2001-60 DESIGNATING A HISTORIC DISTRICT - MACON PLACE

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ECONOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM N0. 01-55 June 18, 2001 TO: Historical and Architectural Sites Commission FROM: A. J. Krieger, Assistant City Manage a �.r SUBJECT: Macon Place Petition for Local Histonc District Designation A petition has been received from Macon Place for the designation of a historic district under the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 31 of the City Code). The proposed boundaries for the district (including eleve� structures) are indicated on the attached map. This petition was originally submitted in April of 2000 but was considered incomplete without a statement of significance. The statement of significance was received in May of 2001 at which time the designation process began. Designation of the proposed area will have a positive effect on the surrounding neighborhood. Protection of the architectural character under the terms of the ordinance can provide a stability to assure historical integrity and design quality. Historic district designation is a tool to facilitate reinvestment in the area. I No conflict exists with the current coinprehensive plan that encourages the creation of historic ', districts to preserve older neighborhoods. The 1990 Urban Area Land Use Plan designates the ', area as High Density Residential. The designation of a historic district does not change the land use designation or the current underlying zoning(R-6 Multiple Dwelling District). The proposed area is within the boundaries of the designated Decatur Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1976. The area was surveyed in the Spring of 1991 and all but one of the structures was found to contribute to the significance of the historic district. The National Register designation does not provide the same protection and review process as the local designation provides. However, both National Register designation and local designation provide eligibility for federal funding if available. Development of the Macon Place area began in the 1860's and continued until 1910. Many of the homes were the private residences of city leaders, prominent businessmen and even a congressman. There are a variety of architectural styles in the proposed district including Queen Anne, Prairie Style, Romanesque and Colonial Revival. These homes were built from local materials, crafted from local architects and builders and lived in by prominent citizens of the city. Several of the homes feature original decorative details, architectural design and craftsmanship that is unseen today. Since the proposed district has been reviewed for architectural and historic content on several occasions, architectural and historic significance, identification with persons who significantly contributed to the development of the City and the contiguous grouping of cohesive properties, eligibility has been securely established.