Title
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 103 (Historic Preservation) of Title VIII of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor by Adding Section 8:425.15 Establishing the Inglis House Historic District (Inglis House Study Committee Recommendation: Approval - 3 Yeas and 0 Nays)
Memorandum
Background
On May 1, 2017, City Council created the Inglis House Historic District Study Committee to study the parcel at 2301 Highland Road. The study committee is to deliver its final report and recommendations to City Council no later than May, 2018.
On June 5, 2017 City Council appointed three members to the Committee, including a resident of the affected area.
Historic District Study Committee Process
The Committee first met on June 27, 2017. They visited the site, touring the house and walking the grounds, on July 7th. On July 17th the Committee reviewed the preliminary Inglis House Historic District Study Committee Report (Report) and recommended revisions. On July 21st the Committee met and approved the preliminary Report for distribution and started the 60 day public comment period. As required by local and state ordinance, the preliminary Report was distributed to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the City Planning Commission, and the Historic District Commission. It was also sent to the property owner, the University of Michigan. No written comments were received from the Planning Commission or the Historic District Commission. The University of Michigan submitted questions and comments of a technical nature; they did not take a position on the Report. SHPO staff prepared draft comments which were presented at the September 15, 2017 State Historic Preservation Review Board meeting. The Review Board did not suggest any changes to the SHPO staff’s draft comments. Final comments from the SHPO have not been received, however the Report was modified to address the draft SHPO comments.
On October 3, 2017 a letter was sent by first-class postage to the property owner advising them of the public hearing, which was held on October 18, 2017 in Council Chambers in City Hall, pursuant to Section 8:408 of Chapter 103 of the Ann Arbor City Code. About twelve people attended the meeting. The property owner was not in attendance. A brief presentation was made by staff and the project consultant on the history of the proposed district and the process of the Committee. During the public hearing, four people spoke in favor of the historic district, and one spoke against. Nineteen emails were distributed to the Committee, expressing sixteen positive opinions on the district’s creation, one negative, and two neutral. The minutes of the meeting are attached.
After the public hearing, the Committee reviewed and unanimously voted to adopt the final Report.
Recommendations
The Committee recommends that City Council establish the Inglis House Historic District on the entire 2301 Highland Road parcel, as stated in the final Report. Establishment of this district will protect a relatively unaltered example of a Country Place era estate and unique French Eclectic style house and cottage built by an accomplished gardener and horticulturist. Attached for your consideration is an ordinance amending Chapter 103 to establish the Inglis House Historic District in accordance with the final Report.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance
Map of Proposed Inglis House Historic District
Inglis House Historic District Study Committee Final Report
Minutes of the Inglis House Historic District Study Committee Public Hearing, October 18, 2017
Staff
Prepared By: Jill Thacher, City Planner/Historic Preservation Coordinator
Reviewed By: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved By: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
(See attached ordinance)