9.A.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 01/07/2025
- Co-Submitter:
- Lauren Clementino
- From:
- Sara Dechter, AICP, Comprehensive Planning Manager
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-01: A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council, listing 101 North Leroux Street, 103 North Leroux Street, 8 West Aspen Avenue, and 12 West Aspen Avenue on the Flagstaff Register of Historic Places
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Read Resolution No. 2024-53 by title only
- City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2024-53 by title only (if approved above)
- Adopt Resolution No. 2024-53
Executive Summary:
In 2017, the Heritage Preservation Officer, Karl Eberhard, determined that the rehabilitation of 101 N Leroux and 103 N Leroux had made the buildings eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The property owner has given permission for the City of Flagstaff to list the property on the Flagstaff Register of Historic Places.
Financial Impact:
This will make the property eligible for federal exemptions from some flood regulations and if the property owner pursues State listing, the property would be eligible for the State Historic Property Tax Program.
Policy Impact:
The City of Flagstaff has had the authority to list properties on the Local Register of Historic Places through City Code 1-21. This part of the Code has not been used since at least 2006. Staff developed an abbreviated form for nomination based on the NPS Form 10-900. Additional research would be needed before a state or federal listing could be requested. Being listed on a local register does not create any obligation or restrictions for the property owner but does allow property owners to be eligible for grants and for exemptions from the 50% improvement restriction for properties in the floodplain.
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
The Heritage Preservation Commission created a subcommittee to review the application as required by City Code 1-21 on November 20, 2024. The subcommittee met on December 2, 2024 and The Heritage Preservation Commission recommended on December 18, 2024 that the City Council approve the listing.
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
If the Council chooses not to list the property then the property will no longer be eligible for exemptions to the FEMA 50% restriction on improvements for properties in the floodplain that do not meet the current floodplain standards. FEMA updated their regulations in late 2020 so eligible properties can no longer receive this exemption. Only properties listed on the local, State or National Register are eligible.
Background and History:
The property falls just outside the Railroad Addition National Register Historic District. In 1986, when the area was inventoried for historic properties, the building had been extensively modified and therefore was considered ineligible. Since then, the property owner has undertaken several improvements that have removed inappropriate architectural changes and restored the 1920s look and feel of the building to the extent practical. This has included revealing and repairing historic windows and sculptures, repairing and improving brick and stucco work, and compatible improvements to the entrance. The property was deemed eligible for the National Register by the Heritage Preservation Officer in 2017. The Flagstaff Register of Historic Places uses the same criteria for listing as the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources. Listing in the National Register places no federal restrictions or requirements on a private property owner (Source: National Park Service), Listing on the State and Local Register likewise add no additional restrictions. The property at 101 and 103 N Leroux and 8 and 12 W Aspen are already subject to the provisions of the Downtown Overlay which was established in 1998.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources. Listing in the National Register places no federal restrictions or requirements on a private property owner (Source: National Park Service), Listing on the State and Local Register likewise add no additional restrictions. The property at 101 and 103 N Leroux and 8 and 12 W Aspen are already subject to the provisions of the Downtown Overlay which was established in 1998.
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
"Achieve a well-maintained community through comprehensive and equitable code compliance and development." By keeping up with maintenance and improvements on the property, the property owner is able to avoid code compliance issues.
Connection to Regional Plan:
Policy CC.2.2. Formally recognize heritage resources through designation as local landmarks and historic districts. - The Flagstaff Register of Historic Places has been minimally used in favor of the State and National register process. However, that process takes over a year to complete and recognition on a local register can be offered to property owners more quickly as a step in the direction of National recognition.
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
Not applicable
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
This building provides some of the few residential apartments in Downtown Flagstaff and supporting its continued maintenance preserves these historic housing units.