Historic Preservation Commission asks council to explore preservation options for Brown House (old City Hall)

The chair of Orange’s Historic Preservation Commission urged the city council on July 22 to examine options to preserve the Brown House, the building formerly used as city hall. The nut graf: The commission asked the council to identify a commitment or plan so the property’s historic significance is not lost; the statement was made during the public comment period and no formal council action was taken. Bob Manning identified himself as chair of the Historic Preservation Commission and told the council the commission had discussed a previous council commitment tied to the property when city hall was moved to its current location. "There was some discussion about, when you moved the City Hall, to its current location, there was some commitment ... to ensure that that property was preserved in some way," Manning said. He asked council members to consider options including sale, private or joint ventures, or another preservation approach and said the building "does have a pretty significant historical significance to the community." Manning said the commission cannot advance a preservation effort without a clear commitment from the city about the property’s future. He framed his remarks as an inquiry and request: "that property be looked at in some way, shape, or form for preservation." The comment came during the citizen comment period; councilmembers did not take formal action on the request that evening. Ending: The request from the Historic Preservation Commission chair was entered into the public record; staff did not announce any follow-up steps during the meeting.