HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-02-07 CHPC Minutes February 7, 1979
The Caldwell Commission on Historic Preservation met Wednes-
day Feb. 7, 1979 at the city Hall . Five members and Mayor Robert
Pasley were present. Paul B. Evans, chairman, presided. Seven guests
were introduced . The minutes of the last meeting were read and
approved .
ivir Evans introduced the speakers : Arthur Hart, director of
the State Historical Museum, and Ron Wells , an architect with the
University of Idaho, who is also working on the Historic Preservation
program. Mr. Hart spoke of the purpose, need, proceedures and this
commission's duties in relation to the preservation of our architettural
and cultural heritage. Slides were shown as examples of restoration
and preservation in other areas. Mr. Well spoke concerning financing
restoration work. Both stated the Caldwell Main St . area is a prime
area to become an Historic District. (Notes, as the secretary interpreted
their statement will follow the minutes)
In regard to the first home of the College of Idaho, on
Albany St. , Mayor Pasley stated the Fire Department has declared the
structure to be a hazzard and has the power to start abatement
proceedings. Mr Evans reported he has talked to several persons
associated with the C ofI regarding relocating the building hut, at
present, that does not seem feasable . He will check further. Kent
Johnson, who is demolishing the building, stated it could be reassembled
Demolishion will continue.
The chairman reported Vivian Polhemus had called him and
was interested in 1202 & 1203 Cleveland being studied in relation to
being named to the Historic Register. A Discussion followed. Jenifer
Attebery, of the museum staff and a guest will do some research on
the properties.
el) The chairman stated the commission is allthwed 10 members.
Visitors interested in serving on the commission were invited to
state thir intent to the chairman--for forther action.
Meeting adjourned .
Lorene Thurston
Secretary
members present :
Louis VL Attebery
Tom Ensley
Elizzbeth Sullivan
Lorene Thurston
Paul B. Evans
Mayor Pasley
'^1
Notes--from Arthur Hart and Ron Well 's talks.
Mr. Hart:
Preservation is good business in regard to energy use.
Since 1970 when first funded, the funding has almost
doubled each year.
Incentives for restoration by the business Community:
1. Community identity
2. Grant program administered by Natl Park Service
3. Tax incentives in regard to restoration--tax reform act
Our duty is to invorm citizens of these incentives. In order
to be eligible for a grant--the building must be on the Historic Register.
Necessary proceedural steps to qualify for the Registry
include: 50 years old
significant in the history of the area
representation of the period of arbhttecture
desire to be on the Register
et.
After this study is made & written up, it is sent to the
18 member state board--who review the credentials. It is voted upon,
and if favorable, is referred to the Heritage & Recreation Service, Wash.
D.C. If the building meets allthe criteria, one of our Congressmen
is notified, who in turn notifies the local level.
Non-commercial property is eligible to "Grants in Aid" for
exterior renovation--up to 50% of the cost ( if ai'eilable ) . , for repair
of foundations, roofs, etc. Interiors are not involved . Owners are
protected and may later tear the structure down--but there are no
tax deductions for demolition.
This is a young enough program that funds still seem to
e) be available . It is possible to get Federal Funds for 50% of purchase
and 50% to restore . The Ada Theater in Boise--the old Egyptian Theater
is being restored with funds from 50% of appraisal price.
historic District--
Historic Comm. has the power to declare an area an Historical
District--which in turn sets down rules for others. It is an opportunity
to upgrade neighborhoods--but is an awsome responsibility and of
course needs council backing. See law--
Mian St is a prime area to become an Historic District.
historic Zoning within the District--owners submit exterior changes for
review. The Review borad could be our committee--which is made up
from several fields of study & interest. New structure within the District
would of course also have to be reviewed .
Mr; .Wells--
Spoke concerning tax shelters--& the tax reform act of 1976
1 . Remodeling cost amortized over 5 years
2. Or long term--build & restoration--shelter over 20-25 yrs.
tie distributed a work sheet--useing the former Steunenberg home, 409 So
Kimball as an example of how the financing, taxation, etc. would work.
Notes taken by L. Thurston-