Draper City Preservation Commission Meeting - March 19, 2026

The Draper City Preservation Commission met on March 19, 2026, at 6:12 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including a reconnaissance-level survey update, walking tour proposals, historical society coordination, Juneteenth article progress, and demolition permits. Commissioners also received updates on the Akagi family history research, the widowmaker plaque project, and inventory efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• A motion was passed to move agenda items 3D and 3E after 3A to allow Commissioner Nancy to leave early.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Reconnaissance Level Survey Phase 2 Kickoff: Kirk Huffbaker of Preservation Strategies presented the methodology for Phase 2 of the city's reconnaissance-level survey. The survey will evaluate 423 properties built before 1975 across Draper. Fieldwork is planned through the end of April 2026, with a draft report due by June 30, 2026. The survey will document architectural style, form, materials, and integrity from the public right-of-way, with no access to private property. Properties may be skipped if not visible or if gated. No opt-out is available. The survey will not impose restrictions on property owners.
• Kimball's Station Walking Tour: Nancy proposed adding homes in the Kimball's Lane area to the walking tour program. She conducted preliminary research with the historical society and identified several potential properties, including the station master's house and homes with historical stories (e.g., a property reportedly struck by a meteor). The group discussed creating a separate tour for the area. Commissioner noted the reconnaissance level survey data would provide construction dates.
• Historical Society Coordination: Updates from the historical society meeting included contact with a descendant of Ebenezer Brown, plans for a banquet (likely in June or July) with period music possibly from a private music school, and a status update on a $3,000 oral history grant which is on hold. Inventory dates were discussed: a next inventory is scheduled for March 30, 2026, from 6-8 PM.
• National Register of Historic Places: Chapel by the Wayside was officially placed on the National Register. A contract with Coral for two new nominations is being finalized.
• Juneteenth Article: Commissioner Wendy is working on an article about George Bankhead and enslaved people in Draper for Draper Forward. The article is currently 1,200 words, but the publication only allocates 500 words. The group agreed to publish a shortened version in print and the full article on the city website, allowing for more images and future updates. Research is ongoing to determine if Bankhead brought his children to Draper.
• Akagi Family History Research: Commissioner David Van reported renewed contact with Mike Akagi, who is recovering from surgery. Akagi has given permission to scan his photo albums but has not yet decided whether to donate the originals to the historical society. The group discussed documenting the tithing house on the former Akagi farm, as previous efforts to get the owner interested in the National Register stalled.
• Widowmaker Plaque Update: A signed agreement with the county was obtained. Public works and parks departments will handle installation in-house. The commission approved a bid for the mounting plate costing $830. A dedication ceremony is planned once installed, possibly involving the Kimball family.
• Demolition Permits: Edge Homes has demolition permits for four homes near the Kimball's FrontRunner station, including Lynn Kimball's house. Three permits are active. The building at 11611 South 900 East is not historical. The commission noted that documentation via photos and the reconnaissance survey is sufficient.
• Historic Bricks: Sherry Smith of one of the Smith historic homes on Reliance Street is offering historic bricks from the Carlisle home in Alpine for sale to support preservation work. No CLG grants were awarded this year.

Key Outcomes

• The bid for the widowmaker plaque mounting plate ($830) was approved to order.
• Nancy will attend the next historical society meeting to relay updates.
• Commissioner will share the document on Kimball's area homes with the commission.
• Annie will coordinate the next inventory day with the historical society.
• Krista will attend the America 250 meetings.
• Wendy will continue working on the Juneteenth article for Draper Forward and the website.
• David will scan the Mike Akagi photographs and work on the Tembo history.