HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
April 20, 2015
PRESENT: Harold Buchholz, Steve Cummings, Angela Merrill, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul
Arnold, Vicky Redlin, and David Buck
EXCUSED: Karen Heikel, and Sharon Kipetz
1. Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. and a quorum was declared present.
2. Acanthus Awards Discussion-Awardees Determination
The commission went over the criteria for awardees and also discussed that the past
several years of awards have been north side projects and that it was desirable to look
at south side nominees. Mr. Buck also went over how the awards were generated and
presented last year and that the process would be the same for this year.
Ms. Redlin asked if any of the commissioners had any suggested nominees for the
Acanthus Awards. Mr. Cummings suggested that the Varsity Club’s (570 North Main
Street) front façade remodel be nominated not only for the end product but for the
owner’s willingness to work with the city in revising his plans, which ultimately made a
much more historically sensitive remodel. Mr. Arnold agreed that, with the exception of
the existing box sign on the structure, it is a major improvement. The commission
discussed the temporary nature of the sign and also commented that this is the type of
redevelopment that the Acanthus Awards can be used to encourage in others.
Mr. Cummings mentioned a former Soo Line Railroad station building that had been
converted to a home sometime in the past and could be a candidate on adaptive reuse
of a historic building. Ms. Redlin stated that it was a passenger rail station in the past.
Ms. Brabender Mattox stated it is the Noone House at 516 West 18th Avenue and she
had toured it in the past. The commission discussed how the building was converted
while still retaining the original character and also retained qualities of its original use
such as the inclusion of a railroad crossing sign on its side façade. The commission felt
that this project was long overdue for some recognition.
Mr. Buck mentioned that there was a desire to nominate a home at 606 Franklin Street
(northeast corner of Franklin and Parkway) last year but the owners had not completed
their work and chose not to be included. He added that the home has not been
completed yet but the owners could be approached for this year. The commission
decided that it would be better to wait until the work was completed to really show the
full affect of the owner’s efforts.
Mr. Arnold stated he went down areas of the south side including the Doty Street area
and identified two potential candidates for the Acanthus Awards including 2107 Doty
and 2223 Doty. 2223 Doty had replaced half of their cedar siding and painted the home
this past year when they could have easily replaced the cedar with other materials at a
much lower cost. The commission felt there was a considerable effort given to 2223
Doty with a very good result.
Mr. Buchholz stated that a home at 1039 Algoma Boulevard has had extensive
restoration. The commission viewed pictures and discussed the large amount of
progress towards restoration that has taken place over the last several years. The
commission discussed the work done and the fact it is a modest front gable style home
built in 1868-1869. Continued work is a roof replacement, which is taking place at this
time. The commission agreed that it is a great example of appropriate rehabilitation
that has been going forward over a multitude of years.
Mr. Arnold stated that a porch reconstruction was conducted on a house at 426 West
South Park. He was unsure if it is 100% historical but did not believe it was a completely
accurate restoration. The commission discussed the advantage as using the property as
an example of the importance of porches rather than historical accuracy.
Mr. Arnold also mentioned that the Kitz Building at 531 North Main Street (originally
known as the Frank Percey Fur and Gun House) was a topic of considerable discussion
and would definitely be a candidate for an award. Mr. Buck mentioned that the project
is a considerable rehabilitation project which has received Historic Tax Credits but that
the redevelopment project has not been completed yet. The commission wanted to
keep it in mind for 2016.
After extensive discussion the commission decided to award four Acanthus Awards in
2015 to include:
• 570 North Main Street (Varsity Club) - Façade Recreation and Restoration of
Gibson Auto
• 516 West 18th Avenue – Adaptive Reuse of the Soo Line Railroad Station
• 1039 Algoma Boulevard – Restoration and Repair Efforts of a Historic Home
• 2223 Doty Street – Siding and Painting of a Historic Home
It was determined that Ms. Brabender Mattox would work on 516 West 18th Avenue,
Mr. Buchholz would work on 1039 Algoma Boulevard, Mr. Arnold would work on 2223
Doty Street and Ms. Merrill would work on 570 North Main Street. Work will involve
contacting the owners and doing research on the properties and work conducted.
Mr. Buck stated that the Acanthus Awards will be given at the May 26th Council meeting
and that the commission would have to have a small paragraph together to put in the
City Council Memorandum no later than May 18th including information regarding who
would be present to accept the award.
3. Adjournment
Mr. Cummings made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Arnold.
Motion approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p. m.
Recorded by
David Buck, Principal Planner