LPA Documentation Project Of NAACP Sites to Expand

An LPA project to document properties lived in by the original members of the Lawrence Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1921 is expanding its scope. The original phase of work, led by LPA Board member and KU Associate Professor in Architecture Amy Van de Riet, is complete, including research, survey work and photography for the 35 properties identified within the Lawrence city limits. The study shows that 20 of those structures no longer exist, and of the 15 that do, seven are likely to be eligible for some level of historic listing.

The project is funded by a 2024 state grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, with matching funds provided by LPA and in-kind services by Amy. The project is also providing paid professional experiences for two KU Masters of Architecture students.

All founders’ property data has been uploaded to the Kansas Historic Resources Inventory (KHRI). While several of the existing properties are not seen as eligible for historic listing currently, changes could be made—generally replacement of inappropriate siding alterations—that would likely make them eligible. However, the original project goal of creating a Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPDF) for the founders’ properties would be unmet due to the small number of properties currently considered to be eligible for listing.

Because there still are project funds available, Amy, after consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has decided to expand from a strictly NAACP Founders scope to a broader one for African-American Heritage in Lawrence. Reconnaissance survey work is now underway on an additional group of approximately 30 city properties, some already listed and some not, to round out this important MPDF. As with the first group of properties, this new data will also be uploaded to the KHRI. Once the expanded MPDF is accepted by SHPO, likely in early spring 2026, any future property nominations that will fit within the African-American Heritage in Lawrence theme will be able to cite this MPDF for historical background and context as a preface to providing information specific to the newly nominated property.

LPA’s excitement for this important project has never wavered. We appreciate the hard work to date that has allowed more research than originally called for to be completed within the original project budget. We look forward to bringing you more of the project’s findings once work is completed next spring.