Report to the Lawrence City Commission
Landmark Designation for 1645 Louisiana Street
November 21, 2017
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission (HRC) respectfully submits for review and consideration L-16-00536: A Landmark nomination for the property located at 1645 Louisiana Street, the Benjamin F. Akers House. The Landmark application was submitted by the Lawrence Preservation Alliance on behalf of Philip C. and Linda D. Wedge, the property owners of record.
HRC Resolution No. 2017-02 recommends the City Commission designate 1645 Louisiana Street, the Benjamin F. Akers House, 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 Akers House is significant for its Italianate architecture and its value as part of the development of Lawrence.
(2) Explanation of the integrity or lack of integrity of the nominated landmark or historic district;
The primary structure and the accessory structure maintain sufficient integrity of location and design that make them 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; and,
Primary Structure
Historic form, fenestration pattern, roof material and shapes including the associated wide eaves and brackets, brick chimneys, window surrounds, main entry porch including size and architectural details such as the wood posts, slender arched head molding between the porch bays, bay window projecting from the south wing, smooth-cut stone sills, projecting ornamental lintels above the windows and stone foundation.
Accessory Structure
Historic form, roof shape, concrete foundation, weatherboard sheathing, and ornamental metal shingle roofing.
(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.
Historic form, fenestration pattern, roof material and shapes including the associated wide eaves and brackets, brick chimneys, window surrounds, main entry porch including size and architectural details such as the wood posts, slender arched head molding between the porch bays, bay window projecting from the south wing, smooth-cut stone sills, projecting ornamental lintels above the windows and stone foundation.
(5) 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 also adopted An Analysis of the Environs for 1645 Louisiana Street to delineate how environs review will be conducted in relation to the listed property.
(6) 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; residences, businesses, and industries which illustrate the diversity that has been prevalent in Lawrence since its inception.
(7) A map showing the location of the nominated landmark. (Attached)
2. A map showing the location of 1645 Louisiana Street
4. Environs Definition and Map
5. Photos