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Olivia Holquist reappointed to DeKalb Historic Preservation Commission after committee review
Summary
Architect Olivia Holquist, who has 13–14 years of preservation experience, was reappointed to the DeKalb County Historic Preservation Commission. She described efforts to update design guidelines and expand outreach to underrepresented communities; commissioners discussed appeals procedures that route decisions to the Board of Commissioners.
The Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee voted to reappoint Olivia Holquist to the DeKalb County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
Holquist, identified herself as an architect with 14 years of experience and said 13 of those were specialized in historic preservation work in Atlanta. She told the committee the current HPC is reviewing design guidelines that she and commissioners say contain imprecise language and hinder consistent application. "We've been starting to look at that," she said of the guideline revisions, and added that new signage and outreach materials have increased public awareness of the commission.
Commissioners asked how the HPC could better engage underrepresented or marginalized groups. Holquist described two approaches: proactive outreach and a packet for neighborhoods explaining the commission's role, required actions and when to expect an appearance before the commission. She also cited examples of practical preservation wins — saving historic wood windows or slate roofs by identifying cost-effective alternatives so long-term residents can remain in place.
A line of questioning addressed appeals of HPC decisions. Commissioner Long Spears noted that when appeals return to the Board of Commissioners, commissioners must act in a quasi‑judicial role and then asked Holquist whether bypassing the commissioners and going straight to superior court on appeals would be preferable. Holquist said that if such a change produced faster resolution and removed the commissioners from the quasi‑judicial role, she would not object.
After questions from committee members, the reappointment was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
