Department: Public Works, Planning Division
Staff Contact: Emily Carrillo, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator
Subject: HL17-004
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Item DESCRIPTION: it
Consideration of Resolution No. 19-1001 (HL17-004) for nomination of a local historical landmark designation to the Olathe Register of Historic Places for the Olathe Memorial Cemetery located at 738 N. Chestnut Street. Planning Commission recommends approval 7-0.
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Summary:
The following is a request for a nomination to the (local) Olathe Register of Historic Places for the Olathe Memorial Cemetery. The register assists local efforts to identify, promote, and protect our historic resources.
The Olathe Cemetery, now Olathe Memorial Cemetery, located at 738 N. Chestnut Street, is situated north of downtown and included in the original Town of Olathe plat.
Established in 1865, the 24-acre site includes over 10,000 graves, several monuments and memorials, two mausoleums, and a former chapel. The cemetery grounds are intersected with historic paths and roads and surrounded by a modern metal fence. Despite some alterations, including the addition of a cremation garden at the south boundary in 2013, this cemetery retains many of its original features and was recently listed to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
The City of Olathe has owned and maintained the cemetery since 1879. Currently, the Department of Parks and Recreation manages, operates, and maintains the cemetery. As a result, the vast majority of the individual markers and gravesites are intact and convey their significant age, associations, and information. Finally, contributing resources retain integrity of feeling and association as the cemetery continues to provide burials.
In the designation of buildings, structures, and objects as historic landmarks, certain criteria must be met. These properties must be fifty (50) years or older. In addition, the property must meet one (1+) or more historic landmark designation criteria as listed in Municipal Code Book Chapter 2.84.050. The current application is eligible for local designation under the following criterion:
• Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of history of the City, County, State, or nation;
• Is associated with a significant person or group of persons in the history of the City, County, State, or nation;
• Embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; represents the work of a master builder/architect; possesses high artistic values; or represents a distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
• Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, and workmanship.
On December 10, 2018, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend nomination to the Olathe Register of Historic Places, based on staff findings and the recommendation of the Olathe Historic Preservation Board.
The Olathe Historic Preservation Board held their public hearing for the subject property on January 18, 2018, recommending approval of the nomination with a 5-1 vote, based on eligible criteria listed above.
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Financial Impact:
None.
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Action Needed:
1. Approve Resolution No. 19-1001 for the nomination to the Olathe Register of Historic Places for the Olathe Memorial Cemetery (HL17-004).
2. Deny Resolution No. 19-1001 for the nomination to the Olathe Register of Historic Places for the Olathe Memorial Cemetery (HL17-004).
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Attachment(s):
A. Planning Commission Packet
B. Planning Commission Minutes
C. Resolution 19-1001