Monona Landmarks Commission approves nomination of Thomas House in Frostwoods

The Monona Landmarks Commission voted July 15 to approve the nomination of the Thomas House in the Frostwoods neighborhood as a local landmark, following a public hearing and a staff presentation. The commission will forward its recommendation to the City Council, which has final authority under the city code.

The nomination was presented at the meeting during the public hearing by the applicant and supporting speakers. The applicant, Erica Fox, described the house as an early example of the International Style in the Frostwoods neighborhood and said the structure retains historic characteristics dating to its construction in 1931. City staff summarized the applicable local rules in Chapter 480–20 of the Monona Code of Ordinances, which sets the city’s historic preservation framework and explains criteria and protections for landmark structures and sites.

The staff memo explained that designation as a landmark structure would also confer protections on the site because exterior work, demolition, or other exterior modifications to a landmark ordinarily requires a certificate of appropriateness from the commission before a building or zoning permit is issued. The Thomas House was nominated under the nomination criteria that include: reflecting the community’s cultural and social history, association with persons of local significance, embodiment of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type (International Style), and representation of the notable work of a recognized architect.

Commission discussion noted the nomination packet’s photos (including a 1932 Architectural Record image) and witnesses in support, including neighbors and a local architects’ endorsement. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how designation of a structure also affects the site and whether archaeological or other resources were implicated; staff and the applicant said the nomination packet addressed those questions and that the public hearing had been properly noticed. After discussion, a commission member moved to approve the nomination and another member seconded; the commission voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps discussed at the meeting: the commission’s recommendation and the staff record will be forwarded to the City Council for final action on the landmark designation. Staff reminded commissioners that the council may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the designation under the city’s ordinance, and that the certificate-of-appropriateness process will apply to future exterior changes if the property is designated.

For now, the commission’s action is a recommendation; no council decision was made at the July 15 meeting.