Draper Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - September 10, 2026

This meeting of the Draper Historic Preservation Commission covered the results of the Phase II Reconnaissance Level Survey, reviews of National Register nominations, budget discussions for the current and upcoming fiscal years, a recap of the Draper Days Historic Walking Tour, updates on various plaque and research projects, and planning for the upcoming Widowmaker plaque unveiling. The commission also coordinated with the Draper Historical Society and discussed progress on slavery in early Draper research.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

Reconnaissance Level Survey (RLS) – Phase II Results

• Kirk Huffaker of Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies presented the findings of the Phase II RLS. The survey evaluated approximately 423-439 primary buildings within the city, with 62% (269 buildings) deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The survey also inventoried all outbuildings, bringing total contributing resources to 56%. The vast majority of surveyed structures (67%) were built in the post-war period (1945-1977). The commission noted the high concentration of contributing properties along streets like Relation and Boulder and discussed potential for small historic districts. Recommendations included targeting these areas for future intensive-level surveys and expanding public education about post-war architecture.

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Reviews

• The commission reviewed nomination paperwork for the Isaac Stewart House and the Smith-Steadman House (Dina Williams’ home). No changes were requested from the commission; staff will notify the state historic preservation office (SHIPO) of the commission’s approval, pending SHIPO’s redlines.

Budget Review – FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027

• Staff presented the budget for the prior fiscal year, noting that the $15,000 allocation plus an additional $5,000 for the RLS was largely spent. Remaining funds of approximately $1,500 will carry over for final RLS deliverables. The proposed FY 2026/2027 budget includes funds for a video tour of the Spins Rasmus House, plaques for the two National Register nominations (pending approval), and printing for walking tour images. With remaining funds, the commission discussed using the RLS results to select properties for intensive-level surveys or nominations, possibly by architectural theme. A broader discussion on establishing a historic district in Draper highlighted challenges: state law requires a high threshold of property owner consent, and past efforts in other cities faced opposition due to perceived restrictions on renovations. The commission agreed to continue budget discussions at the next meeting.

Draper Days Historic Walking Tour Recap

• The walking tour on August 13, 2026 was deemed a success with steady crowds and positive feedback, especially from families with young children. The ability to enter buildings (e.g., Park School) was a highlight. Several residents suggested offering paid tours similar to Salt Lake County’s model. One attendee also requested that the rodeo include more Draper history. The commission will explore the idea with the Draper Historical Society.

Draper Historical Society Coordination

• Elizabeth was absent, but others reported that the Historical Society hosted a well-attended presentation on Draper history at the senior center, and a new monthly series is planned starting September 25, 2026. Additionally, a resident contacted the commission with records from the Draper Irrigation Company; staff will connect him with the Historical Society.

Draper Bank Sign

• The sign is still stored in Nancy’s garage. The commission agreed to contact the bank manager (now a Deseret Bank branch) to arrange a meeting to discuss possibly returning or displaying the sign.

Widowmaker Plaque Update and Decisions

• Jason reported that Kelly (city staff) confirmed David Wilkes can assist with logistics. The county will provide restroom cleaning but cannot close park amenities. The commission voted to set the plaque unveiling ceremony for October 10, 2026. Planning details will be worked out, including coordination with the Kimball family, the local motorcycle club (Bees Club), potential sponsors for water/snacks, and use of city speakers and chairs. A secondary planning meeting (likely on a Wednesday in September) will be scheduled, with public notice required. Staff will notify the county and other partners of the date.

Walk Through Video Tour of Historic Buildings

• No updates. The commission awaits readiness from the property owners (likely the Spins Rasmus House family).

Dominguez-Escalante Expedition Article

• Wendy has prepared a draft article about the expedition. She will send it along with a map (instead of a painting) to Alex for inclusion in the next city newsletter.

Draper Ethnic and Minority History Research

• David was absent; he will provide an update at the next meeting.

Slavery in Early Draper

• Wendy reported progress on identifying graves of enslaved individuals in the Draper cemetery. She has been in contact with Robert Birch of Sema Hadithi, an organization focused on African American genealogy. The group is interested in conducting ground-penetrating radar to verify unmarked graves and placing a marker. Staff will coordinate with the city recorder (who manages the cemetery) and may need city approval. The commission also discussed creating a webpage on the city site to share information about the Bankhead family (enslaved people in early Draper). Additional genealogical findings were shared: one child adopted by the family was buried alongside the slave graves.

America250

• The project has concluded; the commission disbanded, as the 250th anniversary celebration has passed.

Walking Tour Brochures

• David was absent; no update.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed: Set the Widowmaker plaque unveiling ceremony for October 10, 2026 (approved unanimously).
• Direction Given: Staff to notify the county, Kelly, and the Kimball family of the date; Jason to rework the planning spreadsheet and start a new email thread; a secondary planning meeting to be scheduled for a Wednesday in September.
• Budget Continuation: The budget will be carried over for discussion at the next regular meeting.
• Action Items:
  • Inform the state preservation office of no changes to the Isaac Stewart and Smith-Steadman nominations.
  • Nancy and potentially Lynn to contact Deseret Bank about the Draper Bank sign.
  • Wendy to send the Dominguez-Escalante article and map, and information on slavery research for the website and Sema Hadithi partnership.
  • Staff to check on snack funding (city may provide snacks).