Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2020 12 21

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SUMMARY: The applicant is requesting City purchase of a conservation easement over the front facade and front 10 feet of the residence at 601 Lincoln Avenue. The area covered by the easement would undergo historic preservation, restoration and rehabilitation work and must be maintained in the historic condition as part of the establishment of the easement, as depicted in Exhibit B to the easement. This is presented as an alternative to landmark designation of the home since the desired addition to the historic home would not be consistent with alteration certificate criteria that additions be designed to be secondary and subordinate to the historic structure. With the conservation easement, any additions would only need to meet zoning standards, including the Old Town Overlay zone district standards. The preservation of the front facade and front 10 feet of the home allows the property fall under the "Preservation Bonus" provided by the Old Town Overlay district, including zoning bonuses for lot coverage and floor area (Sec. 17.12.050). The City's code for use of the Historic Preservation Fund allows Fund proceeds to be used for acquisition of conservation easements and to pay for rehabilitation of a property with a conservation easement (Sec. 3.20.605.C. and D). In addition, City Council Resolution 17, Series 2019, provides that the city may purchase a conservation easement to protect the appearance of structures that contribute to the character of historic Louisville, but may not qualify for landmark designation (full Resolution attached as Exhibit 4). Section 5. Acquisition Funds: Use of Acquisition funds of the HPF shall include, but not be limited to: b. The purchase of conservation easements to protect the appearance of structures that contribute to the character of historic Louisville. Easements funded by the City may be held solely by the City or jointly with another governmental entity or a third -party non-profit preservation organization. While the historic home at 601 Lincoln may qualify for landmark designation on its own merits, the desired home addition could impact the physical integrity to the point that landmark designation would not be desirable, thus, the potential preference for a conservation easement over landmark designation. The City's residential historic context notes this property as one of two historic Classic Cottage style homes that the city should prioritize for preservation. In addition to this unique architectural significance, the home has a high degree of physical integrity, retaining much of its original form and appearance, and was home to the owners of what is now the State Mercantile Building, operating the Carveth Bros and Dalby market and Dalby's Supermarket from 1909 through 1969. While landmark designation could help to ensure that more of the historic structure and historic character is maintained, the easement provides for a meaningful preservation of the front fagade. The applicant requests that the conservation easement be purchased for $30,000, which is the same amount previously requested as a matching grant to conduct preservation, restoration and rehabilitation work on the property. As a direct purchase of the grant, this money would not need to be used directly for preservation, restoration and rehabilitation work, but the applicant would still be required to complete the work as part the consideration of purchase of the easement.