The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program would move to de-list the Junior League of Little Rock Building from the National Register of Historic Places if the city allows the league to replace its historic windows, the program's Director Missy McSwain wrote in a letter to the city this week.
The league requested that the city approve a waiver from its facade easement on the historic building at Scott and Fourth streets to allow for 18 windows to be replaced as part of a retrofitting of the third floor to allow for a nonprofit center.
The building, formerly known as the Woman's City Club, was constructed in 1908 by the Benevolent Order of the Elks Club. It was listed on the national register in 1982, which is solely an honorific title.
City staff members originally recommended that the Little Rock Board of Directors approve the Junior League's request, but after asking the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for an expert opinion, staff changed its view and now joins preservationists in opposition.
"Since the windows are a character-defining feature of the property and the proposal is to remove all of the apparently sound historic windows and replace them with new windows of different material ... AHPP would pursue de-listing of the Women's City Club from the National Register of Historic Places," McSwain's letter to the city said.
The letter said that replacing the windows, which preservation program staff noted were not in a considerable state of deterioration, goes against the federal guidelines for rehabilitation of historic structures.
The group instead suggested that the league look at the option of repairing the windows or installing storm windows to the outside of the existing windows that would match the building's exterior features.
League President Lindsey Gray said Thursday that the group is pursuing quotes for repair and also looking into the storm window option.
Gray said the request to replace the windows centered on energy efficiency efforts. The Junior League had proposed to keep the current frame and brick mold original to the building and put in a sash kit that would replace broken glass.
When discussing the issue Tuesday at an agenda-setting meeting for next Tuesday's 6 p.m. board meeting, the Little Rock Board of Directors questioned the harm in allowing the group to replace the windows.
"I think it's great to have buildings designated as historic, but I do not see having regulations standing in the way of making a building usable," Ward 4 Director Brad Cazort said.
City Planner Brian Minyard told the board that while listing on the national register is "purely honorific" it's beneficial because "you can't know your history if your history isn't there. It's easier if the building looks like it did when it was built."
Mayor Mark Stodola was against allowing the league to replace the historic windows, saying he's heard from several members who "are not pleased" with that route. The Quapaw Quarter Association's president, Rhea Roberts, asked the board in an email to deny the league's request.
Gray said she hopes to have quotes for the alternative options of repair and installation of storm windows by Tuesday's meeting when the board is set to vote on the matter.
Metro on 09/12/2014