General Information
Our Landmarks Commission proudly recognizes and preserves properties that represent or reflect elements of the City’s thriving cultural heritage and architectural history. Certified by the State of Missouri's Historic Preservation Office, the mission of the Landmarks Commission is to protect, retain, and enhance such properties. Over twenty-five years ago, on March 5, 1981, the Kirkwood City Council established the commission "to make a continuous study of all the buildings and structures in the community, taking into account the age, design, period of construction, aesthetic value, past use and historical significance and to consider such buildings for designation as historical landmarks." The commission has actively pursued its charge from inception to the present. Kirkwood was the first city in Missouri to set the trend in historic preservation on the local level, followed by forty other cities.
There are more than ninety designated landmarks located in Kirkwood, including businesses, schools, churches, cemeteries, and a multitude of historically significant homes. Three local historic districts include more than 160 contributing places in Meramec Highlands (circa 1890s, recognized in 1988), Central Place (circa 1920s, recognized in 1998), and Jefferson-Argonne (circa 1850s through WWII, recognized in 2007). National Register historic districts include over 150 contributing places adjacent to the streets of Jefferson-Argonne and East Monroe.
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, the volunteer commissioners utilize their expertise as an advisory body for the benefit of the community. They advise property owners on exterior renovations in order to preserve the character and historic integrity of existing landmarks. Furthermore, any person who owns property in Kirkwood can seek free advice regarding historic preservation from the Landmarks Commission. Many Kirkwood properties possess historic features, particularly those within local and national historic districts. The expertise and knowledge of the commissioners can save time and money for Kirkwood property owners.
Ordinance for Landmarks Commission
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 139 S. Kirkwood Rd.
The current roster of the Commission yields a variety of relevant backgrounds:
David Meyers, chair -
architecture
Tom Riggs, vice-chair -
construction
Susan Burkett, secretary -
historian
Matt Bivens - preservation specialist
Dave Brown - real estate
Catherine Enslin - architecture
Lisa Hautly - landmark owner
Council Liaison:
Tim Griffin
Staff Liaison:
Alan Lamberg
Kirkwood City Hall
139 S. Kirkwood Rd.
Kirkwood, MO 63122
lamberab@kirkwoodmo.org
314-984-6965
Fax: 314- 822-5893
The
Landmarks Brochure, a printable tri-fold, is available for download
in a PDF format.
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Registry
A Landmark Booklet
, comprised of an annotated listing with pictures, is available for download (878 KB in file size).
A
General Registry
, which contains general historic inventory, is available for download.
Disclaimer: The maps and databases above are for general informational purposes and the City of Kirkwood makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information contained herein and assumes no responsibility for the information contained herein. For any clarification, please contact the staff liaison.
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Agendas & Minutes
Any interested parties may review the agendas and minutes from the commission meetings. Current
agendas are typically posted a week before the next meeting. Recent
minutes are posted as soon as they are approved, typically within five weeks after a meeting.
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Review Process
For review purposes, there are three classes of property: (1) local landmark, which is most historically significant; (2) local district contributor, which has less historically significant features that nonetheless contribute to the overall historic features of a district; and, (3) local district non-contributor, which has little or no historically significant features but is adjacent or near other historic properties. These classifications inform commissioners on what degree of standards should be applied to a property during a review.
According to the Landmarks Commission ordinance, the question of whether or not a review is required is determined by the classification of the property and the intended purpose. Intended purposes include: (a) alteration or modification of any exterior; (b) new construction; (c) demolition; and, (d) public improvements within 200 feet of a classified property. The table on the next page concisely shows how review is determined:
| LOCAL DESIGNATION |
|
Landmark |
|
District Contributor |
|
District Non-Contributor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASSIFICATION |
|
"Significant" according to Sec. 12½ 8 |
|
"Contributing" according to Sec. 12½ 8 |
|
Not classified, but implied in relation to other classes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| STANDARDS |
|
Generally adapted from Secretary of Interior design standards for historic structures |
|
Commission exercises discretion by utilizing lesser standards than for Landmark |
|
Commission exercises discretion by utilizing lesser standards than for Contributor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 12½ 12(a)
Alternation or modification of any exterior |
|
Requires review |
|
Voluntary review |
|
Voluntary review |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 12½ 12(b)
New construction |
|
Requires review of outbuildings |
|
Requires review |
|
Requires review |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 12½ 12(c)
Demolition |
|
Requires review |
|
Requires review |
|
Requires review |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 12½ 12(d)
Public improvements within 200 feet |
|
Requires review |
|
Requires review |
|
Requires review |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As described above,
the cases that require review necessitate a certificate of appropriateness (COA). If the review is satisfactory to the guidelines set forth by the commission, the staff forwards the COA to the Building Commission, which fulfills the requirement for attainment of the building permit.
See ordinance Sec. 12½‑12(f).
If the review is not satisfactory and the
COA denied by the commission, the property owner may seek
appeal to the City Council during their next work session. If the City Council is in agreement with the Landmarks Commission regarding disapproval, then the property owner will not attain the building permit from the Building Commission.
See ordinance Sec. 12½‑13.
Once the COA is submitted to staff, the
COA review will be placed on the agenda for the next Landmarks Commission meeting. The property owner should attend the meeting, as the commission may ask questions for clarification. It is highly recommended that the property owner provide a concise presentation that shows congruency with historic preservation design guidelines. Guidelines for properties are available upon request.
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National Historic Districts and Tax Credits
In some instances, a property in Kirkwood may be referred to as "contributing" to a historic district. This means that the property was built during the district's "period of significance" and still looks much as it did "back then." When a property is altered, it must be done with caution and consideration, because it is possible to lose the contributing status if the work removes historic features of the building's exterior.
A contributor is one of several criteria for being eligible for Missouri's State Historic Tax Credits. For some basic information on the tax credit programs and qualifications, please see
the table provided by the State Historic Preservation Office.
For information locally, you may contact
State Historic Preservation Office staff member Kris Zalapac at 314-416-2960, extension 270.
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Events
Favorite Building Awards - During the month of May, National Preservation Month, the commission holds an awards ceremony, showcasing Kirkwood's favorite buildings. This event provides a platform for the Commission to thank the citizens of Kirkwood for their enthusiasm to preserve and protect Kirkwood's historic and aesthetic character. Beginning in March, nominations are solicited for the following categories: best restoration; most enhanced; best addition; best infill; best maintained; and, most endangered. Buildings may be residential or commercial structures recognized for their historic or neighborhood character. Specific
guidelines and nomination formare available.
See the online program for the most recent ceremony:
part one and
part two
Walking Tours - Self guided walking tours of historic Kirkwood are available:
North route
East route
South route
West route
Stay tuned for further news on events!
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Volunteer Efforts
Many citizens of Kirkwood are proud of the historic and aesthetic qualities of their city. Anyone can inquire with the commission what volunteer resources are needed to help with historic preservation. The commission must approve any volunteer work that is to be done on designated landmarks or local historic districts. Suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Please review the commission's
current request for volunteers.
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