pattern, brick quoin pattern, and parapet in height and design, should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Alterations to the east and west sides of the 1937 addition including but not limited to the stone details, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills, brick, and fenestration pattern, should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Alterations to the north side of the 1937 addition including but not limited to the stone details, stone foundation, wood windows and surrounds including sills, brick, and fenestration pattern, should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Alterations to the flat roof for both the 1904 and 1937 portions of the building should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
(4) Proposed design guidelines for applying the criteria for review of certificates of appropriateness to the nominated landmark or historic district.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, published in 1990, and any future amendments, in addition to any criteria specified by Chapter 22 of the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas.
The HRC has also adopted An Analysis of the Environs for 839 Vermont Street and delineated how environs review will be conducted in relation to the listed property. The analysis is attached with the delineation of environs areas.
(5) The relationship of the nominated landmark or historic district to the on-going effort of the commission to identify and nominate all potential areas and structures that meet the criteria for designation.
A primary goal of the HRC is to build a Register of properties which show the diversity and growth of Lawrence since its inception. The nomination of this property is another step toward registering a wide variety of historic properties which together present a visual history of Lawrence’s past. The goal of the Lawrence Register of Historic Places is to represent all socioeconomic strata; businesses and industries which illustrate the diversity that has been prevalent in Lawrence since its inception.
(6) A map showing the location of the nominated landmark. (Attached)
2. A map showing the location of 839 Vermont Street
4. Environs Definition and Map
5. Photos