Flagstaff heritage commission accepts updated Phase 2 cultural resource study for 19 West Birch

The Heritage Preservation Commission accepted an updated Phase 2 cultural resource study for 19 West Birch Avenue during its June 17, 2026 meeting.

Commissioner Caitlyn Stewart (recusing from some matters) introduced the item and explained she would present changes requested by the commission. Caitlyn Stewart, owner and director of Cornerstone, described three requested elevation drawing changes and explained the firm's use of light-and-range (LAR) measurements and photogrammetry to create accurate floor plans and a 3D model. She demonstrated that LAR workflows can produce exterior drone surveys and interior floor-plan measurements and noted limitations of handheld captures and the need for post-processing to correct photogrammetry distortions.

Stewart also provided a brief update on the interpretive-trail work: Cornerstone is consulting with the Indigenous Commission and professors at Northern Arizona University and expects further site recommendations and community input in the coming months.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about drawing orientation and the addition of a north arrow. After confirming minor corrections would be made to elevation labels and orientation, a motion to accept the updated Phase 2 cultural resource report was made, seconded and approved by the commission.

The approval does not itself authorize demolition or other work; subsequent actions (including any certificate-of-appropriateness review) remained subject to further hearings and approvals.

— Reporting from the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting record.