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Commission discusses Bridal Rigby House survey and prioritizes possible landmark properties
Summary
The commission reviewed the stalled rezoning and survey status for the Bridal Rigby House and discussed a prioritized list of potential landmark properties (Don Woods houses, an Adobe building, Kiva House, commercial buildings and Elks Lodge), agreeing to pursue surveys and owner outreach.
Commissioners spent a substantial portion of the March 10 meeting prioritizing properties for potential landmark designation and updating the status of the Bridal Rigby House rezoning.
Staff reported that corrections and comments on the Bridal Rigby House application were sent to the property owner and that the rezoning process has slowed while the owner considers the feedback; a commissioner said the owners are expecting contact from a surveyor. Commissioners agreed to perform a follow-up survey to determine whether changes since the 2014 survey affect eligibility, and two commissioners planned a site visit after the storms to document conditions.
The group discussed a longer list of candidate properties for assessment, including multiple houses designed by architect Don Woods, an Adobe building near Broken Arrow that may date to the 1960s, the Kiva House (which was noted as currently for sale), commercial buildings such as the structure that houses Nick's restaurant under new owners, and the Elks Lodge. Commissioners debated eligibility thresholds (the usual 50-year rule) and noted that exceptional architectural or historical significance can outweigh strict age thresholds when a property is close to but not yet 50 years old.
Commissioners agreed that initial reconnaissance surveys can be done by willing commissioners using a fillable application form; staff said the full, in-depth survey is often performed by a consultant when required. The commission noted that owner interest matters: some property owners decline landmark recognition, which affects whether an item can or should be pursued immediately.
Staff also said a fillable application form exists (noted as not published online yet) and that FY26 budget money has been set aside for landmarking work, though funds in the current fiscal year expire June 30. Commissioners instructed staff to agendize ordinance-language changes to explicitly allow site landmarking (recognition of locations where historic structures once stood or are not conventional buildings) for a future meeting.
