[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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",[32,76,88],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6245974,"mediaKeyId","3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c","parentId",3220416,"title","Historic Preservation Commission sets deadlines and fines for three dilapidated downtown buildings after owner no‑shows","audioSeconds",1844,"startMs",2616000,"endMs",4460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c&start=2616&end=4460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c/thumbnail_2616000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6245974/Oklahoma/Historic-Preservation-Commission-sets-deadlines-and-fines-for-three-dilapidated-downtown-buildings-after-owner-noshows","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245974-afa8868ccf5be1cb2b59397ff44b99fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566333&Signature=U38qoR~IUhuuuSgqsPYYtHdqpqS4UgT-Q5gR~-LmEEw4iNWu74lx2PJJClx5nsE-EHLosj2Gte9XtyrjA57BqO6WtIFR7t4uU4tI8MZIah8Y1LDynj0J7xL8jh1u1C~0dF6GzYKfaW7j3ZjhkyHDJ5InLOgKqBV~W0Fx2WcdLWBJzJaS6~HRL0bXCgzEr6Xm6mM5HnNEEYOiyYVDUeixd6DDqhU~C25ckB4uGHDkU~UZdFD3XSoQf3dZXkN6cbQU63EeGI6Gt3oK1AYhNHro5kwy5usEjl5-FXl7z6lUhbbIA1UFXVvimklGiFsgFxDE6gg68c7ykU6iq3GYlpeLWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Guthrie, OK","date","2025-05-06T18:03:04Z","article","The Historic Preservation Commission on May 5 adopted minimum‑maintenance directives and short compliance deadlines for three downtown properties after the property owner, identified in meeting discussion as Mr. Ladd, did not appear or deliver requested documentation.

The actions target the Victor Building at 202 West Harrison, the old fire station at 111 South Second Street (including its hose/tower), and a downtown property referred to in discussion as the Lehi Building. Commissioners said the owner previously committed to providing contractor and engineer reports but had not communicated with staff since the prior meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners said several downtown landmark buildings are in visible disrepair — including rotted window frames, crumbling bay windows and a structurally concerning hose tower — and that lack of owner responsiveness has left the city weighing code enforcement, citations and potential abatement to protect public safety and preserve historic structures.

Victor Building (202 W. Harrison): The commission directed that all maintenance work visible on the northwest corner angled bay windows, front door and metal trim facing Harrison (described in discussion as the portion most visibly rotted) must be completed within 60 days. Commissioners removed language requiring an initial inspection because the damage is plainly visible from the exterior. The motion specified replacement or repair as needed and repainting/refinishing of metal trim and the door.

Old fire station (111 S. Second Street): For the former firehouse and its hose tower — which commissioners described as historically significant and in “serious shape” — the commission required the property owner to provide a licensed structural engineer’s analysis of the tower and building within 10 days. Staff said the engineer’s report will inform any prioritization of repairs; commissioners said if the owner fails to deliver the report the city will begin citation procedures.

Lehi Building: The commission directed that all broken windows on the Lehi Building (front and rear/ alley‑facing) be replaced within 60 days on grounds of public safety and to remove hazards to pedestrians in the alley and surrounding sidewalks.

Code enforcement tools and penalties discussed: Staff explained that the city may issue citations for noncompliance and described the municipal citation as a daily fine; staff said the combined fine and court costs as discussed in the meeting amount to $2.55 per citation day (staff provided the $2.55 figure in the meeting). Commissioners discussed abatement and lien remedies for nuisance cases such as tall grass but noted that abatement remedies for major building repairs are legally and practically more complicated. Staff also noted that state law limits some vacant‑building penalties and that enforcement beyond citations may require legal review.

Commissioners emphasized consistency in enforcement across downtown buildings. Several members said they prefer to give owners reasonable time to comply but will begin daily citations if a property shows no real progress after the deadlines. Staff said historically many owners respond to notice and a cited court date; if they do not, citations and additional legal remedies may follow, including municipal warrants for unpaid fines.

Votes and next steps: The commission voted in favor of the Victor Building 60‑day maintenance directive, the 10‑day engineering request for the fire station, and the Lehi Building window replacements (60 days). Commissioners asked staff to re‑send the meeting summary and the required action list to the property owner and to begin citations if the owner does not produce the requested documentation or take demonstrable corrective action within the deadlines.

