historic resources Commission
Agenda MEETING – December 21, 2006, 7:00 pm
ACTION SUMMARY
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Commissioners present: Veatch, Marvin, Myers, Sizemore, and Antle
Staff present: Zollner, Wagner
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ITEM NO. 3: L-11-03-06 Public hearing for consideration of placing the structure located at 621 Connecticut Street (the Otto Fischer House) on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places. Submitted by Christine Brandt, the property owner of record. Adopt resolution recommending listing 621 Connecticut Street to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places and its associated environs definition, if appropriate.
Staff presented photographs of the main and ancillary structure. Staff clarified that the environs would be 250 feet.
The applicant, Christine Brandt, was present and available to answer any questions.
Dennis Brown, president of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance (LPA) said LPA agrees with staff’s recommendations because of the importance of Otto Fischer and his daughter Elfriede, who wrote Lawrence Journal World articles about the history of Lawrence that were published in a book. Architecturally, LPA is typically involved with “grand” buildings, but a part of preservation includes working-man’s houses; however, Mr. Brown emphasized that he would not quite call 621 Connecticut Street a “working man’s house” because of its porch design. This porch design, he said, makes it a wonderful piece of architecture
Mr. Brown noted that the commercial properties to the east of 621 Connecticut Street had been there a long time and are good neighbors. To the northwest of the subject property, there are newer commercial properties, including the Riverfront Mall. Finally, he said that the current owners of 621 Connecticut Street had been there long time; because they value and care for property they have asked for this protection.
Mr. Brown explained that this house is on the perimeter of the East Lawrence residential area and that LPA is concerned about protecting East Lawrence housing stock. Mr. Brown expressed his concern about paying attention to properties before they are lost. He said East Lawrence cannot afford to lose residential, single family properties. LPA supports the staff report and hopes for a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Antle said he was unclear on the age of the ancillary structure. The applicant responded that the ancillary structure is a stucco building built for an art studio about 25 years ago. The applicant further added that they had lived at 621 Connecticut since 1976.
Commissioner Sizemore asked staff to describe the nature of any concerned phone calls staff had received. Ms. Zollner said the concerned property owner was apprehensive about environs review. Ms. Zollner and the citizen talked about the environs definition, which speaks to the commercial area near the subject property. Ms. Zollner also reminded the Commission about the letter of support staff received.
Commissioner Sizemore noted that on first glance there is a lot going on with house, including additions and changes. However, he added that he does not think the additions take away from street presence of the original structure.
ACTION TAKEN
Motioned by Sizemore, seconded by Veatch, to approve the resolution and associated environs definition and forward it to the City Commission recommending the structure be nominated to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.
Motion carried unanimously, 5-0.