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.

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Membership dollars at Work

Membership dollars at Work

Lawrence Preservation Alliance has donated $2,500 to the Municipal Stadium at Hobbs Park Legacy Project. This fund was created to support the writing of a nomination of the old 1947 baseball park at 11th and Delaware Street to both the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places. LPA joins other groups such as the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, the Watkins Museum of History, the Shelley Miller Trust, Kaw Valley Kickball League, Hernly Associates, Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture Department and supporters to preserve the historic ballpark.

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University Place Survey Public Meeting #2

University Place Survey
Public Meeting #2

Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 pm
Lawrence High School, Commons 311
(Enter through the main entrance at 19th & Louisiana Streets)

Lawrence Preservation Alliance is working with the city to conduct a historic resources survey in the University Place Neighborhood, under a state Historic Preservation Fund grant, and holding a series of community meetings to discuss the process.

The second public engagement meeting for the University Place Neighborhood historic survey will take place on Wednesday, September 24, at Lawrence High School, Commons 311. 

While this survey work involves only the University Place Neighborhood, LPA invites anyone interested in the topics of historic surveys and nominations of eligible properties for historic listing to attend.

Hernly Associates has been engaged by the city to conduct the survey. Initial field work has been completed and in-depth property research is underway. 

The first meeting was held in the Hernly offices on July 18 and covered a general timeline of the project, work scope, methodology and goals for project deliverables. For the second meeting, a panel made up of LPA board members and Hernly staff will delve further into this discussion, discussing topics such as:

  • How historic preservation promotes livability and unmistakable identity.

  • What makes a property eligible for historic designation and how that is determined.

  • The process and cost for listing a potentially historic property.

  • What types of designations—Federal, State or Local—are best for a property.

  • What constitutes a Historic District, and what is considered a Contributing or Non-Contributing property.

  • Examples of individual and district listings in Lawrence.

A third program in this series, tentatively scheduled for November 6th, will cover the following topics in more detail:

  • What triggers historic review and what is the review process.

  • Preservation dos and don’ts as a general guide to follow when contemplating changes to your historic designated property. 

  • How federal and/or state historic tax credits can help with your proposed project on a historic designated property.

LPA is excited about this current survey work in the University Place Neighborhood, but we also recognize that there are still large areas of town where properties older than 50 years predominate, yet remain unsurveyed. Our hope with these public meetings is to present accurate information and dispel anecdotal untruths so that residents can make the best decisions for themselves and their homes. Again, these meetings are open to all Lawrence community members interested in finding out more about historic preservation.

Exploring Lawrence's Heritage: Two Upcoming LPA Events You Won't Want to Miss!

Exploring Lawrence's Heritage: Two Upcoming LPA Events You Won't Want to Miss!

Discover Lawrence's rich history with the Lawrence Preservation Alliance! Join us for two exciting upcoming events: our Annual Meeting featuring a sneak peek into 'Embattled Lawrence Volume 3,' and a celebration of our 20-year partnership with Black Jack Battlefield. Explore the past and preserve the future with us.

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LPA seeks new board members

LPA seeks new board members

Want to demonstrate your passion for historic preservation in our community?  Want to play an active role in advising city and county leaders on preservation challenges facing Lawrence and Douglas County? Want to help educate your neighbors and friends in our community on the benefits of an active preservation program?  Consider applying to become a member of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance Board of Directors.

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