Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2020 08 17

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SUMMARY: The applicant is requesting: • A finding of probable cause for landmark designation to allow for funding of a historic structure assessment for 841 Jefferson Avenue. Under Resolution No. 17, Series 2019, a property may be eligible for reimbursement for a historic structure assessment (HSA) from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) if the Historic Preservation Commission finds "probable cause to believe the building may be eligible for landmarking under the criteria in section 15.36.050 of the Louisville Municipal Code." Further, "a finding of probable cause under this Section is solely for the purposes of action on the pre-landmarking building assessment grant request, and such finding shall not be binding upon the HPC, City Council or other party to a landmarking hearing." Staff recommendations: • Staff recommends that the HPC finds there is probable cause for landmarking 841 Jefferson Avenue under the criteria in section 15.36.050 of the LMC, making the property eligible for the cost of a historic structure assessment. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Information from Bridget Bacon, Louisville Historical Museum This building is part of Jefferson Place, the first residential subdivision in Louisville. The property at 841 Jefferson was associated with two families, the Carlton family that helped found the Methodist Church one block away at 741 Jefferson (5BL924) and the Italian Mossoni family. The house, which was extensively remodeled and expanded in 1959, has a connected history with that of 620 Walnut , located just to the west. The Carlton family homesteaded the property and owned and occupied the house for over 50 years (1895-1943). Jane Carlton owned the property at 841 Jefferson by 1893 and the property at 833 Jefferson by 1895, when she conveyed 833 Jefferson to her son-in-law, Fred Marriott. Marriott was married to Jane Carlton's daughter, Jennie. The Carltons helped to found the local Methodist Church and played a significant role in the Methodist Ladies Aid Society. Jane and David Carlton had at least six daughters; records and directories for Louisville show that Jane Carlton lived at 841 Jefferson for several decades with her daughter, Margaret Carlton. Margaret died in 1941 and her mother, Jane, died in 1942. The Mossoni family owned the property for at least sixty-eight years and occupied it for most of that time. Although the property occasionally changed hands among members of the Mossoni family, Norman Mossoni was the primary owner and resident with his wife and family. Norm Mossoni was a locally prominent businessman who owned a Main Street hardware store, a tavern, and service station. He was an investor in the local Hi -Way coal mine. Mr. Mossoni served as the Louisville fire chief and served on the town council. In 1959, the Mossoni family extensively remodeled and expanded 841 Jefferson and built the small house to the west, 620 Walnut. 7