Residents ask Warrensburg commission to back preservation of Cheatham-Phillips House

Sarah Smidt, a life‑long Warrensburg resident, University of Central Missouri alum and member of the Save the Cheatham Committee, asked the Warrensburg Historic Preservation Commission on June 24 to approve a resolution supporting preservation of the Cheatham‑Phillips House and to send that resolution to the property owner, the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Smidt read prepared remarks and called for a pause on removal plans while preservation options and private funding are explored.

Smidt cited a 1983 Historic Architecture Inventory Survey that contains information useful for a National Register nomination and relayed recommendations from Riley Price, executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation: that UCM delay removal plans, consider having its Construction Management program undertake restoration as a practical student project, and develop a National Register nomination so tax credits might become available. "This is our opportunity as a community to demonstrate that the past and progress can coexist," Smidt said.

Commissioner Roger Coleman distributed a draft resolution supporting preservation at the meeting. Barbara Carroll, director of community development, told the commission staff must first review the HPC's powers and duties under the City's ordinances to determine whether the commission has authority to adopt such a resolution. Carroll also said the commission could not act on a resolution at that meeting because the resolution was not on the published agenda.

Nancy Sams, speaking as a Save the Cheatham House committee member and a UCM alum and faculty member, said she believes UCM "was not acting in good faith" and alleged the university bought the property for the land rather than to preserve the house. No university representative spoke or responded during the meeting.

The record and attached materials show UCM purchased the house in 2016 and in April of 2026 solicited bids for sale and removal of the Cheatham‑Phillips House. Soliciting bids to move a house can preclude nomination to the National Register of Historic Places because moving the structure typically disqualifies it; speakers noted that listing on the National Register would not, by itself, prevent demolition but can make tax-credit‑assisted rehabilitation feasible.

City staff and commissioners discussed outreach options; Commissioner Mike Greife advised that Save the Cheatham Committee meet with UCM leadership. Coleman said the mayor had met with UCM President Best but that they "agreed to disagree." Carroll said staff would review the ordinance language and advise the commission on what actions are within its authority.

The draft Resolution submitted with the meeting record requests that UCM work with the City and community to create a plan for restoration and reuse of the Cheatham‑Phillips House and urges nomination to the National Register; the commission did not vote on the resolution at the June 24 meeting. The commission did not receive formal comment or a response from UCM at this session. Next procedural steps are staff review of commission authority and, if appropriate, placement of any resolution or related action on a future published agenda for formal consideration.