Sedona commission to prepare outreach to landmark owners; debates status of Doodlebug Ranch and condition of Gassaway House

At its meeting the City of Sedona Historic Preservation Commission directed staff to draft a general outreach letter to owners of landmark properties and debated whether some altered properties remain appropriate landmarks.

Commissioners discussed Doodlebug Ranch, noting it had been markedly altered since construction: a story bedroom, bathroom and outdoor patio were added in 1986–87; the kitchen was remodeled with a dining room and laundry in 1997; the northwest wing received new windows, doors, roof and fascias. Commissioners recalled the site had been landmarked earlier in the commission’s history despite alterations. Some commissioners suggested contacting the new owners (described as planning to incorporate the house into a hotel) to explain the landmark status and outline restrictions and expectations.

Separately, commissioners raised concerns about the Gassaway House (also referenced as Gasaway/Gassaway in discussion), saying its exterior exhibited damaged clabbered (clapboard) boards, water damage and potential foundation issues despite a more recent roof replacement. Commissioners recommended that the outreach letter include an option to notify owners of observed maintenance or structural issues and request the owners’ plan for mitigation.

Chair Myers said staff could produce the general notification and the item would appear on a future agenda for formal consideration. The commission did not vote on removing or altering any landmark designations at this meeting; discussion centered on outreach, clarifying landmark constraints for owners and whether to consult the State Historic Preservation Office on particularly altered properties.

Clarifying details discussed during the meeting included the specific alteration dates for Doodlebug Ranch (additions in 1986–87 and 1997 remodeling) and that some original portions, such as a back garage area, remain intact. For the Gassaway House commissioners cited visible water-damage and suggested the letter call for the owner’s mitigation plan.

The commission asked staff to prepare a standard “landmark owner” information letter, and to consider producing a periodic reminder to owners about obligations and available preservation resources.