Manhattan Historic Resources Advisory Board
Week of June 23, 2026
Board approves addition for Yuma Street Cultural Center
Zoning changes and exceptions clear path for Shepard Chapel project
Archaeological survey recommended before Yuma Street construction
Seven Dolors Church presents updated master plan
Proposed demolition of 1874 carriage house faces strong pushback
Hail damage prompts roof approvals in Lee Elementary district
Board seeks answers on stalled Historic Resources Plan
Sunset Cemetery historic nomination to be re-evaluated
Board to study impact of accessory dwelling units
Board approves addition for Yuma Street Cultural Center
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Historic Resources Board approved a major review for the rehabilitation and expansion of the historic Shepard Chapel on Yuma Street. The project, spearheaded by the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, will convert the 1916 Gothic Revival building into a cultural center featuring a commercial shared kitchen, entrepreneurial space and a community assembly area. The design features a modern stone-and-glass addition on the south side of the property, deliberately scaled down to preserve the visual prominence of the original limestone chapel. The board approved the project in a 5-0 vote, with one unnamed member abstaining due to their involvement with the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, and another unnamed board member, who served as the project architect, formally recusing himself.
Zoning changes and exceptions clear path for Shepard Chapel project
MANHATTAN, Kan. — To accommodate the new Yuma Street Cultural Center, the board endorsed rezoning the property from a medium-density residential district to a business commercial district. The board also approved a setback exception, reducing the requirement from 15 feet to 1.2 feet to match the existing 1916 building footprint, and a parking exception that lowers the required number of off-street spaces from 12 to seven. The project will now move to the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and Manhattan City Commission for final rezoning approval in July.
Archaeological survey recommended before Yuma Street construction
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Before excavation begins on the Yuma Street Cultural Center addition, the board strongly recommended developers conduct a Phase I archaeological survey on the undeveloped lot behind the chapel. Board members noted that sites active since the 1870s frequently contain discarded artifacts, historical outhouses or other significant underground features. While state and federal funding might trigger a formal historical review, the board encouraged involving Kansas State University archaeology students to monitor the site for potential discoveries.
Seven Dolors Church presents updated master plan
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Representatives for Seven Dolors Church presented an updated master plan during a board work session, outlining a new parish center and accessibility upgrades. The proposed rectangular facility, to be located on the corner of Houston and Juliette streets, would include an adoration chapel, meeting rooms and offices. The plan also features a modern elevator addition on the east side of the existing church to replace a failing lift system, a move designed to prepare the campus for its next century of use.
Proposed demolition of 1874 carriage house faces strong pushback
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A proposal by Seven Dolors Church to demolish an 1874 stone carriage house met significant resistance from both the board and the public. The church argued the structure no longer contributes to the neighborhood since the primary home was demolished in 1981, proposing instead to repurpose the stone into a courtyard wall. However, meeting participants warned that delisting and demolishing a historic building would be an "uphill battle" and urged the church to integrate the structure into its future construction plans.
Hail damage prompts roof approvals in Lee Elementary district
MANHATTAN, Kan. — City staff approved a minor review for roof replacements at 2048 and 2063 Hunting Ave. within the Lee Elementary Historic District. Both homes suffered substantial hail damage during a recent storm, necessitating the total removal of their three-tab shingles. The local ordinance governing the district requires design reviews for exterior changes, and staff approved the installation of higher-quality architectural shingles to maintain the neighborhood's aesthetic integrity.
Board seeks answers on stalled Historic Resources Plan
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Frustrated by a lack of action from the Manhattan City Commission, the Historic Resources Board announced plans to hold a future work session regarding the city's Historic Resources Plan. The board originally recommended the plan for adoption in August 2025, but the commission has not yet placed it on an agenda or taken formal action. Board members intend to discuss strategies to revive the plan and encourage city commissioners to implement the proposed preservation guidelines.
Sunset Cemetery historic nomination to be re-evaluated
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Historic Resources Board will revisit the stalled historic nomination of Sunset Cemetery in an upcoming work session. The nomination process originally began in 2018 but was halted after pushback from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Cemetery Board regarding ongoing maintenance at the site, including a debate over whether the cemetery's arch qualifies as a structure. Board members aim to clarify the current procedural status and determine the necessary steps to finalize the historic designation.
Board to study impact of accessory dwelling units
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Prompted by public comments, the Historic Resources Board will schedule a work session to examine the impact of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on Manhattan's historic neighborhoods. Residents expressed concern over how the city's proposed ADU regulations and updated land-use plans might affect the fabric of traditional districts, property investors and renters. Board members agreed that as the city navigates broader housing policy changes, the board must proactively address how those rules interact with historic preservation.
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