Report to the Lawrence City Commission
Landmark Designation for 645 Mississippi Street
November 21, 2017
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission (HRC) respectfully submits for review and consideration L-16-00537: A Landmark nomination for the property located at 645 Mississippi Street, the Robert E. House Residence. The Landmark application was submitted by Lawrence Preservation Alliance on behalf of John Frydman & Laurie Martin-Frydman, property owners of record.
HRC Resolution No. 2017-03 recommends the City Commission designate 645 Mississippi Street, the Robert E. House Residence, 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 Robert E. House Residence is significant for its Prairie style of architecture which is relatively uncommon in Lawrence.
(2) Explanation of the integrity or lack of integrity of the nominated landmark or historic district;
The structure maintains sufficient integrity of location and design 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; and,
Form, roof shape and form including large overhanging eaves with decorative rafter tails, stone foundation, fenestration, historic wood windows, primary porch on the east elevation including size, shape, decorative details and materials, exterior smooth and patterned stucco, wood front door with arched molding on brackets, bay projection including decorative details on the south elevation, and chimneys.
(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 the overall form, roof shape and form including large overhanging eaves with decorative rafter tails, stone foundation, fenestration, historic wood windows, primary porch on the east elevation including size, shape, decorative details and materials, exterior smooth and patterned stucco, wood front door with arched molding on brackets, bay projection including decorative details on the south elevation, and chimneys should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
(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 645 Mississippi 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 645 Mississippi Street
4. Environs Definition and Map
5. Photos