Sedona commission compiles list of candidate landmarks, plans outreach to property owners

The Sedona Historic Preservation Commission reviewed a list of candidate properties for possible landmark designation and agreed to continue outreach and documentation work before taking formal action. Commissioners named several properties they will prioritize for owner contact and further research, and staff said many potential nominations will require owner buy-in.

Commissioners discussed specific buildings including Nick’s restaurant (owner Jonathan Bork), the Elks Lodge, the House of 7 Arches, Gasaway House, Woodcock House, Schnebly properties, and Sky Lodge. Several commissioners said owners of some candidate properties have expressed interest; others have been unresponsive or are constrained by organizational ownership. The Elks Lodge, for example, is owned by the national Elks organization and any decisions require approval from higher-level officers, commissioners said.

Commissioners noted the city’s 50-year threshold for demolition review and said properties that reach that age may become eligible for landmark consideration. Members agreed to divide outreach tasks: one commissioner will follow up with the owner of Nick’s, another will contact the House of 7 Arches owner, and staff will try to locate ownership records for a boarded property above Hillside Shops that commissioners said they have been unable to identify.

The commission did not vote on any landmark designations at the meeting. Instead it prioritized further surveys, owner contact, and preparation of documentation for future agenda items.