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Residents urge preservation of Curtis mansion, Buckwald‑era buildings on downtown square
Summary
During public comment, two residents urged council to preserve remaining historic structures tied to Henry B. Curtis and the Buckwald/Wright family business legacy; speakers asked council to use historic‑review processes and to consider naming or other protections for local landmarks.
Two residents used the public‑comment period to urge council to preserve historic properties downtown, raising the Curtis mansion and buildings associated with local manufacturer Buckwald (Buckwald Wright) as examples of the city’s architectural and civic heritage.
Vicki Fitzgerald, a resident and preservation advocate, told council Henry B. Curtis “symbolizes the American dream” and that only fragments of his physical legacy remain in the city. She argued the Curtis mansion and other surviving structures deserve preservation rather than demolition. Fitzgerald also raised the Buckwald family buildings, which she said represent significant local economic history and philanthropic investment and should be protected.
Fitzgerald said the Historic Review Commission (HRC) exists to advise on preservation and to maintain architectural character in designated districts, but she questioned whether the current HRC membership included people with restoration experience or residents of historic districts. She described an instance where a carriage house in her historic district was demolished administratively and replaced with a paved parking pad, and said she had not observed the HRC conducting an on‑site review before that decision.
Councilmembers thanked Fitzgerald for attending multiple meetings and said the administration had heard the concerns. Councilmember Seibel and the mayor noted additional discussions and listening sessions are happening and that the administration is exploring ways to recognize local history; Seibel encouraged residents to attend upcoming listening sessions and to contact the mayor’s office and council members. The mayor said staff are discussing naming possibilities (for example, “Curtis Square”) and asked residents to take part in public listening sessions.
Fitzgerald left copies of a brochure and urged council to use the HRC and public process to consider preservation options before demolition decisions are made. No formal action was taken during the meeting; council members invited continued public participation and said they would consider the comments as project plans evolve.
