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 N0. 02-18 February 18, 2002 TO: Historical and Architectural Sites Commission FROM: A. J. Krieger,Assistant City Manag �''r SUBJECT: Lincoln Square Theatre Petition for Local Landmark Designation An application has been received from Cory Wilmot requesting the designation of the Lincoln Square Theatre and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall as a local landmark under the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 31 of the City Code). The proposed landmark meets the criteria required for designation. The finding is based on the heritage of the structure which meets criteria established in Section 4 (a), (d), (e), and(h) of Chapter 31 as follows: (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. (h) It embodies elements of design, detailing, materials or craftsmanship that make it structurally or architecturally significant or innovative; the theatre building was encased in a two-foot thick gypsum fire wall to ensure the safety of the theatre and its patrons. Chapter 31 requires the Director of Economic and Urban Development to file a written opinion as to the (1) effect of the proposed designation on the surrounding neighborhood, (2) the relationship of said proposal to the Comprehensive Plan, and (3) any other planning considerations relevant to the proposal.