Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission

Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission is a municipal organization dedicated to preserving the historic integrity of Lawrence, Kansas, a city with a rich history dating back to the American Civil War and the Bleeding Kansas era. The commission works closely with the National Park Service, the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office, and the City of Lawrence to identify, evaluate, and protect historic properties, such as the Liberty Hall and the University of Kansas campus. The commission's efforts are guided by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Kansas Historic Preservation Act. In collaboration with the Lawrence Heritage Society and the Douglas County Historical Society, the commission promotes historic preservation and education throughout the community.

Introduction

The Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission plays a vital role in preserving the city's historic character, which is reflected in its many historic buildings, such as the Old Castle Museum and the Eldridge Hotel. The commission's work is informed by the principles of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the National Register of Historic Places. In partnership with the Kansas Humanities Council and the Lawrence Arts Center, the commission supports historic preservation projects and educational programs, such as the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The commission's members are appointed by the Lawrence City Commission and include representatives from the University of Kansas Department of History and the Kansas State University Department of Architecture.

History

The Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission was established in 1971, following the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Kansas Historic Preservation Act. The commission's early work focused on identifying and documenting historic properties, such as the Haskell Indian Nations University and the Baldwin City Historic District. In the 1980s, the commission played a key role in the development of the Lawrence Downtown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The commission has also worked with the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to preserve historic bridges, such as the Kansas River Bridge.

Responsibilities

The Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for reviewing and approving historic preservation projects, such as the restoration of the Liberty Hall and the redevelopment of the Lawrence Downtown Historic District. The commission works closely with the City of Lawrence Planning Department and the Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals to ensure that historic properties are protected and preserved. The commission also provides technical assistance and guidance to property owners, such as the University of Kansas and the Lawrence School District, on historic preservation projects. In partnership with the National Park Service and the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office, the commission provides educational programs and workshops on historic preservation, such as the Preservation Trades Network and the National Council for Preservation Education.

Historic Districts

The Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission has designated several historic districts, including the Lawrence Downtown Historic District and the Old West Lawrence Historic District. These districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are protected by the City of Lawrence's historic preservation ordinance. The commission works with the Lawrence Heritage Society and the Douglas County Historical Society to promote historic preservation and education in these districts. The commission has also partnered with the Kansas Humanities Council and the Lawrence Arts Center to develop historic district walking tours and educational programs, such as the Lawrence Historic District Walking Tour and the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review.

Preservation Efforts

The Lawrence Historic Preservation Commission is involved in a variety of preservation efforts, including the restoration of historic buildings and the preservation of historic landscapes. The commission works with the National Park Service and the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office to identify and protect historic properties, such as the Haskell Indian Nations University and the Baldwin City Historic District. The commission has also partnered with the University of Kansas and the Kansas State University to develop historic preservation projects and educational programs, such as the Preservation Trades Network and the National Council for Preservation Education. In collaboration with the Lawrence Heritage Society and the Douglas County Historical Society, the commission promotes historic preservation and education throughout the community, including the Lawrence Historic District Walking Tour and the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review. The commission's preservation efforts are guided by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the National Register of Historic Places, and are supported by organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Kansas Humanities Council.