Historic Resources Commission recommends changes to East Lawrence design guidelines

Affordable housing project drives historic district zoning adjustments

Commission drops 'stories' from building height regulations

New rules maintain Poehler Building as district focal point

Commissioners split over developer-driven guideline changes

Attorney advises of future zoning requests for final East Lawrence parcel

Funding constraints delay East Lawrence historic survey

Historical markers for Nick Rice and Rick 'Tiger' Dowdell arrive in Lawrence

Historic Resources Commission recommends changes to East Lawrence design guidelines

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Historic Resources Commission voted 5-2 to recommend text amendments altering height and density regulations in the Pennsylvania Street Redevelopment Area. The changes, aimed at facilitating a new affordable housing project, will head to the Lawrence City Commission for final approval. The updated guidelines allow for increased building heights on specific lots while eliminating previous density caps to align the historic overlay with the city's newly adopted Land Development Code.

Affordable housing project drives historic district zoning adjustments

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A proposed affordable housing development at Ninth and Delaware streets was the primary catalyst for the recent changes to the design guidelines. Developer Tony Krsnich of Flint Hills Holdings requested the text amendments to accommodate a four-story structure that relies on low-income housing tax credits. Patrick Watkins, an attorney representing the developer, noted the project has already secured significant funding from the Affordable Housing Advisory Board but required technical zoning solutions — specifically related to height and density limits — to proceed.

Commission drops 'stories' from building height regulations

LAWRENCE, Kan. — In a move to simplify historic district regulations, the Historic Resources Commission voted to remove references to the number of "stories" a building can have, focusing instead on strict height limits. The approved amendment caps new construction at 48 feet, explicitly including parapets. Commissioners argued that architectural massing and total height matter more for historic compatibility than the specific number of floors a developer fits inside a structure.

New rules maintain Poehler Building as district focal point

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Despite allowing taller structures in the Pennsylvania Street Redevelopment Area, the new design guidelines ensure the historic Poehler Building remains the visual centerpiece of the neighborhood. The Historic Resources Commission approved language stipulating that structures up to 48 feet tall must be built on lots larger than half an acre and located at least 220 feet away from the Poehler Building, which stands at nearly 56 feet tall.

Commissioners split over developer-driven guideline changes

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The proposal to alter the historic design guidelines passed with a 5-2 split vote, with commissioners Phil Cunningham and Jeanne Klein opposed. The dissenting commissioners expressed concern about continually altering established design guidelines, arguing the original guidelines, crafted with significant public input, should remain intact rather than being adjusted on a project-by-project basis.

Attorney advises of future zoning requests for final East Lawrence parcel

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Pennsylvania Street Redevelopment Area is nearing full build-out, but one final property could prompt future zoning debates. Patrick Watkins, an attorney representing developer Tony Krsnich, told the Historic Resources Commission that the Kennedy Glass property is the last major parcel slated for redevelopment in the district. Watkins indicated his clients already have plans for the site, advising the commission that the proposed project will likely require additional text amendments and comprehensive plan changes in the near future.

Funding constraints delay East Lawrence historic survey

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A highly anticipated historic survey of the East Lawrence neighborhood remains delayed due to funding constraints and ongoing city projects. City staff confirmed that the next survey cannot begin until the current University Place survey is completed. Additionally, the city lacks the 40 percent matching funds required to apply for a Historic Preservation Fund grant this year, pushing potential grant applications for the East Lawrence survey to 2027.

Historical markers for Nick Rice and Rick 'Tiger' Dowdell arrive in Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Historical markers honoring Harry Nicholas "Nick" Rice and Rick "Tiger" Dowdell have officially been delivered to the city's parks and culture department. Dowdell and Rice were shot and killed by Lawrence police in separate incidents on July 16 and July 20, 1970, respectively, during a period of civil unrest in Lawrence. City staff are currently working with the victims' families to plan formal dedication ceremonies, which are expected to take place on or near the anniversaries of their deaths.

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