Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - October 15, 2024

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of the City of Joplin met on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting included a public hearing on a local landmark nomination, a certificate of appropriateness application, and discussions on the Certified Local Government (CLG) forum, realtor training, the future of Memorial Hall, a citywide banners program, and updates on downtown properties.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from September 17 and September 25 were approved unanimously (motion by Mr. Huff, second by Mr. Bruckner).
• Excusal of Members: Dr. Fisher and Ms. Frankowski were excused from the meeting (motion by Mr. Bruckner, second by Dr. Mounts).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 117 North Moffat Avenue – Local Landmark Nomination: Linda Mosley, the property owner, spoke in favor of the nomination. She noted that the house, an American Foursquare, was significantly expanded by Wilbur Weeks in the 1920s. Staff recommended nomination under criteria #3 (identification with a person of significance) and #5 (work of a builder/architect). The commission discussed naming conventions, ultimately approving a dual designation: the “Wilbur Weeks House” (motion by Mr. Bruckner, second by Mr. Huff, unanimous).
• 106 South Main – Certificate of Appropriateness: The applicant (not named in transcript) presented a request to replace a damaged storefront with a single door and clear glass, matching existing bronze metal finishes. No public testimony was given against the application.

Discussion Items

• CLG Forum: Staff confirmed registration for the upcoming forum and transportation arrangements. Several members indicated tentative attendance.
• Realtor Training: Scheduled for October 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (morning and evening sessions). The commission discussed whether the training would count toward CLG requirements; staff is awaiting confirmation.
• Memorial Hall: Commissioner reported on a presentation to City Council on October 5. A group of about 100 supporters is organizing to speak at council meetings on October 21 and November 4. The commission encouraged attendance to show support for preserving the hall. Council is expected to make a decision after the November 4 meeting.
• North Heights Public Meeting: Scheduled for October 17 at 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church to discuss grant surveys for the neighborhood.
• Banners Program: A presentation showed sample banner designs for downtown, midtown, and south town districts. Commissioners preferred designs that prominently feature the Joplin “J” logo with district names in smaller text. They recommended matching the fonts used in existing street-level district signage for consistency. The banners are temporary (annual replacements).
• 405 Main – Paint Issue: Staff reported that the property owner painted the facade without a certificate of appropriateness. The color used (light red) is not on the approved palette. The owner is now applying for a certificate to change to an approved color (Benjamin Moore HC-181 red). The commission discussed the need to proactively inform businesses in historic districts about design guidelines, possibly via business license notifications.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Local Landmark Designation (117 N Moffat): Unanimous vote to designate the property as the “Wilbur Weeks House” (dual name). The nomination will proceed to Planning and Zoning Commission (November 11) and then to City Council.
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness (106 S Main): Unanimous vote to approve the storefront replacement as presented. The certificate will be issued by staff upon final review.
• Directed Staff: To explore a mechanism for notifying new businesses in historic districts of design requirements (e.g., via business license applications).
• Next Steps for Memorial Hall: Commissioners will speak at City Council meetings on October 21 and November 4 to advocate for preservation.

Announcements

• Third Thursday event on October 17 with 148 vendors and 35 food vendors.
• Upcoming performances at the complex: piano concert on October 17, Broadway-inspired show on October 27 (featuring Benny Banak III, Stella Cole, and others).
• Rooftop open mic on October 24 at the complex (outdoor heaters provided).
• Thank you to Downtown Joplin Alliance for their volunteer expo.