Report to the Lawrence City Commission
Landmark Designation for 1509 Massachusetts Street
November 21, 2017
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission (HRC) respectfully submits for review and consideration L-17-00035: A Landmark nomination for the property located at 1509 Massachusetts Street, the Henry Buel Ober House. The Landmark application was submitted by the Lawrence Preservation Alliance on behalf of Victor Wallace, Trustee, the property owner of record.
HRC Resolution No. 2017-04 recommends the City Commission designate 1509 Massachusetts Street, the Henry Buel Ober 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 Henry Buel Ober House and accessory structure are significant for their architectural style.
(2) Explanation of the integrity or lack of integrity of the nominated landmark or historic district;
The structures 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,
Fenestration pattern and window and door openings, window types, roof shapes, the roof eave depths, design features and red clay tile material, the historic form of the structure, the chimney location and materials, and the design and materials of the portico on the east elevation including size and architectural detailing.
(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.
Changes to the fenestration pattern and window and door openings, window types, roof shapes, the roof eave depths, the roof design features and red clay tile material, the historic form of the structure, the chimney location and materials, and the design and materials of the portico on the east elevation including size and architectural detailing should require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
(E) 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 adopted an Environs Definition for 1509 Massachusetts Street to delineate how environs review will be conducted in relation to the listed property. (See above)
(F) 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.
(G) A map showing the location of the nominated landmark. (Attached)
2. A map showing the location of 1509 Massachusetts Street
4. Photos