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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 9-Annual ReportANNUAL REPORT JULY 2015-JUNE 2016 OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION 2015-2016 COMMISSION GOALS Web Site – Update and redevelop the Landmarks Commission website presence from “top to bottom” updating information and adding new educational and tourist element. Marketing Efforts – Continue to work with other historic focused groups & community agencies for joint marketing efforts regarding historic tax credits, historical tours, brochures, historical education and the possibility of hosting a future state historical commission conference. Review Historic Preservation Code – Review and potentially update the Historic Preservation Code with the Oshkosh Zoning Ordinances. Inventory our existing historic districts - Conduct research on properties within the existing historic districts such as photos, street evaluations, etc. to determine their health and condition so as to focus preservation and education efforts. Designate Historic Districts - Engage consultant to perform work related to the Neoclassical Historic District on Washington Street and investigate a possible residential district on Bay Shore Drive. Education and Outreach Programming - Develop materials to promote commission programs for distribution to the public and area businesses as well as presentation by commission members to present to local community organizations and other outreach venues. Continue to Promote the Historic Plaque and Marker Programs – Reach out to historic property owners and area agencies for financing of community historic markers and individual building plaques. Local Landmarking – Identify properties that are eligible and desirable to locally landmark and contact owners. Research and Award the Acanthus Award– Take nominations, perform historic research and grant historic preservation awards for historic preservation efforts. COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP Vicky Redlin, Chairperson Dennis Paul Arnold, Vice-Chairperson Steve Cummings, Council Rep. Shirley Brabender Mattox Harold E. Buchholz Sharon Kipetz Angela Allen Elizabeth Hintz Staff Liaison -David Buck and Alexa Naudziunas MISSION STATEMENT The Landmarks Commission is charged with fostering the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic improvements and of districts which represent or reflect elements of the City’s cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history, safeguard and fostering civic pride in the City’s historic and cultural heritage as embodied in landmarks and historic districts. LANDMARKS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 WORK ON A NEOCLASSICAL HISTORIC DISTRICT FOR DESIGNATION ON THE NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTERS OF HISTORIC PLACES The Landmarks Commission continued work on the creation of a new historic district, which would be the 9th historic district within the City of Oshkosh, including Riverside Cemetery. The Commission made final determination on the recommended district, which includes six buildings, along both sides of Washington Avenue including the Mason Center, Wisconsin National Life Insurance Building, the Oshkosh Public Library, Fraternal Reserve Association, Goettmann Printing and the U.S. Post Office. A contributing property to the Neo-Classical Historic District, the Fraternal Reserve Building, is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Funding for the work was secured in the form of a Wisconsin Historical Society 2015 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Certified Local Government (CLG) Subgrant Award in the amount of $5,000. Requests for proposals were issued to qualified consultants and proposals reviewed. Services were provided by Roland Davidson at Legacy Architecture. Consultant work associated with the project was conducted during the 2015-2016 operating year with formal review of the nomination to take place by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the National Park Service at the end of 2016. The Landmarks Commission anticipates the district to be approved in early 2017. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report LOCAL LANDMARK The Landmarks Commission worked on the approval process for the second Landmarked property in the city (50 W 6th Avenue). The HP Schmidt Milling Company operating between 1883-1982. In 1984 the Granary Restaurant opened and continued until 2004. The restaurant was followed by a dance club, Element Nightclub, between 2004 and 2007. The Landmarks Commission of the City of Oshkosh held a public hearing on October 14, 2015, on the nomination of the H.P. Schmidt Milling Company building at 50 West 6th Avenue (formerly known as The Granary Restaurant) for Local Landmark designation under Municipal Code Section 30-75(F) of the City of Oshkosh Historic Preservation Ordinance. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission reviewed the Landmarks Commission recommendation on landmarking the property at its meeting on October 20, 2015. The Common Council reviewed both the Landmarks Commission’s and Plan Commission’s recommendations at its October 27, 2015 meeting. The Common Council approved the Landmark designation in fall of 2015. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW PROGRAM The commission continues to review incoming building permits that pertain to historic structures or historic districts with 177 reviewed in this report period. This process helps the Commission understand the types of projects that are going on and their impact to historic structures and to keep tabs on scheduled demolition projects. Additionally, this process provides a vehicle for historical preservation tax credit information to be disseminated to those obtaining building permits. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report PUBLIC OUTREACH & LANDMARKS WEBSITE UPDATE The Landmarks Commission goal to reach out to the community resulted in the following projects: City Manager’s State of the City Address—provided information on the Commissions work to preserve Oshkosh’s historic resources and inform residents about historic tax credits. Public Library Speaker Series on Historic Oshkosh—presented an overview of the architecture and stories of Oshkosh's historic districts. Photographic overview of stories Oshkosh Today Video—described the efforts to preserve historic properties of all four Acanthus Awardees. Historic Property Owner Mailing—sent 350 mailings to historic property owners which included three brochures with information on historic districts, historic tax credits and historic property information in February 2016 Website Update— Improved access to information about Landmarks Commission activities, historic preservation, and links to local and statewide resources. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report HISTORIC PLAQUE PROGRAM The City of Oshkosh has many historically significant residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. To recognize these properties in the present and their place in our collective past, the Oshkosh Landmarks Commission has instituted an Historic Plaque Program to share the history of these buildings and our community. The commission continued to promote the historic plaque program to homeowners and businesses. The Commission conducted research and reviewed applications for plaques based on designated criteria as well as facilitated purchase of approved plaques for designated buildings. The historic plaque program has seen an increase in applications in the last few years. In 2016, 17 new property owners added plaques to the exterior of their building. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report OTHER AGENCY COORDINATION & ASSISTANCE Coordination and assistance to other agencies and community groups is an important aspect of the commissions functions. The commission worked on a number of projects including: • William Waters Plaza redesign plan with the River East Neighborhood Association - this project included stakeholders meetings and an open house • Miller’s Bay Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Plan Assistance - compiled historic information about the neighborhood • East Central Wsiconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Long Range Plan Assistance - reviewed materials on cultural and historic resources • Department of Transportation’s North Main Street Reconstruction Project - responded to historic impacts of the project • WEDC Investment Grant applications - was involved with support for • Advocacy Efforts for the Historic Tax Credit Budget - Worked with Common Council to create resolutions opposing changes proposed in the state budget. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report REVIEWED WORK PROPOSED TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES The commission reviewed and provided input to property owners, the State Historical Society, Plan Commission and Common Council for work proposed to historic buildings including the New Moon Café/ Beckwith House (401 North Main) that included window replacement and exterior venting; Fraternal Reserve Association Building (105 Washington) for redevelopment of the structure into a multiple family residential use; and at the Varsity Club/ Gibson Auto Exchange Building (570 North Main) regarding full first floor Main Street façade recreation. HP Schmidt Milling Company 1183-1982; Granary Restaurant 1984-2004: Element Nightclub 2004-2007 toured property to determine the eligibility for local landmark status. It would be eligible to use historic building codes to maintain historic features and materials. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report SCHRIBER HOUSE MOVE ASSISTANCE Built in 1912, the house was designed by the firm of Oshkosh architect William Waters, who designed the Wisconsin Pavilion at the 1893 world’s fair in Chicago as well as dozens of buildings in Oshkosh around the turn of the century. The house was built for the family of Louis Schriber, then president of the city’s First National Bank. Following the approval of a Planned Development for the creation of a parking lot at the Paine Art Center and Gardens, the commission worked with the Paine and the City regarding the historic Schriber houses marketing and relocation. Activities included discussions with the Public Museum on utilizing the structure, assisting with marketing the property, coordinating conversations with the Wisconsin Historical Society on potentially shifting the Algoma Boulevard Historic District boundaries or individually listing it, and discussing the potential ability to utilize historic tax credits. The efforts to move the house were featured in an article in the magazine This Old House. In May 2016, Devooght House Movers began the process of preparing the building for relocation. The house was moved successful to its new location on Algoma Boulevard outside of the Algoma Boulevard Historic District boundaries. The Paine Art Center and Gardens will begin work on the new parking lot, which will have 25 parking spaces, including handicapped accessible parking. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report ACANTHUS AWARDS Since 1981, the City of Oshkosh has honored members of the community that have made contributions to local historic preservation through awarding of the Acanthus Awards. The Acanthus Awards are generally given in five categories, although awards may not necessarily be given in each category every year. Awardees include property owners and individuals involved in activities that have enhanced our historic and cultural resources. The Landmarks Commission presented Acanthus Awards for contributions to historic preservation in Oshkosh including: Frank Percey Fur & Gun 531 North Main Street Retaining and restoring the historic building’s original interior and exterior as well as facilitating its reuse, which has given new life and a modern purpose to the historic structure located in the National Register North Main Street Historic District. The Kohlmann’s Block 17 Waugoo Avenue Restoration of the transom windows located above the storefront. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report Charles Wood House 1540 Algoma Boulevard Appropriate maintenance efforts and complete painting of their residence located in the National Register Algoma Boulevard Historic District that helps protect Oshkosh’s history and cultural resources Raulf Hotel 522-530 Retaining and restoring the exterior architectural elements and preserving the integrity of this historic structure located in the National Register North Main Street Historic District. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report Award Categories Retention of a Residential or Commercial Building - substaintial amount of inteior / exterior are retained and preserved. Facade Rehabilitation of a Residential or Commercial Building - Maintenance, repair, or reconstruction of an historic exterior that preserves architectural style and features Adaptive Reuse of a Residential or Commercial Building - preservation of an historic building but giving the building a new life and modern purpose Preservation Activities - this category is awarded to individuals or organizations that advance the cause of Historic Preservation. Subjects include documentation of Oshkosh history, historic districts or areas, crafts and artifacts, and or technology. Special Achievement - Accomplishments regarding historic preservation, education, and awareness and lifetime work that has become an integral part of Oshkosh’s culture and history HISTORIC/HERITAGE TOURISM PROJECT The Landmarks Commission collaborated with the City of Oshkosh, Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau, Public Library, Public Museum, Downtown BID, Winnebago County Historical Society and individual downtown property owners to design a Historic/Heritage Tourism project. The website includes an inventory of historic properties and sites with accompanying narrative. It contains a searchable database of historic assets in the central city, a brand identity, and individual tour materials. These entities will continue to expand the scope of this program in future years. Find more information at: historicoshkosh.org Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2015-2016 Annual Report