Context and concerns: Commissioners repeatedly described downtown roofs, window frames and bay windows across multiple properties as beyond simple cosmetic repairs; staff stressed that delaying structural work risks public safety and the possible loss of historic fabric. Commissioners said the minimum maintenance plan approach places obligations on owners and creates record for future enforcement or property transfer.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/525 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION","oneSentenceSummary","After the property owner failed to provide promised plans and did not appear at the May 5 meeting, the Guthrie Historic Preservation Commission set deadlines and enforcement steps for three deteriorating downtown properties, including a 60‑day repair order for the Victor and Lehi buildings and a 10‑day demand for an engineer’s report on the old fire station tower.","taxTitle","Historic Preservation Commission Meetings, Guthrie, Logan County, Oklahoma","taxId",74055,"location","Oklahoma","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6245981,"Commission approves projecting sign, canopy and window signage for two downtown storefronts",307,53000,360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c&start=53&end=360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c/thumbnail_53000.jpg","/articles/6245981/Oklahoma/Commission-approves-projecting-sign-canopy-and-window-signage-for-two-downtown-storefronts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245981-6d031c36faa50bda3bcaa441fa5faccd/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566333&Signature=BwJuAk5QAuKUwlhfZvlSqoKacIvHU0jLttsa9vuCLNIj39kkFqkWfR46jNTvLaYF~9toHrN2MYhPSKxtrY1lIJMHnIzdLS~GSKtKZkeUW3etMN~kXYK-Srx25IRH9-sOAW5XQsnh~pgLTdeN66CWOQCZQgpPrQRzAjXpR4UvHuXAY~9zRzyXdWOL~Nnji20qOfyVtfGJwLw7m4bbEdcy0-ufyg5T~SkwDKsbiK-ImEEo~jK0a6-JG0zRlF0kV9D0EXQ1kSk8Ebtcd7z0dlkfQpxJuAWLIeDohRFFlG1~cQ4EOWutd-QMGlZRaJ~y8GNcdAE7l8w33IOT6et4JmmsLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Historic Preservation Commission on May 5 voted to approve a 4‑square foot projecting sign for the Guthrie Arts Center at 316 South Division and separately approved a canopy plus painted brick facade sign and window signage for the storefront at 108 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Why it matters: Both approvals are routine historic‑district sign and canopy requests but were treated as formal agenda items because both projects alter visible storefront treatments in the downtown historic district.

Guthrie Arts Center sign: Staff described the sign application as a four‑square‑foot projecting bracket sign in black and white with a metal or aluminum appearance. The applicant, identified in the meeting as Ben, confirmed the application covers only the projecting sign and that there is no window signage planned at this time. Ben told the commission, “We’re open now,” when asked about the business’s operating status. Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the arts center’s move into the larger space.

108 East Oklahoma Avenue canopy and signage: Staff reported the property’s facade restoration is well underway after earlier approvals in 2024. The current request covered a black canvas awning that fits the facade and a painted brick sign designed to resemble the building’s historical grocery‑store signage. The applicant said the plan is for the painted sign to be hand painted on the brick with a smaller painted sign on the windows. Commissioners praised the restoration work and the painted signage approach, calling the facade work “fantastic” and approving the awning and signage.

Votes: The projecting sign and the canopy/signage motions were moved and seconded and passed by roll call without recorded dissent. Commissioners asked staff to verify awning materials and confirmed that repainting/like‑for‑like replacement of materials does not require a separate materials hearing.

Next steps: Staff will issue certificates of appropriateness and coordinate any required inspections for installed signs and awnings.

","The Historic Preservation Commission approved a projecting sign for the Guthrie Arts Center at 316 South Division and a new canopy plus window signage for a restaurant at 108 East Oklahoma Avenue, with commissioners praising the facade restorations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6245987,"Historic Preservation Commission approves downtown pocket park; commissioners split on artificial turf",2142,464000,2606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c&start=464&end=2606","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220416-e561ec6e25d3ef60545966a5a9b6306c/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6245987/Oklahoma/Historic-Preservation-Commission-approves-downtown-pocket-park-commissioners-split-on-artificial-turf","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245987-65e386b169ecd5489be0a7bdbedb60e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776566333&Signature=f8K9-0vxIHiT7KHPOSTZfZoDsnGU9LXZtebUD~Chh1GHwAk-PPMcZHOh2pzjVcxW-xXez8nKFSo3~CFIDPYq1EsQdIXujxc08Ufs4GZBaHVU99xTiHTCqxISS~8MObsewSeYuCc1GjL5HeN2SfeWy~XfGt2IvwScwUKZu8D2WKt98nl-jjw9vyIfQABTbs4ySrdtOpM5TpDUDCL76Q4T-4KNb5VbQu0fsbDV9k-2uFKbJd-VN5HDAiN6AMGS6uopomODZHUFi4ndAXriAB9C9vrvFD62y0ssuTh8YpIB1aOPB9IT2iQRf8-D9WxNhbrE67OlU2egowua7TKh1Kj8Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Guthrie Historic Preservation Commission on May 5 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new pocket park at the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and Wentz Street, clearing a downtown streetscape and small “activity lawn” project that includes planters, picnic seating and a synthetic turf surface designed for playground use.

