The Historic District Commission held a workshop before the March 15 meeting to study rock walls and other masonry issues.
Commissioners had worked toward this session over the course of several months, as questions have surfaced repeatedly. Several contractors were invited to share their expertise, and Bruce Wright, with Livingston Hollow Corp., gave a presentation.
During the regular meeting afterwards, commissioner Magi Hayde thanked City Historic Preservation Officer Kyle Palmer, who arranged the workshop. She said she learned a lot from the session. Chair Dee Bright said the attendance at the workshop was “the best in a long time.” Palmer thanked Wright, and said, “He gave us a good base for moving forward with our guidelines.” The topic will be on the agenda for the April 5 meeting.
In other business:
- Debbie Hill received approval for a plan to expand an existing parking area at 55 Vine St. Her contractor, Zach Choate, also described 135 linear feet of retaining wall three feet high. He will use large stones, which will be dry-stacked. “It will look good,” he promised.
- At 11 Spring St., Carol and Brian Greer asked to remove three stories of wood decking on the back of the building. Although the property dates to 1897, the decking was not original, and has become unsafe. Commissioner Peter Graham thanked them for undertaking a project in a very visible area of the city.
- Bright noted the passing of Doug Breitling, who served on the HDC for many years. “I learned so much from him,” she said.
- The Historical Museum and the Carnegie Library are presenting Eureka Springs “Reel” History at 6 p.m. on April 7, 14, and 28. Admission is free. Digitized vintage film will feature people and places from the city’s history.
- Jacqueline Wolven will be invited to the April 5 HDC meeting to discuss a team-building workshop for the HDC and Main Street Eureka Springs.
- The deadline for Level III applications was March 23, and March 29 for other levels.