The deadline for Preserve Arkansas awards is Aug. 31, and members of the Historic District Commission were asked to think about properties to nominate. The HDC met July 20, and commissioners were reminded that the City of Eureka Springs won an award last year for a set of new design guidelines.
Chair Dee Bright said the HDC and the Preservation Society used to partner in presenting awards to homes or businesses maintained for more than 20 years. Prior to Covid, an award ceremony attracted more than 100 people. Bright suggested resurrecting the awards, possibly in the spring. She further explained that the awards are part of the Preservation Society’s bylaws, and the Society will take the lead and pay any costs. Bright said she will copy and share some awards from previous years. “We brought all the town together at the last meeting,” she said.
Composite decking OK’d to replace emaciated wood
Carl Dorman applied to replace deteriorated wood decking, railing, and spindles at 221 Spring St. His plan called for composite decking and black metal railings, which would match an existing fence. Commissioner Peter Graham asked if Dorman had considered material other than the composite decking. Dorman said he wanted something that would last without constant maintenance. The city’s guidelines list composite decking as an approved material, and his application was granted.
The HDC also approved an application for a concrete parking pad at 320 Spring St. The plan included a retaining wall.
The HDC held a joint workshop with Main Street Eureka Springs, and commissioners discussed the similar mission and goals of both agencies. The HDC may schedule another workshop with Main Street.
A history of Lake Leatherwood City Park is available at espreservation.org.
The HDC will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Level III applications were due July 20, and other levels were due July 26.