We are happy to provide an overview of the Issues & Opportunities Memorandum provided by our project partner, The Lakota Group.
“Our visit to Eureka Springs, and the stakeholder meetings, clarified important points about both the opportunities and challenges facing the Historic District Commission and the community. Eureka Springs has an exceptionally special character and sense of place. Eureka Springs has a strong sense of identity and authenticity. ”
— The Lakota Group
Key Field Observations
The buildings and infrastructure downtown, overall, appear to be in good condition. This is not to say that improvements are not necessary simply that in many cases, appropriate maintenance is needed. For example, downtown buildings could benefit from painting of wood and metal elements which would help brighten the overall downtown appearance. Similar observations were made in the residential neighborhoods. Most homeowners are doing a good job maintaining their homes, and providing information about financial incentives could benefit all homeowners and help them with the financial challenges of maintenance. Infrastructure is a more complex challenge given the unique design considerations (slope and elevation). Clarifying responsibilities and methods for keeping infrastructure in good condition will be important; parking is an issue that will require additional input. Public art is a strong part of this community and appropriate and inappropriate methods should be clarified.
Summary of Community Feedback
The stakeholder meetings clarified three overall areas where both property owners and City representatives shared concern. These three areas can be grouped by “Education,” “Guidance,” and the “Work of the Commission”
Public education is an important component for maintaining the unique character and historic buildings and structures in Eureka Springs. Education of the public is needed to reinforce the value of the city’s historic character, materials, and features. A strongly needed topic of education is the importance of the Historic District Commission, their role and their work which will help clarify for residents, other property owners, and business owners how and why decisions are made to remove or reduce the perception of arbitrary decision making. Information about various architectural styles and the importance of original building materials is needed. Additional information about financial benefits should be provided, including rehabilitation tax credits. Explanations for appropriate maintenance should help property owners understand that appropriate repair has the potential to save money over time. Realtors were identified as a group that could benefit from education about the significance of the community, the unique built environment, and the work of the Commission.
The need for more – and clear – guidance was identified by members of the public and City representatives. Guidance was requested about the Historic District Commission’s work and review standards, appropriate maintenance (both standards, and how-to), what is repairable, substitute materials, inappropriate materials, as well as for enforcement, building inspection, signage, code enforcement, demolition, and new construction.
The work of the Commission was also identified by members of the public as well as Commission members themselves, as an area where information, clarification, and education are needed. The Commission does excellent work and should be credited for the high historic integrity of Eureka Springs, but there is widespread acknowledgement that the Commission also struggles with public perceptions that are not always accurate. Some perceptions include inconsistency of decision making, and lack of clear guidance, the need for definition of terms and standards, and what repair options may be available. The updated design guidelines should strongly address these issues. There is also confusion and misinformation about the National Register of Historic Places program and what listing means – and does not mean.
Key Design Management Issues and Needs
Materials: the maintenance and appropriate repair of materials was identified as an important need in the community. Information and guidance for the repair and maintenance of building materials including stone, brick, metal, tile, glass, and wood is needed.
Features: Repair and maintenance of features including windows, storm windows, commercial storefronts, roofs, foundations, fences, ghost signs, other signage, to name a few is needed.
Infrastructure: a strong need was identified to provide better information and clarification about retaining walls, sidewalks, stairs, streets and curbs, driveways, and parking, to name a few. A desire for more information about garages and sheds, and new construction was also indicated through the stakeholders meetings.
Guidelines: as mentioned already, there is a strong interest in clear guidance related to design and maintenance.