Landmarks
Commission Minutes
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
6:30 PM
Council Chambers
City Hall
Present: Commissioners Matt Bivens, Dave Brown, Steve
Emer, Pat Jones, David Meyers, Phyllis Ravensberg, Tom Riggs,
Council Liaison Art McDonnell and Staff Liaison Alan Lamberg.
1. Approval of minutes. Minutes approved as read with
spelling change noted. Motion for approval by Commissioner Emer,
seconded by Commissioner Brown. Minutes approved unanimously.
2. Citizens comments. None
3. Certificate of appropriateness. None.
4. Old Business
Public hearing for nomination for landmark status.
Prior to the public hearing a presentation was make by Staff
Liaison Alan Lamberg. The presentation discussed the purpose of
the Landmark Commission and the meaning of Landmark status. The
Landmarks Commission was established 27 years ago and since then
the Commission has designated 92 landmarks. The Commission is a
citizen advisory board representing different levels of
expertise.
The historic value of properties being considered for
Landmark status is determined using established criteria that
are based on the criteria used by the National Register.
Properties designated as Landmark properties are afforded
certain protections. The Commission has power to stay demolition
and a design review process is in place. Examples of existing
landmarks were shown and discussed as to why they were deemed
historical.
i. Manor Grove at 711 South Kirkwood Road. Manor Grove
was constructed in 1927. It houses 117 residents in a skilled
facility. The structure qualifies as a landmark property in that
it has met the age requirement and it is considered to be
culturally significant. The building was designed by
architect Marcel Boulicat.
Delores Mertz, administrator for Manor Grove spoke,
paraphrased as follows. It was the first rest home for
the elderly in St. Louis County. The organization
started in 1906 as a ladies sewing circle whose members
recognized the need to help the elderly. They were able
to pull together funding and started the nursing home
that took in elderly that didn’t have much financial
resources. They would come with chickens and pets and
payment would sometimes be in the form of a load of
wood, some sugar or 50 cents. The name was changed in
1983 from "The Old Folks Home" to "Manor Grove".
It is believed that one of the oldest trees in Kirkwood is on
the property. It is located on the back of the grounds by Clay
and is estimated to be about 400 years old. It is a post oak as
is another Pioneer tree which is estimated at 275 years old.
There is also an American Elm that is estimated to be 150 yrs
old.
The organization is currently celebrating its 100
anniversary. They expressed their appreciation for the
nomination.
Please see the historical inventory for more information
pertaining to the building. Photographs of the property were
shown and additions noted.
.
ii. City Hall at 139 South Kirkwood Road. The first City
Hall was on the 2nd floor of the Levi
House store, which is located at the northwest corner of
Jefferson & N. Kirkwood Road and is a Landmark property. The
second City Hall was very temporary and the third was between
the current City Hall and the police station. That building
which also housed the police headquarters and jail is now gone.
The fourth City Hall located at the corner of Kirkwood Road and
Madison also housed the library on the second floor.
The current City Hall was constructed in 1942 as part
of a post WWII bond. The structure qualifies as a
landmark property in that it has met the age requirement
and it is considered to be culturally and
architecturally significant.
Commissioner Meyers discussed the buildings
architectural features. It is Georgian in style. Even
though the portico is more Greek Revival, the palladium
windows, the fan light above front door and the
horizontal banding of stone above the windows which are
flat arches with key stones are very traditional
Georgian elements. Commissioner Emers pointed out that
there are unusual amounts of limestone. Greek revival
buildings would usually be constructed of wood. The
building has a lot of "lipstick". Also, the mid-level
entry is unusual and more in the Greek Revival style.
City Hall was also designed by the well-known
architectural group of Bonsac & Pearce. A very detailed
narrative is available from Staff Liaison Lamberg.
iii. Objectives for Determination
Initiative and consent from property owners – Manor Grove
came to the Landmark Commission seeking nomination. City Hall,
under the auspices of the City Counsel and the Landmark
Commission Council Liaison Art McDonnell, has been notified.
Accurate historic inventory – A historic inventory has
been compiled of the criteria described earlier. City Hall
exhibits architectural significance. Manor Grove contributes to
the cultural significance of the city.
Public Comment – Staff Liaison Lamberg asked for public
comment regarding the designation of the properties being
considered. None was made.
iv. Designation of Landmarks -
Manor Grove - Commissioner Meyers noting that Manor Grove
met the criteria to be considered a Landmark property, nominated
Manor Grove to be designated as a Landmark of the City of
Kirkwood. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Riggs.
Approved unanimously.
City Hall - Commission Meyers noting that the Kirkwood
City Hall met the criteria to be considered a Landmark property,
nominated Kirkwood City Hall to be designated as Landmark of the
City of Kirkwood. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Riggs.
Approved unanimously.
b. Public hearing for proposed local historic district of
Savoy
i. Staff presentation to provide background on proposal.
Staff Liaison Lamberg presented an overview of the district,
which includes 19 houses. In November 2007, there was a
neighborhood initiative by Sandy Stokes and other neighbors. 63%
of the neighbors are in favor of the designation. The district
meets the following requirements: age, noted architect,
architecturally significant.
