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   Landmarks Commission Minutes

INFORMATION SESSION FOR PROPERTY OWNERS OF
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD

April 2, 2008
8:00 A.M.
Council Chamber City Hall

Present: Commissioners Matt Bivens, Dave Brown, Pat Jones, Tom Riggs, Council Liaison Art McDonnell and Staff Liaison Alan Lamberg. Guest Speakers: Kris Zapalac, Esley Hamilton. Guests: Hans Mugler of 111A N Kirkwood, Kevin Winkler of 109 N Kirkwood, Bill Friedricks of 123 W Jefferson, Dr. Dennis Done of 128 E Jefferson, Matt Burghoff of 157 W Argonne, Jim Summa of 115 W Argonne, and Director Donna Poe of Downtown Kirkwood Business District

  1. Introduction
    1. Council member Art McDonnell introduces Landmarks Commission
    2. Pat Jones, Chair explains mission of Landmarks Commission. We are a commission of the City of Kirkwood, first in Missouri to be certified by the State Historic Preservation Office.  There are 94 designated local landmarks and 4 local historic districts in Kirkwood.  Commission members are Kirkwood residents who are architects, contractors, landmark owners, realtors, historians and preservation specialists.  Our City Council Liaison is Arthur McDonnell. 
    3. An area of downtown Kirkwood, being Argonne & Jefferson between Clay & Taylor presently contains thirteen local landmarks.  A number of other properties could be historic and comprise the fabric of a potential historic district.
  1. Information session for Downtown Kirkwood on National Register of Historic Places.
    1. What is the National Register of Historic Places?

                                                               i.      Includes districts, sites, buildings, etc., that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture.  Contributes to an understanding of the historical and cultural foundations of our nation.

                                                             ii.      Listed sites must possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

                                                            iii.      In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers this program. 

    1. What properties are listed on the National Register?
 

                                                               i.      In Kirkwood, 24 individual properties, 2 districts. Includes Kirkwood Missouri Pacific Depot, Mudd's Grove, William Bopp House / Green Parrot, Turner School, Osage Hills School, and houses in Jefferson-Argonne and East Monroe.

                                                             ii.      Mr. Esley Hamilton of St. Louis County Parks Department, who has helped document and preserve a great number of places in Missouri, cited examples of downtown commercial districts listed on the National Register.  When a tax credit for qualified rehabilitation of historic N.R. buildings was first available in late 1970s, Florissant utilized it.  Ferguson on Church Street is a 19th century railroad commuter suburb with four buildings rehabbed as a result of listing and tax credit incentive. Webster Groves listed Marshall Place residences and a train station.  Recently, that city hired a consultant to nominate Lockwood/Gore as a district.  The restored Gorlock building is now a restaurant.  The City of Manchester is working on a nomination from city hall to Sulphur Springs.  Maplewood has Sutton to Marshall.  University City has an apartment district adjacent to six buildings on the Delmar loop including Saleems restaurant. In all these cases as well as in Washington MO and  communities across Missouri listing in the National Register provided an incentive to rehab properties and in many cases made tax credits available

    1. What are the benefits to being listed?

                                                               i.      Listing brings recognition of our community's historic importance and assists in preserving our heritage.

                                                             ii.      Ms. Kris Zapalac, 1of the 4 SHPO reviewers for the state (25%) and federal (20%) historic rehab tax credits is officed in St. Louis county and thus easy to reach! She stressed that listing in the National Register does not impose any additional oversight by either state or federal government – unless you want tax credits..  If your property is listed individually in the National Register or is within the boundaries of an NR district and contributes to that district and you are considering a project involving substantial investment and wondering about tax credits – NOW is the time to call her. This is also the case if your building might contribute to a potential district. As a partner with the Federal government, the SHPO must by law review all work proposed inside as well as outside an eligible building for compliance with the Standards for Historic Rehabiltiation set by the Secretary of the Interior. As a reviewer, she can explain and guide you through the process

                                                            iii.      Marketing tool to attract tourism and economic development.

1.       Mrs. Donna Poe, director for the Downtown Kirkwood Business District, supports this notion and envisions a brown "Historic Downtown Kirkwood" sign on I-44.

2.       Missouri leads the states in the number of projects that apply for this program.  It also leads in private investment generated from this tax credit program.

    1. Is there a catch?

                                                               i.      Neither state nor federal law requires public access or gives additional oversight unless an owner is seeking tax credits.

1.       If seeking tax credits, the owner must submit  proposal in advance and follow the guidance of the reviewer. Ms Zapalac can provide more information on the process and the Secretary's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation by which all projects must by law be reviewed.

2.       If not seeking tax credits, only the restrictions already in force apply.

    1. What is the difference between National and Local Districts?

                                                               i.      Kirkwood Landmarks Commission designates local historic districts.

                                                             ii.      Local districts not eligible for tax credits unless they have been certified by the National Park Service as is the case with some in St Louis and Kansas City

                                                            iii.      Local districts encourage preservation through review of new construction and temporary stay of demolition.

    1. What would it take to do this nomination to the National Register?

                                                               i.      First, a majority of owners must express interest to the Landmarks Commission

                                                             ii.      Second, Landmarks Commission applies to SHPO for an HPF grant to fund the nomination. 

                                                            iii.      A consultant is hired to survey the proposed district

                                                           iv.      Consultant writes the nomination for submission to the SHPO.

                                                             v.      After nomination has been completed, it is reviewed by the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a governor-appointed citizen committee. If approved, the nomination is forwarded to the Keeper of the Register for review.

