RFCA - Historic Eastside Churches
Department: Office of Historic Preservation
Department Head: Shanon Shea Miller
Council District Impacted: District 2
Subject: Resolution to initiate landmark designation for 28 historic Eastside churches and to provide a waiver of fees associated with the rezoning of the properties to include a historic zoning overlay.
Caption: A Resolution initiating landmark designation for 28 historic Eastside churches and providing a waiver of fees associated with the rezoning of the properties to include a historic zoning overlay. [Roderick Sanchez, Assistant City Manager; Shanon Shea Miller, Director, Office of Historic Preservation].
Summary: The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) approved a Finding of Historic Significance for 28 historic Eastside churches on April 5, 2017. This resolution requests direction from City Council to move forward with the historic landmark designation process for 28 historic Eastside church properties and a waiver of fees associated with the rezoning of the properties to include a historic zoning overlay.
Background Information: Through preliminary research and assessment of the area, the department identified 28 churches and congregations in District 2 that were potentially eligible for historic designation based on age. Sources included previous surveys, Sanborn Insurance Maps, city directories, and newspaper archives. The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) conducted a field survey in January 2017 and recorded photos and architectural descriptions for the church buildings. Staff then researched each congregation to better understand how locations and buildings have changed over time. Most of the identified churches are eligible for historic designation based on their age, architectural merit, or cultural significance.
On March 7, OHP held a public informational meeting hosted by New Light Baptist Church for the congregations and property owners of 28 Eastside churches that have been det...
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