This area would be nominated as an Landmark District. The
subdivision has primarily one style of architecture - California
contemporary/prairie style. The definition of contributing
versus non-contributing properties was outlined as was the
criteria for becoming a Landmark District. The protections
afforded a Landmark District are similar to those given a
Landmark Property in that the Commission has the power to issue
a stay of demolition. The Commission also does design review of
new construction in the district. However, the design review is
not mandated for additions or exterior renovations. The
Commission is available for design review of any alterations to
any properties in a district. Design guidelines for the
Savoy subdivision will be developed detailing the historically
significant architectural features. The Commission will also
develop the historic inventory of each property. These
inventories determine the historic integrity of each property,
detailing the historic features that exist and noting any
changes that have been made. Photographs of homes were shown and
unique historical features were highlighted.
ii. Commission states what information is needed to make
determination. It was noted that the following steps must
next occur in order to progress toward landmark status for the
district. First, an accurate historical inventory must be
recorded. The Commissioners will perform this task.
Secondly, the remaining 7 owners who have not responded to
the petition will be notified and given an opportunity to
respond.
Thirdly, a public notice will be issued for any public
comment. In February, the Commission will check to see that the
criteria have been met.
Note: Commissioner Bivens notified the Commission that the
area might qualify to be nominated for National Register status.
iii. Testimonials from property owners who initiated the
proposal.
Judith Bauer voiced appreciation to the Commission for
considering the neighborhood. She reiterated how charming the
cul-de-sac is and what an important neighborhood it is.
Commissioner Jones remarked how remarkably intact the
neighborhood still is considering the homes are 50 years old.
She also stressed how the integrity of the neighborhood is still
intact.
Mary Vann Flores, real estate agent and home owner stressed
how unique the area is. She not only grew up in one of the homes
but has come back and is now a home owner herself. The
neighborhood is unique in its contemporary styling and it is
important to conserve them.
iv. Comments from individuals. None.
v. Savoy Field Survey Historic Inventory - A sub
committee needs to be formed to do the historic inventory of the
Savoy neighborhood incorporating help with the neighbors who are
so knowledgeable of the homes and their history. Commissioner
Riggs, Emers & Ravensberg volunteered and are planning on
meeting January 19th. Staff Liaison Lamberg to notify
and attend.
c. Jefferson-Argonne Historic District – Design
Guidelines
i. Plan focus group to be held in February. Plans were
made to gather a focus group to begin outlining the design
guidelines. All interested parties will be encouraged to attend.
The meeting is to be held at the Kirkwood Train Station. The
date of February 9th will be checked.
ii. Outline action steps for a several month plan.
Commissioner Emer felt the best procedure would be to develop a
plan after the focus group met. Commissioner Meyers agreed.
Based on the input from the focus group, guidelines could change
significantly. If the focus group meets on the 9th,
perhaps the 13th could be used to outline the process
steps.
5. New Business
Commission to form long term plan, objectives, 4 year plan. –
Chairperson Pat Jones will be retiring in June. While she is
still on board, the commission needs to decide its priorities
and direction. Suggestions:
Grant monies to work on National Register Surveys for
Kirkwood’s downtown business district or the North Taylor
neighborhood. The grant application is due in September 2008.
Staff Liaison Lamberg could write the grants but a neighborhood
initiative is needed to start the process.
Commissioner Meyers questioned the purpose of grant money and
if it could be used for other projects that promote historic
preservation and education. He noted that the Landmark Property
book is outdated. Also, he mentioned the idea of visiting school
classrooms for promoting preservation. The Historical Society
would like to work on the updating of the Landmark Property book
and may have some grant money to help.
Commissioner Riggs questioned the necessity of getting an
initiative from the downtown business district. Recommended
getting together with Commissioner Jones and the Downtown
Business Association in February or early March for an
informational meeting discussing the significance of the
different designations and the available monies through National
Register designation. Perhaps Kris Zapalac from the SHPO could
be on hand to answer questions and make a presentation. It would
be necessary to generate a list of people/business owners who
should be invited and the best timing for the meeting. It is
also necessary to determine the parameters of the district.
The finalization of the Ordinance.
Education for the people in the various historic districts on
the value of design review and how it can be very beneficial. It
is important that district residents understand what is
legislated and reviewed and what is not reviewed.
The commission needs to understand the development of the ARB
and work to have it seamed with Landmarks. It is important to
not make the process be an undue burden on the property owner.
Sturgis Drive – Mrs. Nancy Mason sent a narrative of the
neighborhood, which includes 17 houses. She would like to see
the area designated as a Landmark District. It was housing for
WWII veterans. The houses are primarily brick and steel. Staff
Liaison Lamberg to forward narrative by email to commissioners.
b. Staff Observations – Councilman Art McDonald thanked
the Commission for the report sent to the City Council on the
Argonne-Jefferson District. It was well received by the Council.
Staff Liaison Lamberg and Commissioner Jones are going to the
CLG Forum to give a 20-minute presentation on the process
involved in designating the Argonne-Jefferson Historic District.
At 659 East Jefferson, the Kertz family, in light of all the
interest in the neighborhood and its landmark status, had all
their neighbors review their plans for their new addition to get
feed back. The neighbors signed off on the plans.
6. Adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 pm.
by motion made by Commissioner Meyers. Seconded by Commissioner
Emer. Unanimously approved.
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