Historic Resources Commission approves massive The Place @ KU student housing project

Historic downtown Masonic Temple to be converted into residential units

Developer seeks new home for historic Reuter pipe organ inside Masonic Temple

Commission to study economic impact of historic context areas

Modern "kit house" approved for vacant East Lawrence lot

Historic Resources Commission approves massive The Place @ KU student housing project

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Historic Resources Commission voted to approve a controversial 82-unit student housing development, The Place @ KU, in the Oread neighborhood. The project, spanning properties on Ohio and Louisiana streets, would require the demolition of five existing buildings. While reluctance was expressed about the structure's scale and density, the commission noted the project aligns with a recent city rezoning that mandates high density in the area. The development team, which includes companies registered to local developer Doug Compton and KU Endowment, incorporated design revisions into the final plans, including the removal of front-angled parking to better align with the neighborhood design guidelines.

Historic downtown Masonic Temple to be converted into residential units

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The former Masonic Temple at 1001 Massachusetts St. is poised for an adaptive reuse project into residential units. The Historic Resources Commission reviewed initial plans for the vacant structure, which would use state historic tax credits while preserving the building's east facade. The commission forwarded the project to the Architectural Review Committee to address design issues, including proposed new windows in historic brick infill panels on the north elevation and ensuring new roof dormers are not visible from street level.

Developer seeks new home for historic Reuter pipe organ inside Masonic Temple

LAWRENCE, Kan. — As plans move forward to convert the former Masonic Temple into housing, the developer, a group led by Lawrence businessman Robert Wilson of Beckmeisters, LLC, and preservation advocates are seeking a new home for a historic Reuter pipe organ associated with the building. The instrument would not be incorporated into the new residential layout. Wilson is also working with local museums to preserve historic Masonic theater backdrops currently stored in the building's fly loft.

Commission to study economic impact of historic context areas

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Historic Resources Commission will conduct an economic impact study of historic "context areas" following pressure from the Lawrence City Commission to justify the regulatory zones. The commission indicated a desire to shift the program's focus from restrictive regulation toward positive reinforcement, including exploring local property tax incentives for homeowners who list properties on the local historic register. The study aims to provide data on whether the 250-foot context review areas effectively protect historic neighborhoods or primarily delay routine development.

Modern "kit house" approved for vacant East Lawrence lot

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A new single-family home inspired by historic catalog pattern books was unanimously approved for a vacant East Lawrence lot near Massachusetts Street. The Historic Resources Commission praised the design as an example of compatible contemporary infill. Despite general opposition to front-facing garages in historic districts, the commission granted an exception due to the lot's narrow, landlocked nature and a deep setback that minimizes the garage's visual impact from the street.

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