[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6110987,"mediaKeyId","2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3","parentId",2755378,"title","Commission sends 4‑story affordable housing proposal in Polar district to ARC for material and scale refinements","audioSeconds",1316,"startMs",5885000,"endMs",7201000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3&start=5885&end=7201","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3/thumbnail_5885000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6110987/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-sends-4story-affordable-housing-proposal-in-Polar-district-to-ARC-for-material-and-scale-refinements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110987-c24e6e85abc12b92698047be36c7fa7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163061&Signature=hHYh8jVdNluZ8-jHHkHkczA6dBiVS8-Ci6awN7wuTjpusN0oJDuMyxvFmlQpdfWyW~CAOhYuj5YrBBkKKhTwtOexYP5vDTgqDHhkUXSKuNOXmeoIXazetioKluldH5uVzp2z3UGcJklUTqEHo4B7DjtSJe8FsEqc9FgPnDVKzrfxn1JXez9-NJzSh-9JPDdQ3yrbX8EoMwUjhQLDQ3ARBTMtVrQi4aRuJ11v6WBZ3cJGNWnignFA1HBg58EF5c66Kvqj3IREElV0D0sakWGOBbLd1i3FsK~q-J5v6KoixjoCRrTRAvPgju8~NLb2CsqTNkNwyGevw4VBnk5qgKWY9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Lawrence, KS","date","2025-03-24T16:41:41Z","article","The Historic Resources Commission voted 4‑0 to refer a new‑construction, multi‑story housing project in the National Register historic district near the Polar Building to the Architectural Review Committee for design refinement.

Staff described HRC‑250004 as a state‑law review project in a national register historic district and the downtown urban conservation overlay. Staff noted the property was originally recorded as significant open space in the district nomination but subsequent research shows a structure historically existed on the lot; the applicant’s research and Sanborn maps were included in the packet.

The applicant, CT Design architect Connor Trainor, said the project is a multi‑story, modern building with punched window openings and a mix of materials, including white brick and metal panels. Patrick Watkins, an attorney working with the developer, said the project is an affordable housing proposal tied to state and federal low‑income housing tax‑credit (LIHTC) financing and that design decisions are constrained by programmatic requirements tied to affordability and unit mix. Watkins said prior LIHTC projects in the neighborhood proceeded through ARC and reached agreements on compatibility.

Staff raised several points for ARC review: the proposed white brick and modern fenestration may not provide sufficient architectural detail to be compatible with the Polar Building and other contributing structures; many district buildings are two stories and staff questioned whether the proposed height should be reduced or otherwise massed to remain subordinate to the Polar Building; and the project’s punched window openings lack the historic architectural detailing present in the district.

Commissioners asked whether lowering the building by a story was feasible; staff and the applicant said building height affects unit count, programmatic needs and the viability of the LIHTC financing. The applicant said the stated unit plan is driven by the affordable‑housing program and that further discussions about internal layout and possible massing changes are appropriate for ARC.

Commissioner Buchanan moved, and Commissioner Klein seconded, that the HRC refer the project to ARC for design refinement focusing on materials, fenestration, scale and mass; the commission voted 4‑0. ARC will work with the applicant and return a refined proposal to HRC for final action.

Staff noted the project seeks compatibility with the Polar Building — the design guidelines intend that new construction be subordinate to the Polar Building — and recommended ARC explore material choices and additional detailing to better meet the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for new construction in a National Register district.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/20/25 Historic Resources Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The Historic Resources Commission referred a 4‑story, 45‑unit project in the National Register district near the Polar Building to the Architectural Review Committee to refine materials, fenestration and massing so the design better aligns with the district and Secretary of the Interior standards.","taxTitle","Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas","taxId",3971,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6110992,"Commission refers proposed row‑house infill at 700 New Hampshire to architectural review after neighbors object to scale",4106,1746000,5852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3&start=1746&end=5852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3/thumbnail_1746000.jpg","/articles/6110992/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-refers-proposed-rowhouse-infill-at-700-New-Hampshire-to-architectural-review-after-neighbors-object-to-scale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110992-317ba75b29e2db2d4f28a12a351ebfb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163061&Signature=bgWWEvMbMMHhxuGZpSLkELliUBjsnYBjR-cR-COQr7U5yFz-TQD9C5luZljJkxBxMAZOCPUUdTbZ5sUEnZfj4YO6ZnTypWj0fZ-2deqJuPTW21nt2-wdfAKA5j6vraP11H~kDdGb3fnDlob1gXiqJWcAK2XnMgqrrxMgHOUornupN~Y1lXEywXyI6i~WcPhuCZqG2BXAxCol7SG6Gegmw64HQkHjprgTb9Gy3e8xHmQWkeqM-ZbNUGoJxwwtGQr0GAZCn89zUlXwjGaF6~IXrTEWhof4SA6ZTf0mU0JOO1umOHFBtLKmk8vLk64bDISxRCzlkSfpxLFdHVvqYoLGHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission voted 4‑0 to refer a new‑construction proposal for row houses at 700 New Hampshire Street to the Architectural Review Committee for design refinement after extensive public comment and commissioner concern about scale and context.

Historic Resources Administrator Lynn Braddock Zollner told commissioners the project site sits in the downtown urban conservation overlay and in the context area of the McAllister House at 724 Rhode Island Street. The applicant’s plan proposes a string of townhouses fronting Rhode Island Street with garages accessed from the Borders (western) parking lot; staff recommended ARC review to resolve where the design did and did not meet chapter 22 standards and the downtown design guidelines.

