September 17, 2004

Jerry Neverve

217 Lawrence Avenue

Lawrence, KS 66049

RE: DR-08-71-04; 944 Massachusetts; Storefront Remodel

Dear Mr. Neverve:

The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission (HRC) at their meeting on September 16, 2004, did not approve the above-referenced request.  The HRC determined that the project, as proposed, does not meet the established standards and guidelines for the rehabilitation of structures located in a National Register of Historic Places district or in the environs of a property listed on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.  Specifically, the HRC found:

 

I.                  Certificate of Appropriateness

 

As proposed, the project would significantly encroach on, damage, or destroy the landmark Hanna Building located at 933 Massachusetts Street in accordance with Chapter 22 the Conservation of Historic Resources Code of the City of Lawrence, the standard of evaluation for Certificate of Appropriateness; and

 

 

II.       Certified Local Government

 

In accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, the standard of evaluation, the proposed project does not meet Standards # 1, 2, 5, and 9, and will encroach upon, damage or destroy the listed historic property and its environs; and  

 

 

III.      Downtown Design Guidelines

 

In accordance with the Downtown Design Guidelines, and the standard of evaluation, the proposed project does not meet the language and intent of the Downtown Design Guidelines. Specifically,

·         Storefronts shall be designed to reflect the traditional pattern of containment.

·         Remodeled storefronts shall be designed to fit within the original opening.

·         Storefronts may be recessed or extended slightly (typically, 3 inches to 9 inches) to emphasize the feeling of containment and provide architectural variety.

·         Storefronts shall be pedestrian oriented and consist primarily of transparent glass.  Most storefronts in Downtown Lawrence contain 65% to 80% glass.  Storefront designs shall reflect this glass to other building material ratio.

·         Storefront designs should reflect the traditional three-part horizontal layer by providing for a transom area, display windows, and a bulkhead.

 

As indicated at the HRC meeting, we encourage you to work with staff to revise your project so that it meets the identified standards and guidelines while achieving your desired project goals. You may appeal the Historic Resources Commission determination per K.S.A. 75-2724 and Chapter 22 of the Code of the City of Lawrence.  If you wish to appeal the HRC determination, you will need to request a public hearing before the City Commission in writing within fifteen (15) days of the HRC public meeting/determination.  Please contact me if you wish to appeal this decision and I will make sure you have the appropriate information.

 

On behalf of the City of Lawrence and the Historic Resources Commission, I would like to thank you for your cooperation.  If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me (832-3151).

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Lynne Braddock Zollner

Historic Resources Administrator