Commissioners voted to approve the design and site plan after extended discussion about the proposed artificial turf, maintenance and drainage. The project team and city staff said they expect the project to be largely funded by a Main Street grant with the city providing in‑kind labor as the match; specific dollar amounts were not clearly specified in the meeting materials.

Why it matters: The pocket park is meant to replace a gravel lot that local merchants say tracks grit into their shops and becomes muddy in wet weather. The commission’s decision allows the downtown block to move forward with improvements intended to reduce runoff, add seating and support festivals and pop‑up markets.

Commission staff presented an updated packet of plans and material samples. Project presenter Shonda Rooney displayed turf samples and recommended a “multi‑surface play” turf with an underlying foam pad rather than crumb rubber; she said that option is formulated for playground use, stays cooler and contains no black crumb rubber. Rooney said the recommended turf has “four color variations and looks the most natural to the eye.” She also described a plan for edge treatment and a concrete border around the turf area.

Public works staff and the city engineer cautioned that turf and live grass each carry tradeoffs. A public works representative noted the department’s mowing equipment is primarily riding mowers without baggers and explained that small, heavily trafficked grass areas become difficult to maintain because clippings and seed spread into adjacent gravel areas. The city engineer and public works staff said previous downtown gravel areas became muddy and tracked into shops; they recommended structural solutions such as a PetroMat base under aggregate and a concrete edge to stabilize surfaces.

Several commissioners and downtown business owners voiced concerns about synthetic turf. Commissioner Valerie Duncan said she favors natural grass and said the area is small enough for traditional turf maintenance; she urged the commission not to default to artificial materials because they are easier to maintain. Rooney and a public works speaker responded that natural grass in this low, high‑runoff location would require irrigation and frequent repair and that the recommended playground turf includes a foam pad to reduce heat and abrasions.

Local merchant Chef Jimmy (identified in the meeting as a nearby shop owner) told commissioners the current gravel lot tracks into his business and becomes muddy; he said any solution that reduces loose gravel would be welcome. The project team also said they will experiment with a clear binder product over adjacent gravel to keep it from coming loose and being thrown into shops.

Commission action and vote: Commissioner Maneka Gibbs moved to approve the application as presented; the motion was seconded and passed. The roll call recorded Jason Wells and Nathan Turner voting yes; Valerie Duncan voted no; Phil Nichols voted yes; Maneka Gibbs’s statement on the record indicated support for the design but opposition to the use of astroturf (she said “no with Asher Turf, yes on design”). The motion passed and commissioners instructed staff to record the design approval while noting the dissent on synthetic turf.

Project implementation notes: Staff said the city match is primarily in‑kind labor from parks and street crews. The project team said planters will be sized to match downtown aesthetics (a 12 by 12 planter footprint was discussed) and that the central activity lawn footprint is roughly 19.5 by 50 feet. The plans call for a concrete edge, new paving where trucks will load and a new sidewalk alignment at the corner to improve drainage; staff said the intersection is among the lower points downtown and the project includes new storm infrastructure.

Next steps and conditions: Commissioners asked staff to track maintenance requirements and to monitor turf performance after installation. The applicant and staff discussed the potential for adding concrete pavers or historic brick pathways later if the budget allows. Rooney said watering will be done from an existing spigot by the pavilion and planters will be hand‑watered.

Community reaction and concerns: Commissioners acknowledged the project’s aesthetic benefits but emphasized maintenance and ADA accessibility. Several commissioners said they would prefer natural grass if it proved feasible; staff repeatedly said turf was chosen to provide a stable, accessible surface for events given the existing gravel and runoff conditions. The commission’s vote permits the project to proceed, while signaling commissioners’ continued concern about synthetic turf in the historic district.

","The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a pocket park at Oklahoma and Wentz with a design that includes planters, seating and a synthetic turf activity lawn; commissioners and staff debated turf heat, accessibility and maintenance before approving the design while registering dissent about astroturf.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Historic Preservation Commission sets deadlines and fines for three dilapidated downtown buildings after owner no‑shows

Commission approves projecting sign, canopy and window signage for two downtown storefronts

Historic Preservation Commission approves downtown pocket park; commissioners split on artificial turf