General
Information
Our Landmarks Commission proudly recognizes and
preserves properties which represent or reflect elements of the
City’s thriving cultural heritage and architectural history.
Certified by the State of Missouri's Historic Preservation
Office, its mission is to protect, retain, and enhance such
properties. Over 20 years ago, on March 5, 1981, the
Kirkwood City Council established the commission
"to
make a continuous study of all the buildings and structures in
the City, taking into account the age, design, period of
construction, aesthetic value, past use and historical
significance and to consider such buildings for designation as
historical landmarks." The commission has actively
pursued its charge from inception to the present. Kirkwood was
the first in Missouri to set the trend in historic preservation
on the local level, followed by 40 other cities.
There are more than 80 designated landmarks, including
businesses, schools, churches, a cemetery, and a multitude of
historically significant homes. Two local historic districts
include more than 50 properties in Meramec Highlands
(recognized in 1988) and Central Place (recognized in 1998).
National Register historic districts include over 150
contributing properties adjacent to
Jefferson-Argonne
and East Monroe.
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, the commissioners are
ready to utilize their expertise as an advisory body. They
advise property owners on exterior renovations in order to
preserve the character and historic integrity of existing
landmarks. Furthermore, any person who owns property in Kirkwood
can seek free advice regarding historic preservation from the
Landmarks Commission. Many Kirkwood properties have historic
features, particularly those within local and national historic
districts. In other words, the commissioners' expertise can save
time and money for property owners.
Ordinance
for Landmarks Commission
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., City Hall,
139 S. Kirkwood Rd.
The current roster of the Commission yields a variety of
relevant backgrounds:
Maggie Albers - real estate
Steve Emer - architecture
Pat Jones,
chairperson - preservation
David Meyers - architecture
Phyllis Ravensberg - construction
Tom Riggs - construction
Wally Schramm,
secretary - historian
Council Liaison: Art McDonnell
Staff Person:
Alan Lamberg
139 S. Kirkwood Rd. Suite 006. Kirkwood, MO 63122
lamberab@kirkwoodmo.org
phone: 314-984-6965
fax: 314- 822-5893
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Registry
A
Landmark
Booklet
,
comprised of an annotated listing with pictures, is available
for download. (1 MB in file size.)
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Agendas
& Minutes
Any interested parties may review the agendas
and minutes from the commission meetings. Current
agendas
are typically posted a week before the next meeting. Recent
minutes
are posted as soon as they are approved, typically within week
after a meeting.
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Review
Process
Only designated landmarks and property within
designated local historic districts must undergo a commission
review to qualify for a certificate of appropriateness (COA). If
the review is satisfactory to the guidelines set forth by the
commission, then the property owner submits the COA to the
Building Commission, which allows the building permit.
If the review is not satisfactory and the COA denied by the
commission, the property owner may seek appeal by the City
Council during their next work session. If the City Council is
in agreement with the Landmarks Commission regarding
disapproval, then the property owner will not attain the
building permit from the Building Commission.
(See ordinance
12˝‑13.)
Once the COA is submitted to staff, the COA review will be
placed on the agenda for the next Landmarks Commission meeting.
The property owner should attend the meeting, as the commission
may ask questions for clarification. It is highly recommended
that the property owner provide a concise presentation that
shows congruency with historic preservation guidelines.
Guidelines for properties are available upon request.
Submit the COA and any relevant documents to the staff person of
the commission. All complete applications shall be reviewed by
the commission within 60 days of submittal, unless the applicant
agrees to extend the time for review. If the commission fails to
rule on the application within the review period, the
application for COA is automatically approved.
(See ordinance
12˝‑12(a,b,f).)
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National
Historic Districts and Tax Credits
In some instances, a property in Kirkwood may be
referred to as a "contributor" in a historic district.
This means that the property meets certain criteria that are
integral to the district. When a property is altered, it must be
down with caution and consideration, because it is possible to
lose the status of contributor if the work removes historic
features.
A contributor is one of several criteria for being eligible for
State sponsored Historic Tax Credits. To qualify for the 25%
rehabilitation credit, the property must be commercially
utilized OR an owner-occupied residence. Another eligibility is
that improvements must exceed 50% of the adjusted basis of the
structure. The work must meet Federal Department of Interior
standards. An additional federal income tax credit equal to 20%
applies to commercial structures, inluding rental properties. An
alternate type of federal credit is 10% of the cost of
rehabilitating nonhistoric buildings constructed before 1936.
While the commission can help with advisement, property owners
must also contact the authority on historic tax credits: Kris
Zalapac, local office of the State Historic Preservation Office:
314-416-2960. Information and guidelines are available on the
Department
of Natural Resources website.
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Events
Favorite Building Awards - Each
year in the month of May, the commission holds an awards
ceremony, honoring Kirkwood's favorite buildings. Beginning in
March, citizen nominations are needed for the following
categories: best restoration; most enhanced; best addition; best
infill; best maintained; and, most endangered. Buildings may be
residential or commercial structures recognized for their
historic or neighborhood character. See the 2007 information and
application by clicking
here.
See the online program for
the 2006 ceremony:
part
one and
part
two
Stay tuned for further news on events!
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Volunteer
Efforts
Many citizens of Kirkwood are proud of the
historic and aesthetic qualities of their city. Anyone can
inquire with the commission what volunteer resources are needed
to help with historic preservation. The commission must approve
any volunteer work that is to be done on designated landmarks or
local historic districts. Suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Please review the commission's
current
request for volunteers.
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