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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.08.2024 Minutes Landmarks CommissionCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes May 8th, 2024 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Gerald Jacklin, Sara Stichert, Paulette Feld, Nikki Stoll Olthoff, Kristopher Ulrich, Vicky Redlin, and Council Member Jacob Floam ABSENT: STAFF: Amy Fels, Museum Archivist; Ken Gresser, Housing Rehab Specialist Agenda: 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:00pm. Council Member Floam was present and introduced himself as the Commission’s new Council liaison. The Commission members then introduced themselves to Mr. Floam. 2) Approval of April 10th Meeting Minutes Mr. Cummings motioned to approve the April 10th minutes, and Ms. Feld seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote. 3) 1161 Algoma Blvd Historic Rehabilitation Loan Application Ken Gresser from the City Planning department was in attendance to present the scope of work included in the Historic Rehabilitation Loan application submitted by the owners of 1161 Algoma Boulevard. Mr. Gresser explained that the owners intend to complete exterior painting with the exception of the fiber cement siding sections that is on the house. They plan to paint as much as they can on their own and hire out for the more difficult sections of the house. They also intend to have some repairs done to the roof and flashings, restoration work to the front porch to stabilize it, upgrade electrical, and replace the rear storm door. The owners also discussed applying for historic preservation tax credits through the state but have not decided on that yet. Mr. Ulrich motioned to approve the loan application proposal and Mr. Cummings seconded. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Floam stated he knew the owners and abstained from voting due to conflict of interest. 4) 103 High Avenue Window Replacement Proposal by Jon Furhmann Ms. Stoll Olthoff motioned to approve the replacement window proposal on the condition Mr. Furhmann works with the City Planner. Mr. Cummings seconded, and the motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 5) Plaque Application, 413 N. Main Street Ms. Brabender Mattox explained that the building owner has given her approval to go ahead with the plaque application commemorating the building as the childhood home of Lewis Hine. Ms. Brabender Mattox is also interested in his family’s history with the building, since they have owned it for the last one hundred years. The name and the text that will be put on the plaque is undecided, but Ms. Brabender Mattox will work with the owner on it. 6) Section 106 Review a. Jackson/Oregon Street Bridge Ms. Brabender Mattox has continued her research into the Park Plaza Mall building and the significance of its architect for its future potential as a historic structure. The Commissioners discussed whether or not the building could be considered for historic nomination in the future because of the extensive changes made to the building. They discussed whether or not it would be hypocritical to continue the discussion of Park Plaza when its historical integrity could be considered significantly less than other buildings that they, as a Commission, have determined have been too altered to be considered historical any longer. Ms. Stichert stated that, as far as the bridge construction goes, she does not see any reasonable objection to the bridge proposal. b. Verizon Communications antenna, 530 N. Main Street Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she sent a letter expressing the Commission’s concerns to the individual in charge of Verizon’s antenna project in accordance with the standards the Commission has followed in the past with other antennas placed on the 530 N. Main Street building in order to protect the historic structure. 7) Letter of Support for Bauman Block nomination to the National Register Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she is working on a letter of support and has contacted other local officials to offer assistance with any letters of support they may wish to send. The hearing on May 24th is open to the public in person and can be watched online. 8) 2024 Acanthus Awards The 2024 Acanthus Awards will be presented at the Common Council meeting on May 28th. The awards will be presented to Smith School, Lee Reiherzer, and Richard Nebel. Ms. Brabender Mattox does not know yet if Mr. Reiherzer or Mr. Nebel will be in attendance. 9) Planned Demolition of Merrill School Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that it is customary to take photos of a building that is eligible for historic nomination prior to its demolition. Exterior photos have been taken, but Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she intends to take interior photos herself. There is no planned date of demolition at this time. 10) Local Landmarking Considerations on the South Side a. Ardy and Ed’s b. Oaks Candy Ms. Stichert stated that, in an effort to acknowledge more South Side properties, she felt that locally landmarking Ardy and Ed’s and Oaks Candy were two good starting properties. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked is Ms. Stichert understood the local landmarking process. Ms. Fels then explained the difference between local landmarking, which is an extensive process that brings the City’s historic preservation ordinance into play, and presenting properties with historic plaques, which is an honorific gesture. Ms. Stichert then stated she meant presenting the buildings with historic plaques, not locally landmarking them. Property owners can apply for historic plaques and pay for them themselves. 11) Oshkosh Herald article topics Ms. Brabender Mattox complimented Ms. Stoll Olthoff on her most recent article. She also stated she may write the next article on the Acanthus Awards, unless the Herald intends to write their own. She will contact the paper. Ms. Feld stated she’d like to write something on the Lustron Houses and Stringham Creek and its effect on the South Side in the future. 12) Razing of 656 Main Street Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that her concern was that the building was constructed of limestone, but the materials were not reused to their greatest potential. Mr. Cummings stated he asked to have this put on the agenda because the building was constructed in 1875, but the Commission was not notified or consulted in any way prior to its demolition. He asked how the Commission can get these buildings into discussion earlier before they are torn down and it’s too late to do anything. 13) Staff Liaison Report a. Monthly Building Permit Report Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she’d contact the owners of 1010 Washington. b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting Continue discussion of the razing of buildings and, if a building is to be razed, how the materials are to be salvaged. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated she hopes to contact Mr. Rohloff about the CLG grant process and its potential. 14) Adjournment Mr. Ulrich motioned to adjourn, and Mr. Jacklin seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:42pm.