2002-21 DESIGNATING A LANDMARK LINCOLN SQUARE THEATRE AND INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS - 141-145 NORTH MAIN STREET

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ECONOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM No. 02-36 April 10,2002 TO: Honorable Mayor Terry M.Howley and City Council Members FROM: Steve Garm ity Manager A. J.Krieg ,Assistant City Manag Steve Van St enhuyse,AICP,Plann' anag� Kathy J.Miller,AICP,Planner Ka�, J SUBJECT: Designation of Lincoln Square Theatre and the IOOF Hall as a Local Landmark SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Based on the findings that the structure meets the criteria in section 4 (a), (d), (e) and (h) of Chapter 31 of the City Code and the Resolution of the Historical and Architectural Sites Commission finding the structure meets the criteria, staff recommends approval of the designation of Lincoln Square Theatre and the IOOF Hall as a local landmark. BACKGROUND: A valid petition seeking local landmark designation of the Lincoln Square Theatre and the IOOF Hall has been filed with the Historic Preservation Administrator. A written opinion as to the effect of the proposed designation on the surrounding neighborhood, the relationship to the City's Comprehensive Plan and a recommendation of approval of the designation as a local landmark was issued by the Director of the Economic and Urban Development Department. A public hearing was held on March 13, 2002, to receive evidence concerning the compliance of the proposed landmark with the criteria required for designation. The Historical and Architectural Sites Commission determined by Resolution that the proposed landmark meets the following criteria of Section 4: (a) It has character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City of Decatur, County of Macon; completed in 1916,the Lincoln Square Theatre was the first large scale playhouse in Decatur and Macon County featuring vaudeville productions, silent films, operas, "talkies"and movies. (d) It embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type,method of construction or use of indigenous materials; the building was constructed in a Classical Revival Style using light brown brickwork with terra cotta trim. Originally the upper level and the buildings surrounding the theatre featured terra cotta adornments and light colored brickwork that included two faces above the entrance representing comedy and tragedy. (e) It is identified as the work of a master designer, architect or landscape architect whose individual work has influenced the development of the City; prominent local architect Charles Aschauer designed the theatre as well as many other Decatur structures including Longview and the Staley Building. i