Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2020 02 24

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SUMMARY: The applicant is requesting:  Landmark designation for the property at 925 Jefferson Avenue.  An alteration certificate allowing changes related to restoration and rehabilitation work to the existing structure as well as a modern addition.  A Preservation and Restoration Grant in the amount of $117,937, which is $72,937 above the program maximum grant amount. With the $5,000 incentive grant for landmarking, the total grant award would be $122,937. Staff recommendations:  Staff recommends approval of the landmark request. The property meets the requirements for age, significance, and integrity.  Staff recommends denial of the alteration certificate. Enlarging the window openings, relocating the front door, and expanding the front porch will change the historic character and integrity of the property.  Staff recommend denial of the applicant’s grant request. The applicant requests an “extraordinary circumstances” matching grant of $77,937 plus a $40,000 matching grant, for a total grant of $117,937. Staff recommends approval of an “extraordinary circumstances” matching grant of $39,250 for the foundation work only and a $40,000 matching grant for the remainder of the eligible preservation and rehabilitation work, for a total grant of $79,250. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Information from Bridget Bacon, Louisville Historical Museum This property was originally purchased by Virginia Hamilton in 1891. The exact date of construction for the house is unknown, but it seems likely that the house was constructed around that date. Virginia Hamilton was born in Missouri and moved to Erie, Colorado with her husband Thomas. After he was struck by lightning and killed, Virginia moved to Louisville with her five children. Virginia Hamilton was a school teacher in Louisville, and the 925 Jefferson Avenue home was conveniently located near the school for first and second grade students at 801 Grant (now the Louisville Center for the Arts). Virginia taught in Louisville for 32 years. In 1898, Virginia Hamilton was one of the four founding members of Louisville's Saturday Study Club, which was a women’s club that sought to culturally enrich its members and the town. The Saturday Study Club operated the Louisville Public Library for 35 years. Following Virginia’s death in 1925, her son Frank Hamilton lived in the house with his wife Sadie and her brother Samuel Hilton. Frank was a coal miner and operated a saloon in Superior, and later became a deputy County Clerk and a County road overseer. Following Frank’s death in 1956, his granddaughter sold the property. Jefferson Place Subdivision