Birmingham City staff outlines historic preservation master plan, plaque design and Wallace Frost month program

At its April 2 meeting, the Birmingham City Historic District Commission reviewed an outline of a proposed historic preservation master plan and gave staff direction to proceed with a public survey and outreach for a Wallace Frost historic‑houses program.

The plan outline — presented by Nick (staff member) — includes designation options, a revised schedule and a second public survey the presenter said he hoped to open in April, release in late April and close in June. The presenter asked commissioners for a “formal go ahead” on the outline so staff could develop content and the action plan.

Commissioners said the outline was a logical starting point and suggested a few additions. Members asked that the Birmingham Museum be referenced in the plan and recommended including the heritage home program and the city’s historic design guidelines to clarify citizen and government roles. Commissioner Keith Dyer noted the plan should reference existing work the commission has already done.

Staff also proposed standardizing four plaque types used in the city and suggested issuing a new oval, solid‑brass “Birmingham green” heritage plaque that would emphasize year built and the resource name. Staff said custom brass plaques cost about $400–$500 apiece. Commissioners discussed whether to use the language “built” or “circa” when construction dates are uncertain and asked staff to check existing guidelines and past study reports for consistent wording.

A second, related agenda item focused on a Wallace Frost program planned for historic‑preservation month. The staff proposal centers on social media, a digital map or self‑guided tour, two owner spotlights, trivia posted through Birmingham Engage, and a small number of in‑person outreach events. The proposed schedule calls for a March 1 kickoff (social posts and an initial announcement), a map release the following day, owner spotlights and a call to action during the month, DPS open‑house tabling in May, and a final social post summarizing results. Staff said the campaign’s primary purpose is to encourage more Wallace Frost houses to pursue official designation. If timeline permits, staff proposed issuing a plaque for the Frederick E. Goode house (identified in the meeting as Keith Dyer’s house) during one commission meeting as a ceremonial presentation.

Commissioners and staff discussed logistics for a self‑guided map — including owner privacy, whether owners need to consent to appear on the map and whether printed brochures or QR codes should link to online background information and historic photos. Staff said the Birmingham Museum had been contacted as a partner and could supply photographs; staff also said lawn stakes, printed materials or a webpage could provide additional context for visitors.

The commission approved the HDC minutes of Feb. 19, 2025, during the meeting and gave staff direction to continue developing the master‑plan content, the plaque format and the Wallace Frost outreach calendar.

It was noted that photographs for the master plan and plaque documentation should ideally be completed in spring before trees leaf out; staff requested volunteers to help with photography and outreach and asked commissioners to share social posts and speak with neighbors to boost participation.