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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-24 AHPP ralph wilcox eligibility confirmation email1 Ratzlaff, Hannah K. From:Ratzlaff, Hannah K. Sent:Tuesday, July 25, 2023 8:01 AM To:'Ralph Wilcox' Subject:RE: 913 McMath Pizza Hut Ralph, Thanks! Wanted to be thorough in my review and double check. Hannah Ratzlaff Urban Designer & Historic District Commission Staff Planning & Development, 723 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 hratzlaff@littlerock.gov 501-371-4789 From: Ralph Wilcox <Ralph.Wilcox@arkansas.gov> Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 6:52 AM To: Ratzlaff, Hannah K. <hratzlaff@littlerock.gov> Subject: RE: 913 McMath Pizza Hut CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hannah- I’m not aware of any efforts to document/recognize Pizza Huts by the NPS. Given the fact that it was built in 1981, if it were to be listed it would need to be submitted under Criteria Consideration G. I don’t think that the NPS would accept a nomination for the building because I don’t think that it meets the threshold of exceptional significance. -Ralph RALPH S. WILCOX National Register & Survey Coordinator Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Arkansas Historic Preservation Program 1100 North Street Little Rock, AR 72201 ralph.wilcox@arkansas.gov p: 501.324.9880 | f: 501.324.9184 https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-historic-preservation-program 2 From: Ratzlaff, Hannah K. Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 4:15 PM To: Ralph Wilcox Subject: 913 McMath Pizza Hut Good aŌernoon Ralph, We’ve received a COA applicaƟon for the demoliƟon of the structure at 913 McMath. The structure was built as a Pizza Hut in 1981 and has maintained the same use unƟl the last two or so years. It’s now a vacant building but sƟll owned by Pizza Hut. The structure is non-contribuƟng to the MacArthur Park Historic District and is not independently listed, that I am aware of. However, I want to check with your team to see if there is any reason we should look into the historic and cultural significance of the building. This is what I have on it concerning its architecture and history: The structure is a Non-ContribuƟng resource idenƟfied in the 2007 NaƟonal Register survey form, PU2943. The building is oriented to face Interstate 30 and is frame construcƟon with brick veneer and siding on a conƟnuous foundaƟon. The structure has a rectangular plan with a hipped standing seam metal roof. The roof had a central built-up pyramid for the Pizza Hut sign which is no longer present. Windows are staƟonary in a trapezoidal shape, some being open corner windows. Several windows are horizontal and sliding to service a drive through. The rear of the building faces McMath and has a freezer addi Ɵon aƩached. The building originally displayed the 1970’s Pizza Hut tradiƟonal wood shake roof. In 1989, the building added a drive through. In 1996, the property was updated to the iconic “red roof” design conceptualized by architect Richard D. Burke in the late 1960s, and the wood shakes were replaced with red standing seam metal. The pizza company’s red roof architecture is recognizable across the United States. According to the company’s blog, Pizza Hut opened in Wichita, Kansas by two college-aged brothers who borrowed $600 from their mom. By 1971, Pizza Hut Inc. became the No. 1 pizza restaurant chain in the world in both sales and number of restaurants.” It seems like the 1970s and 1980s Pizza Hut architecture has become somewhat nostalgic and iconic. The one on McMath retains most of its historic integrity (related to the original design). Are you aware of any efforts by the NPS to idenƟfy and save these structures? I think the original Pizza Hut building in Wichita is listed, but not sure about other company sites. Thanks, Hannah Ratzlaff Urban Designer & Historic District Commission Staff Planning & Development, 723 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 hratzlaff@littlerock.gov 501-371-4789