Commission considers pursuing state CLG subgrant for National Register nominations

City staff invited the Landmarks Commission to consider applying for a state Certified Local Government (CLG) subgrant that could fund surveys and National Register nominations for locally eligible properties.

Charlie explained the CLG subgrant is funded through federal sources passed to the state and that awards for the application cycle would likely be announced in January 2027 for work in 2027–28. He identified potentially eligible properties from the 2013 intensive survey, including the Brickson and Dick's duplexes near Scott and Wabash Avenues (nine duplexes built during World War II), the Claude and Eiler Schmidt House (1021 Downing Drive, Wright‑influenced 1966 design), and the David Bart house (1381 Harris Drive, built in 1976). He stressed that National Register nominations require property‑owner consent and that a majority of owners in a district could block a nomination if they object.

Charlie said staff capacity exists to start outreach, including an intern who could prepare homeowner letters. He told the commission, “If we're going to apply for a grama, we really want the property owners to state that they do not object before we start so we don't get into it and have spent money and then not have a grant.” Commissioners expressed support for outreach and public education about benefits such as eligibility for historic preservation tax credits and private grant opportunities, and asked staff to proceed with contacting owners and exploring a possible state presentation to homeowners.

The commission did not vote formally but recommended staff begin outreach and report back.