Applicant Tiffany Asher, of Paul Werner Architects, said the project would return a vacant parking lot to residential use without incentives from the city, that the design team had met neighbors, and that the team is willing to work with ARC to refine materials, fenestration and the clarity of entries. Developer Adam (on the record) said the row‑house phase is intended to be the first phase of a larger multi‑phase redevelopment that could help fund eventual work on the adjacent Borders building and its deteriorated masonry wall; he said he does not anticipate structural collapse but acknowledged the wall needs repairs.

Neighbors urged changes. Tim Donnan, who lives at 714 Rhode Island, said the proposed building “is going to feel imposing” because of its height and proximity to the sidewalk. Tony Pearson, owner of the McAllister House, said the proposed mass would not fit “the scale of the street or the neighborhood.” KT Walsh, another nearby resident, praised the project’s parking approach but suggested the building be set back farther from the sidewalk and incorporate more references to the historic houses across the street.

Commissioners and staff discussed tradeoffs between retaining parking in the Borders lot and setting the new building back from Rhode Island Street. The applicant said each townhouse would include an indoor one‑car garage and that occupants with a second vehicle could use the Borders lot; the applicant said reducing the unit count or inserting additional public walkways is possible but would affect project economics.

Several commissioners said they were concerned about height, massing, lack of differentiation along the long façade, and the need for north/south elevation detailing and additional fenestration variety. Commissioner Cunningham and others asked the ARC to consider shorter building sections, more variety in form, public walkways or otherwise breaking up the continuous mass, and additional references to the adjacent historic houses.

The HRC appointed Jay Holly (former HRC architect who agreed to serve on ARC for this project) as an available reviewer and referred the project to ARC with direction to study fenestration, mass, north/south façade details, porch and entry clarity, and historical references. The motion to refer was moved and seconded during the meeting and passed 4‑0. The project will return to the HRC after ARC review for further consideration.

The commission’s record includes public comments and two neighborhood meetings reported by the applicant; staff noted the lot historically held single‑family dwellings in Sanborn maps and confirmed the property is zoned downtown commercial, where taller commercial construction is permitted. The applicant said there are financial constraints tied to delivering market‑rate townhouses without public subsidy.","The Historic Resources Commission voted to send a new‑construction proposal for 15 townhouses at 700 New Hampshire Street to the Architectural Review Committee for design refinement after extended public comment raising concerns about height, massing, walkability and the condition of the adjacent Donnelly (Borders) wall.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6110997,"Historic preservation group offers matching funds; HRC asks staff to explore budget request",807,516000,1323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3&start=516&end=1323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2755378-c5e5b4a2793d9a2d1e3066ab2ca440a3/thumbnail_516000.jpg","/articles/6110997/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Historic-preservation-group-offers-matching-funds-HRC-asks-staff-to-explore-budget-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6110997-6ebf9c5781c7857e0df311293d689616/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163061&Signature=NK6-2GQqnGwZV5-0Bxf5eK3T1K6smuafqmSRl9Q4HVr2Tsy1ONfemZG~sELnz6qFX~4j17jQy5XagBrdaK54hVygZuqb0xFidU8kYJEojvfAZNvC6JW-9xjVAQdoyspYuX5hfaEx~nzfJECB59Cla-GihIKo6xqEvrhDKiClILwii8KGlk~hBj3PsY~E2aq7CHCoHn7whDeMp3eMRWzvTjojQsdZj-RWvmE-883zoihmN4eiEXNpiypFY4gXoW58h5pRtc~jlq~CuqFUEe0aCogmgY4wCPmKz2U--x01UuHMGzkxYcZqcK9Pyz948gSlevnoaAX-dnp-7jx0rCXbGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission voted unanimously Thursday to accept a letter from the Lawrence Preservation Alliance asking the Commission to urge the Lawrence City Commission to include funding for additional historic resource surveys in next year’s Planning and Development Services budget.

The motion, moved by Commissioner Klein and seconded by Commissioner Buchanan, directs staff to work with the LPA and the director of Planning and Development Services to identify options for including survey funding in the city budget; the vote was 4-0. Chair Joy Coleman presided over the roll call.

The LPA wrote that it is willing to contribute one LPA dollar for every three city dollars, up to $3,000 annually. An LPA representative told the commission the match would provide “enough money to do a survey of the kind that is ongoing now,” and that the organization can revisit the level of support after a three‑year period. The LPA representative said the group is also exploring creation of a targeted fund or foundation to support survey work and expected to report more at its June meeting.

Historic resources staff told the commission that the city is likely to face a tight budget cycle and that state Historic Preservation Fund grant (HPF) opportunities have not yet opened; staff said they will research whether survey costs should be included within Planning and Development Services’ budget or presented as a separate request to the City Commission and will report back next month.

During public comment KT Walsh, a nearby resident, asked about typical survey costs. Staff said costs vary with size and prior research; a project currently proposed for University Place would total about $30,000, with an estimated $18,000 consultant fee and remaining costs covering staff time and LPA match. Staff also said smaller, well‑researched surveys can start in the neighborhood of $10,000.

The commission’s action accepts the LPA letter into record and asks staff to discuss how the city might include survey funding in the next fiscal year. Staff will return with options and a recommended path for whether such funding should be part of the Planning and Development Services budget or presented separately to the City Commission.

Commissioners noted the LPA has already sent copies of its letter to the City Commission. The motion passed 4‑0; the commission’s minutes will reflect the direction to staff.

A copy of the LPA letter was included in the HRC packet and referenced during the meeting.","The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission voted 4-0 to accept a letter from the Lawrence Preservation Alliance offering a 1:3 match (up to $3,000/year) for surveys and directed staff to work with LPA and the planning director to explore including survey funding in next year’s Planning & Development Services budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission sends 4‑story affordable housing proposal in Polar district to ARC for material and scale refinements

Commission refers proposed row‑house infill at 700 New Hampshire to architectural review after neighbors object to scale

Historic preservation group offers matching funds; HRC asks staff to explore budget request