Commission hears plan to remove Hubbs House water tank, add interpretive sign

City Parks Director Mike Meersman told commissioners that the historic water tank at Hubbs House has deteriorated and presents a safety hazard and that State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff advised removal would not strip the site of its historic designation.

Meersman described the tank as lacking a top and potentially hazardous for children and wildlife. He said his department recommends disassembling the structure and installing an interpretive sign at the site that would include known history and photos, and provide a scannable audio or text record for visitors. Meersman said staff could explore temporary covers or storing the tank if the commission wanted to preserve the physical tank for future display, but that rebuilding the original support structure would not be historically accurate.

Commission members suggested options including placing a temporary cover to reduce immediate danger, storing the tank with the museum or rebuilding a replica base later, and pairing the interpretive sign with a preserved tank if storage is feasible. Meersman said moving or storing the tank would require coordination with public works and other departments; his department has not yet developed a storage plan.

Why it matters: The proposal balances safety concerns about a deteriorated structure with historic preservation goals. Meersman said SHPO representative Susan Lawson evaluated the tank and concluded removal would not remove the property from the historic register; staff emphasized the interpretive sign would preserve the site's history even if the tank is disassembled.

Outcome: The report was presented for information only; commissioners discussed preservation options and temporary safety measures but no formal motion or vote was taken.