Commission approves adaptive reuse of historic Masonic Temple

Commission to explore expanding downtown historic district

Historical markers for July 1970 deaths unveiled

New duplex approved near historic John G. Haskell House

Commission approves adaptive reuse of historic Masonic Temple

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Historic Resources Commission approved the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Masonic Temple at 1000 Massachusetts St. during its recent meeting. The commission voted 4-0, with one abstention, to allow structural alterations to the historic downtown building, which will be converted into a large congregate residence. The approved design includes opening historically infilled basement windows, adding recessed dormers to the roof, creating window openings on the north elevation and installing a metal canopy featuring historical signage. A long-standing impasse over the building's north elevation was also resolved, paving the way for the rehabilitation. Historic Resources Administrator Lynne Zollner noted that five years ago, the State Historic Preservation Office had indicated it would not approve adding windows to the north wall. However, after extensive collaboration with the Architectural Review Committee, the applicant designed acceptable window mullions that won state approval and satisfied the Secretary of the Interior Standards.

Commission to explore expanding downtown historic district

LAWRENCE, Kan. — City staff will investigate the process and cost of updating the Downtown Lawrence Historic District following requests from local developers. Commissioners noted the district's perimeter is currently jagged and its period of historical significance abruptly ends in 1955. Expanding the timeline and adjusting the boundaries could allow more downtown revitalization projects to qualify for historic tax credits. A staff report on potential avenues to proceed is expected by September.

Historical markers for July 1970 deaths unveiled

LAWRENCE, Kan. — An ad hoc committee established by the Lawrence City Commission has finalized plans to unveil educational markers commemorating the July 1970 deaths of Rick "Tiger" Dowdell and Harry Nicholas "Nick" Rice. According to the committee and historical records, both 19-year-olds lost their lives in fatal police shootings during a period of civil unrest. Dowdell, a Black student activist, was shot by a Lawrence police officer on July 16, 1970, while fleeing; Rice, a white University of Kansas freshman, was shot on July 20, 1970, when police fired into a crowd protesting Dowdell's death. While a coroner's inquest at the time ruled Dowdell's death justified and Rice's as caused by persons unknown, the city is formally honoring their lives and acknowledging the historical tragedies. The Dowdell marker was unveiled on Thursday, July 16, on East 10th Street in the public right of way near the former Salvation Army building. The Rice marker will be unveiled on Monday, July 20, on Oread Avenue near the water towers, marking the location of the historic shooting.

New duplex approved near historic John G. Haskell House

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A new construction permit for a two-family dwelling was unanimously approved for a vacant lot at 933 E. 14th St., located within the historic context area of the John G. Haskell House. The one-story structure will feature projecting porches and simple materials intended to blend with the neighborhood's existing character. The Historic Resources Commission voted 5-0 to issue a certificate of approval for the construction, noting it meets the city's design criteria and maintains a respectful distance from the listed historic property.

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