Historic resources board renews push for preservation plan adoption

Conservation district protections remain in preservation plan

Board member proposes local guide for historic homeowners

Board approves new Catholic parish center in historic district

Woolworth building sign approval causes board 'heartburn'

Luckey High School sign modifications approved

City commission to discuss Sunset Cemetery historic status

Interior remodel approved for Riley County office building

Historic resources board renews push for preservation plan adoption

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Historic Resources Board unanimously passed a motion Tuesday recommending the city commission adopt the city's first historic preservation plan. The document, funded by a $50,000 state grant, has sat unadopted since the board first recommended it a year ago. Board members and public commenters expressed frustration over the delay, emphasizing the plan's importance in maintaining Manhattan's status as a Certified Local Government and guiding future urban development codes. City staff noted that while the document lacks legal weight on its own, its adoption is essential for establishing future code language.

Conservation district protections remain in preservation plan

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Language supporting the creation of neighborhood conservation districts has been officially restored to the Manhattan Historic Preservation Plan, a move praised by residents of older neighborhoods. The districts would allow neighborhoods like East Park to craft custom design guidelines and zoning protections to stabilize their areas without requiring full historic district designation. Advocates argued the tool is necessary to protect traditional neighborhoods from being subdivided or losing their architectural character as development pressures increase.

Board member proposes local guide for historic homeowners

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A Manhattan Historic Resources Board member proposed creating a local architectural guide to help Manhattan residents maintain the character of their historic properties. The suggested document would provide homeowners with visual guides to local architectural styles, appropriate paint colors and suitable replacement materials. While the National Park Service offers broad preservation briefs, city staff confirmed Manhattan currently lacks a localized resource focused on vernacular architecture for residents whose homes are approaching the 50-year historic mark.

Board approves new Catholic parish center in historic district

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A new parish center for the Catholic Diocese of Salina received a unanimous recommendation for a building permit from the Manhattan Historic Resources Board. The facility will be constructed on a vacant lot at 204 S. Juliette Ave. in the Houston and Pierre Streets Residential Historic District. City planners noted the new structure's massing and materials will complement the surrounding neighborhood and the nearby Luckey High School. An existing historic carriage house on the property will also be preserved, restored and incorporated into the project. During the approval, board members stressed the importance of archaeological monitoring for ground-disturbing developments in historic districts, as the site previously housed two homes that were demolished in the 1980s. Board members noted that because older demolition practices often left foundations intact beneath the surface, developers working in historic areas should employ qualified monitors to identify and preserve any unmarked archaeological materials during excavation.

Woolworth building sign approval causes board 'heartburn'

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A sign permit approved by city staff for the historic Woolworth building at 316 Poyntz Ave. drew criticism from Manhattan Historic Resources Board members, though the permit has already been issued. The approved sign for Manhatchet will cover a set of second-story windows, a move the applicant claimed was necessary to secure the upper floors. Board members expressed frustration that the sign obscures the building's architectural features, with a board member noting it caused them "heartburn." However, city staff clarified the sign is removable, mounts into the mortar joints and fully complies with zoning codes.

Luckey High School sign modifications approved

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Luckey High School at 220 S. Juliette Ave. will receive an updated sign following a minor review approval by city staff. The modifications include slightly raising the height of the existing sign and adding a new digital component. The property is located within the Houston and Pierre Streets Residential Historic District, but staff noted the sign itself is not historic and the proposed changes fully comply with city sign codes.

City commission to discuss Sunset Cemetery historic status

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission is expected to hold a work session in September regarding the potential historic nomination of Sunset Cemetery. Preservation advocates have actively pushed for the cemetery to be added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places, arguing it holds significant aesthetic, historical and cultural value. City staff noted the upcoming session will review recommendations from the Manhattan Historic Resources Board and the Manhattan Cemetery Board to provide city commissioners with a complete chronology of the preservation efforts.

Interior remodel approved for Riley County office building

MANHATTAN, Kan. — An interior remodel of the Courthouse Plaza East building at 115 N. Fourth St. was approved through a minor historic review. The Downtown Manhattan Historic District building originally served as a telephone company office. City staff noted the interior has been heavily modified in the past and no longer contains any character-defining historic features, allowing the remodel to proceed without impacting the structure's historic integrity.

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