HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1985-002 Letter From AHPP To Mr. Rober Atkinson 11/27/1985ARKANSAS
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
PROGRAM
November 27, 1985
Mr. Robert Atkinson, Urban Designer
Office of Comprehensive Planning
City Hall
Markham at Broadway
Little Rock, AR 72201
RE: Certificate of Appropriateness Applications
David Randall Martinsen - 1002 Commerce Street
American Legion Post #1 - 522 Rock Street
Dear Robert:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the above referenced applications.
The professional staff of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program has re-
viewed the material submitted with the applications and has the following
comments:
* The proposal for the construction of a new garage at 1002 Commerce
Street by Mr. Martinsen should receive a Certificate Appropriateness.
This recommendation is based on our determination that the proposed
new structure's design is in keeping with the scale, form, materials
and location for other structures of this type in the district and
at the same time does not present a false sense of historicism by
replicating historic designs or details.
* We recommend that the application by the American Legion to build a
parking lot at 522 Rock Street be denied. This recommendation is
based on our determination that the development of this lot as a
parking lot is not appropriate. Because this property is located
at an intersection and near the edge of the district it is important
that any proposed development be of a scale and massing consistent
with the historic district (i.e. 2-3 story structures which display
a variety of facade rhythms and patterns). For this reason we feel
that options for the rehabilitation of the existing structure should
be fully explored and thus would recommend that the Commission delay
demolition as allowed for in Section 5C of the MacArthur Park
Historic District Local Ordinance. If a developer for the existing
structure cannot be found we would recommend that the property remain
open for future compatible development.
In regard to the condemnation process we would suggest that specific procedures
be developed for notification of the Commission when a building in the
MacArthur Park Historic District is being condemmed or considered for
condemnation by the City. It is important that the Commission be in close
Suite 200 • Heritage Center • 225 East Markham • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • Phone (501) 371-2763
A Division of the Department of Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage
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conference with the person responsible for making condemnation decisions so
that they may have every opportunity to find alternative proposals for the
structure in question.
Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on the above applications. If
you should have any questions regarding this letter please contact Bill Hall
of my staff at 371-2763.
Sincerely,
Wilson Stiles
tFrl- State Historic Preservation Officer
WS/st
cc: Cheryl Nichols