Focus Area: Economy, Community Development
Staff Contact: Emily Carrillo, Senior Planner
Subject: HL25-0001: nomination to the Olathe Register of Historic Places for 126 S. Cherry Street; Applicant: Amar Singh, Gurdwara Nanak Darbar Sahib, Inc.
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Consideration of Resolution No. 26-1021 (HL25-0001), for nomination to the Olathe Register of Historic Places for 126 S. Cherry Street, located northeast of E. Loula Street and S. Cherry Street. Planning Commission recommended approval 8 to 0.
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Summary:
This is a request for nomination to the Olathe Register of Historic Places for 126 S. Cherry Street. The purpose of the nomination is to recognize and honor Olathe’s historic properties at a local level.
The structure, currently occupied by the Gurdwara Nanak Sikh Worship Center, was originally constructed in 1938 as Olathe’s first permanent post office, and was officially dedicated during Old Settlers Day in 1939. The City of Olathe later acquired the property in 1990 and used it for municipal offices until 2010, when it was acquired by Gurdwara Nanak Darbar Sahib.
Since its original construction, the building has undergone several additions and renovations, including the installation of new interior finishes, interior and exterior security systems, and combination storm windows. Despite these changes, the subject property retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, and sense of time and place. While modifications have occurred over time to accommodate changing ownership and uses, the building continues to convey its historic character as a New Deal-era Colonial Revival post office.
Chapter 2.84.050 of the Olathe Municipal Code requires that properties nominated for historic landmark designation be at least fifty (50) years old and meet one or more established criteria related to historical association, architectural significance, informational value, or historic integrity. Chapter 2.84 further requires public hearings before the Olathe Historic Preservation Board and the Planning Commission prior to City Council consideration.
The Historic Preservation Board conducted a public hearing on December 10, 2025. No public comment was received. The Board voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the nomination based on the property’s association with local history and architectural significance.
Staff’s review, informed by the Preservation Board’s findings, confirms the proposed nomination is consistent with the PlanOlathe Comprehensive Plan and the Olathe Historic Master Plan.
On January 26, 2026, the Planning Commission held a public hearing with no individuals appearing to speak or provide comment. The Planning Commission voted 8 to 0 to recommend approval of HL25-0001 with one (1) stipulation as recommended by staff.
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Financial Impact:
None.
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Action Needed:
1. Approve Resolution No. 26-1021 for a historic landmark nomination (majority vote of the Councilmembers present required).
2. Deny Resolution No. 26-1021 for a historic landmark nomination (five positive votes required).
3. Return the application to the Planning Commission for further consideration with a statement specifying the basis for the Governing Body’s failure to approve or disapprove (majority vote of the Councilmembers present required).
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Attachment(s):
A. Planning Commission Packet
B. Planning Commission Minutes
C. Resolution No. 26-1021