Manhattan Planning and Zoning Board
Week of August 13, 2026
Zoning board approves setback exception for historic church elevator
Church elevator project to preserve historic facade elements
Zoning board approves setback exception for historic church elevator
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a setback exception for a new elevator addition at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in the Houston-Pierre Street Historic District. The Catholic Diocese of Salina requested the exception to reduce the northern interior side setback to 3 feet for the church, located at 221 S. Juliette Ave. Applicant Brayson Benne of Olsson told the board the existing 1989 personnel lift, which he said frequently traps occupants, must be replaced with a small commercial elevator to navigate the building's three levels. The board approved the measure 4-0 after confirming the addition would not impede alley traffic or negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood.
Church elevator project to preserve historic facade elements
MANHATTAN, Kan. — As part of the newly approved elevator addition at 221 S. Juliette Ave., project developers will relocate existing architectural elements to preserve the historic building's character. Seven Dolors Catholic Church, listed on the state and national historic registers as a contributing structure, will have three windows displaced by the new elevator vestibule moved to the facade facing Juliette Avenue. Additionally, large HVAC units and elevator equipment will be moved to the roof of the new addition and structurally screened from public view, a design plan previously endorsed by the Manhattan Historic Resources Board.
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