City Council Study Session Agenda and Packet 2011 02 22

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PAGE TWO SUBJECT: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION — ANNUAL REPORT DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2011 The HPC also conducted one hearing regarding the landmarking of the Louisville Cemetery, and had several other discussions. To date, this landmarking has not been accomplished, although the HPC and staff are searching for an effective way to accomplish the cemetery's designation. The HPC also had several discussions on the development of meaningful HPF incentives specifically for commercial structures in Historic Old Town Louisville. STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENTS The HPC also recommended to Council the HPF be used to defray costs of the Jefferson Place historic survey and a structural assessment of the Grain Elevator. DEMOLITION REVIEW: The HPC conducted subcommittee reviews of six (6) properties over 50 years old which had been proposed for demolition or partial demolition. Of these, a full HPC hearing was conducted for four properties. In addition, the HPC had numerous conversations with Planning staff to try and streamline the demolition review process or make it more effective. These conversations are ongoing. Cactus Wheel The HPC had several discussions with the owners of the Cactus Wheel, 701 Main St., and ultimately conducted a demolition review of the elements that were to be altered. Alley Cat The HPC had numerous conversations and hearings with the owner of the Alley Cat, 817 Main St., regarding his desire to renovate the structure into a new restaurant to honor the old Rex Theater. On November 15, the HPC approved the partial demolition of the facade and roof of the structure, with the understanding that the other historic elements would be reconstructed to evoke the structure's history. In January 2011, the HPC recommended a large grant from the HPF for the restoration of the tin on the facade, in exchange for the owner entering into a preservation easement. JEFFERSON PLACE ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY The HPC and staff arranged for the survey of Jefferson Place, which is underway. The survey results will give the Planning Division and HPC a better idea of what historic properties are contained in that neighborhood. The intent of this effort is to create an Historic District for interested and eligible property owners. The LMC states a district can be established using one of the following criteria (paraphrased from Section 15.36.050.B): 1. 40% of owners consent to establish a district. 2. 40% of owners in opposition of the establishment of a district. 3. Non - eligible structures may be included, as long as they don't detract from the district. 4. District boundaries may be non - contiguous. 3