                                                           vi.      If the nomination is signed by the Keeper, the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

  1. Comments, Questions, Concerns
    1. Mr. Burghoff asked what would determine the period of historic significance.  While historic places are generally considered to be over 50 years old, there are exceptions to this rule of thumb.  Realistically, a nomination of a district would be framed by a historic period of significance that best maximizes the number of historic places.  Ms. Zapalac stated that the preservation consultant ultimately answers this question. He or she would help us survey and research the district, writing a narrative that illustrates the history of the place, noting its historic integrity and density, covering a range of years. 
    2. What would the district look like? For Kirkwood, we map out a district that explains the story of this planned railroad suburb, with its original Main Street and the early commercial development.  We have a preliminary map that serves as a starting point.  Historic status, dates of properties are subject to the research of the consultant.  Chmr. Brown added that the City Hall building should be considered for inclusion, especially since windows may be replaced soon.  [Chmr. Jones later clarified that City Hall would not be eligible for tax credits because it is owned by a city government.]
    3. Mr. Summa asked what if we modernized our storefronts?  If you have historic features remaining, it can be restored.  For example, if modern materials are currently covering historic material, remove the modern material, restore the historic, and qualify for tax credits.  The Woodworth Building on 212 N Kirkwood is a likely example of this. If historic material was removed at some point, it is lost and will not qualify for tax credits.
    4. Mr. Burghoff: If a building is undergoing development-in-progress, can it still be eligible?  Ms. Zapalac replied: Yes, if the work is within a certain timeframe before nomination.  Check with her for details.
    5. If we want to restore our buildings their original, historic look, how do we know what our storefronts appeared in the past?  Chmr. Jones replied: historic photos of streetscape can be highly informative.  Find them in historic libraries and archives such as the Kirkwood Historic Society, University of MO-STL, Office of Landmarks Commission, etc.
    6. Councilman McDonnell added that, if you want tax credits, it is important to be aware of the Secretary's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation when making improvements to your building.  For example, the developer of the landmark Meramec Highlands Frisco Station converted it into a nice luxury home, but without consulting with SPHO or taking into account the Secretary's Standards, the alterations disqualified it for nomination to the National Register. 
    7. Chmr. Jones: On funding the consultant who would survey the district and write the nomination, the Landmarks Commission, which is certified by SHPO, is eligible for a federal grant.  Application for a grant is due in September.  City can raise local share through in-kind work and support.
    8. On consent:  Chmr. Jones reflected the City Council's policy – we proceed only with consent from a majority of owners.  Ms. Zapalac added that a district cannot be listed if a majority of the owners formally object to the nomination
    9. Dr. Done: If we have a National Register district, does that mean we will also have a local district regulated by the Landmarks Commission?  Chmr. Jones replied: No, local district is not automatically designated with a national district. We are focusing on getting a National Register district, only.  If this is accomplished, and the property owners would also like a local district, they are welcome to petition the Commission.  Local historic districts differ from National in that there are limitations and advantages.  Local districts have the limitation of temporary stay of demolition and design review of new construction.  However, these limitations become advantages because they encourage preservation of the historic features of the district.  As for National districts, there is no limitation, unless one is pursuing the tax credits – and that review is by SHPO.
    10. Dr. Done: Would National Register designation protect our properties from eminent domain?  Mr. Hamilton replies: Not directly, but it can help as an angle for public relations.  In the 1970s, the National Register was, in part, an attempt to put the brakes on urban renewal, where wide swaths of historic places were being demolished for highway development and other modernization.  First, a N.R. designation attains a foothold in the hearts of people mindful of history, who may rally to defend places from eminent domain.  Second, when a federal agency has involvement in a project (through funding, licensing or permitting), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended requires a public review process if it is determined by the federal agency and SHPO that the undertaking may negatively impact property eligible for listing in the National Register..  Ms. Zapalac added examples: the Century Building in downtown St. Louis was not listed in the NR when it began going thorough the 106 process because its proposed demolition was part of a federal undertaking.  Building banks and cell towers are other activities that must go through the 106 process.
    11. Mr. Burghoff: what is the timetable for application for tax credits and design review by SPHO?  Ms. Zapalac replied 30 working days for state review; Closer to 60 for state and federal.  Because of the success of Missouri's state program it currently leads the nation in up-front investment in federal historic rehab projects as well as number of projects… which puts a lot of pressure on the 4 reviewers and support staff.
    12. Mrs. Poe of Downtown Kirkwood Business District suggested that letters be sent to all property owners of the historic district with an executive summary, these minutes, and a request for input and/or consent.  Explain the difference between National and Local districts and assure them that we are focusing on National, only.  Signatories shall be Landmarks Commission and DKBD.
  1. What you can do now:
    1. If the owners of record are in favor of a nomination to the National Register, they need to do the following:

                                                               i.      Contact Landmarks Commission staff and express interest

                                                             ii.      Talk to fellow downtown Kirkwood neighbors and ask if they would also support nomination.

                                                            iii.      For specific or technical questions on tax credits, ask our staff for a brochure from SPHO.

                                                           iv.      Business tenants are encouraged to talk with property owners, also.

 

  1. Adjourned at 10:05 A.M.

Further information:

Kirkwood Landmarks Commission

http://www.ci.kirkwood.mo.us/landmarks.htm

The Economic Value and Effect of National Register Listing

http://crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/25-01/25-01-2.pdf

http://crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/17-2/17-2-16.pdf

National Register website

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/national.htm

Respectfully submitted:

Alan Lamberg, MPA - Staff, Landmarks Commission - City of Kirkwood
139 S Kirkwood Road, Suite 006 - phone (314) 984-6965 - LAMBERAB@KIRKWOODMO.ORG

With assistance from:

Kristin Zapalac, Ph.D. – Historic Preservation Specialist – MO DNR / SHPO

7545 S Lindbergh Blvd, Ste 210 / 63125-4843 – (314) 416-2960 x270 – KRISTIN.ZAPALAC@DNR.MO.GOV