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Planning commission backs South Haymarket industrial historic district nomination
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended landmark designation for roughly 22 properties in the South Haymarket industrial area, citing industrial and transportation significance and offering regulatory and financial incentives for rehabilitation.
The Lincoln Lancaster County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of change of zone 24022 on April 2, 2025, a nomination to create the South Haymarket Industrial Local Landmark District covering roughly the area bounded by South Seventh Street, South Ninth Street, J Street and N Street.
Jill Dahlberg, historic preservation planner with the Planning Department, told commissioners the nomination responds to a recommendation in the South Haymarket neighborhood plan and documents the area’s development as an industrial and manufacturing district tied to railroad sidings. "It is significant in the areas of community development, industry, and transportation. Its period of significance runs from around 1890 to 1946," Dahlberg said. She said the district nomination identifies 23 contributing properties and 10 noncontributing properties and showed historic Sanborn maps and historic photographs to demonstrate the area’s evolution.
Dahlberg cited practical benefits of landmarking for contributing properties, including the possibility of altered flood‑plain standards for historic buildings undergoing rehabilitation, eligibility for state and federal historic tax credits and the availability of special permits to allow flexible reuse. She said the department had engaged in outreach, including a meeting with the Haymarket Business Association, and had received limited direct public comment.
Dahlberg identified individual properties already listed or designated, including the K Street Power Plant (National Register), the Cotswold Building (local landmark) and the Lincoln Public Service Company building. Commissioners asked about design review and the effect of designation on exterior changes; Dahlberg said the historic review focuses on exterior work and that the Historic Preservation Commission can consider exceptions when strict compliance would be hazardous or cost‑prohibitive.
No members of the public testified in opposition or support at the hearing. After closing the public hearing, commissioners voted to recommend approval; the planning commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council or County Board for final action.
