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Planning staff present South Haymarket local landmark proposal; property owners back inclusion of block
Summary
Lincoln planning staff presented a proposal to designate the South Haymarket area as a local landmark district, citing preservation benefits and tax-credit incentives.
Lincoln planning staff presented a proposal to designate the South Haymarket area as a local landmark district at the April 21 City Council meeting, citing preservation, redevelopment incentives and relief from certain floodplain standards for contributing properties.
David Carey, director of the Planning Department, introduced the item and said it implements recommendations from the South Haymarket neighborhood plan adopted in 2016. Paul Barnes and Jill Dahlberg of the planning department outlined the district’s industrial and community-development significance and the protections landmarking provides.
Jill Dahlberg, historic preservation planner, told the council that landmark districts cover “areas of multiple buildings with shared historic or architectural significance” and that designation allows for design review by the Historic Preservation Commission and for property owners pursuing state and federal historic tax credits. Dahlberg said contributing properties can gain flexibility for reuse and that “contributing properties do not need to meet floodplain requirements when they're rehabilitating historic buildings,” which can aid rehabilitation projects.
Dahlberg also recommended amending the nomination to treat 631 L Street as a contributing building; she said the building shares materials and massing with the adjacent structure despite being built later than the typical 50-year guideline. Kent Secrest, representing B and J Properties (also known as Speedway Properties), said his firm supports creation of the district and wants the 631 L property included. Secrest said the owner hopes to partner with the city’s new park development to redevelop the block and pursue state and federal tax credits.
No public opposition was recorded in the meeting minutes shown on the transcript. Planning staff noted the nomination had received a unanimous 9-0 recommendation from the Planning Commission on April 2 and no testimony in opposition at that hearing.
The item was presented for council consideration; staff said they support the designation and recommended council approval. No final council vote on the landmark nomination is recorded in the provided transcript excerpt for the April 21 meeting.
