Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 13 - Annual ReportANNUAL REPORT JULY 2016-JUNE 2017 OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION WHAT IMAGE FOR COVER??? 2016-2017 COMMISSION GOALS Web Site / Facebook – 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 in the Oshkosh Zoning Ordinances. 50 W 6th Avenue (Granary) Review - The Commission reviewed changes proposed to the former home of the Schmidt Milling Company which is a local landmark under the Historic Preservation Ordinance. 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 to locally landmark and contact owners. Research and Award the Acanthus Award– Take nominations, perform historic research and present historic preservation awards for historic preservation efforts. Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/ COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP Shirley Brabender Mattox, Chairperson Dennis Paul Arnold, Vice-Chairperson Steve Cummings, Council Representative Vicky Redlin / Jake Krause Harold E. Buchholz Angela Allen Elizabeth Hintz Staff Liaison - Alexa Naudziunas & Steven Wiley 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 2016-2017 FACEBOOK PAGE The Landmarks Commission maintains a Facebook page as one of its recent initiatives from the past year. The Facebook page serves as a platform for reaching the residents of Oshkosh to communicate the mission, goals, and assistance efforts of the Landmarks Commission. The Staff Liaison helps in maintaining the page and posts weekly on key historic properties in the City of Oshkosh. The posts include a small caption and photo(s), often historical, of the featured properties. The material is posted every Wednesday under #WilliamWatersWednesday. In addition to the weekly posts, staff and select other individuals post material pertinent to the history of Oshkosh. The Facebook page also has the potential to update residents on the Landmarks Commission’s ongoing activites. This includes any public events such as workshops, featured speakers, educational efforts, etc. Efforts to leverage the Facebook page and what material to convey are ongoing. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 Annual Report REVIEW HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE / LOCAL LANDMARKING The Landmarks Commission prioritized the review and potential revisions of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. This was done to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the current ordinance and to examine how to expand its purview. The Commissioners worked to determine which properties the Ordinance currently applies to and they found out that it applies to properties locally landmarked through the procedures set forth in the ordinance. Two properties in the City are currently landmarked. The Commission discussed the sections of the Ordinance and determined that the main issue facing the Commission currently is how to get more properties locally landmarked and ensure that the Ordinance applies to them. The Commission has also worked to determine how various petinent City departments (Inspections, Planning and Zoning, etc.) can become aware of its scope and educate property owners on the possibilities available under the ordinance. On Wednesday, June 28th, 2017, the Commission hosted a workshop with Joe DeRose of the State Historic Preservation Office in attendance. Mr. DeRose engaged in conversation with the Commisisoners regarding the ordinance and it was determined that the ordinance could serve as a model for other communities. Mr. DeRose suggested that the Commission prioritize education and outreach efforts to highlight the benefits protecting Oshkosh’s historical heritage. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 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 - included stakeholders meetings and an open house • Miller’s Bay Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Plan Assistance - compiled historic information about the neighborhood • East Central Wisconsin 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 to the North Main Street Bungalow Historic District • WEDC Investment Grant applications - involved Commission support • 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: 2016-2017 Annual Report Fraternal Reserve Building (Washington Avenue Neoclassical District) - North Elevation GRANARY REVIEW The Landmarks Commission reviewed changes proposed for the building at 50 W 6th Avenue at a special review meeting on Thursday, May 4th, 2017. This review was significant because the Granary project was the first locally landmarked building to undergo Commission review as prescribed by the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Commissioners engaged in discussions with architect Chet Wesenberg to understand the nature of the renovations and determine whether they fit the character of the historic building. Commissioners were able to draw on their experience in the area of historic preservation and educate the architect on the potential of obtaining historic preservation tax credits. Therefore, the review was the Commission’s first opportunity to operate as an advice-based commission rather than a police commission. The Commission signed off on the proposed renovations to the Granary upon concluding the review. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 Annual Report BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW PROGRAM The commission continues to review incoming building permits that pertain to historic structures or historic districts with over 230 reviewed in this report period. This process helps the Commission understand the types of projects that are going on and their impacts 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: 2016-2017 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—traveled with Oshkosh Media crew to four sites and described the architecture and efforts to preserve historic properties of the four Acanthus Awardees. Website Update—improved access to information about Landmarks Commission activities, historic preservation, and links to local and statewide resources. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 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. Several owners of historic properties applied for and received or are in the process of receiving plaques for their buildings during the 2016-2017 reporting period. One of these properties was the residence at 1324 Washington Avenue. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 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: • 537 North Main (Crescent Moon) • Riverside Cemetery Chapel - Paint and Plaster repair • Grand Opera House - Balcony seating modifications • HP Schmidt Milling Company 1883-1982 (50 West 6th Avenue) Granary Restaurant 1984-2004 and Element Nightclub 2004-2007-special review session to determine the nature of proposed renovations and sensitivity to the historic nature of the property. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 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 the following Acanthus Awards: Facade Rehabilitation of a Residential or Commercial Building - Maintenance, repair, or reconstruction of an historic exterior that preserves architectural style and features Preservation Activities - awarded to individuals or organizations that advance the cause of Historic Preservation. 310 Waugoo Avenue Facade Restoration of the Residence at 310 Waugoo Ave - for the historically sensitive repainting of the residence at 310 Waugoo Avenue and serving as an exceptional example to all historic property owners in Oshkosh. Louis Schriber House Relocation of the Louis Schriber House - for setting a precedent in historic preservation by taking ownership, lifting and transporting, and preserving from demolition a William Waters-designed residence and ensuring its continued presence in the community. Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 Annual Report Oshkosh Landmarks Commission: 2016-2017 Annual Report