City of Kalamazoo - April 21, 2026 Historic District Commission

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Historic District Commission evaluated several applications impacting local historic properties. Key discussions included the proposal for a handicap ramp and modifications at 471 W South St. The commission also reviewed and approved new signage for the Peninsula Building at 111 Portage by the Peregrine Company. The commission also discussed the reappointment of members and acknowledged recent survey findings related to historic structures in the area.

Chapters

Call to Order and Roll Call (00:00:50)
The meeting was called to order and a roll call was conducted. Members present were Christie, Katie, Dana, Ann, Nelson, and James.

The meeting started with a call to order, followed by a roll call. Members present included Christie, Katie, Dana, Ann, Nelson, and James. The roll call confirmed the presence of a quorum.
Approval of Agenda and Minutes (00:01:34)
A motion was made to adopt the formal agenda and approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Both motions were seconded and unanimously approved.

The formal agenda was adopted following a motion and second. The minutes from the previous month's meeting were also approved after a motion was seconded. Both approvals were unanimous, with all members present voting in favor.
Reading of the Disclaimer (00:02:10)
Luis read the disclaimer about the responsibilities of the Historic District Commission and the documents available to assist property owners.

Luis read a disclaimer stating that the Historic District Commission is charged with regulating exterior changes to historic and non-historic resources in designated districts. He listed available documents, including the Michigan Local Historic District's Act and guidelines for property owners.
Public Comments (00:03:43)
The floor was opened for public comments from non-applicants, but there were no comments from the public.

The chairperson asked if there were any public comments from non-applicants. There were no public comments made during this segment of the meeting.
Application Review: Marlboro Condominium Project (00:04:12)
Greg Jones presented a proposal for a handicapped ramp and modifications at Marlboro Condominiums. The project was approved after discussion and a vote.

Greg Jones, project architect, presented a proposal to add a handicapped ramp and modify windows and doors at Marlboro Condominiums. The project aimed to improve accessibility. After discussing the project's details, including elevator replacement options and minimal impact on the building's appearance, the commission approved the project unanimously.
Application Review: Peregrine Company Signage (00:11:51)
Ryan Burns from the Peregrine Company sought approval for adding two signs to the Peninsula Building. The application was approved.

Ryan Burns presented a proposal to add two backlit aluminum signs to the Peninsula Building, which is under renovation. The signs will feature the Peregrine logo and be anchored to the mortar. The commission discussed potential concerns such as conduit visibility and signage allocation for future tenants. The project was approved unanimously.
Discussion on Application Postponements (00:17:10)
Due to applicant absences, two applications (703 South Park and another) were postponed to the next meeting.

The commission discussed the absence of applicants for two projects (703 South Park and another). Members decided to postpone these applications to the next meeting to allow for applicant presence and further discussion. The applicants had been notified, and one had agreed to the postponement.
Reappointment of Commissioners (00:29:00)
The commission recommended the reappointment of Commissioners Brysac and Johnson to another term, pending city commission approval.

The commission discussed the reappointment of Commissioners Brysac and Johnson for another term on the Historic District Commission. A motion was made, seconded, and a roll call vote was conducted, resulting in unanimous approval to recommend their reappointment to the city commission.
Coordinator's Report (00:31:10)
Luis provided updates, apologized for previous communication errors, and welcomed new member Nelson.

Luis gave a brief coordinator's report, apologizing for errors in email communication regarding meeting dates. He updated the commission on ongoing issues and welcomed new member Nelson. Luis also mentioned future plans to introduce another applicant for the board at the next meeting.
Historic Preservation Network Conference (00:32:39)
Discussion about the Michigan Historic Preservation Network conference, attendance, and challenges.

There was a discussion about the upcoming Michigan Historic Preservation Network conference. Members expressed their interest in attending but noted the challenges due to its location on the other side of the state. The possibility of online attendance was also considered.
Administrative Reviews and Building Permits (00:34:35)
Review of administrative issues, including permits for repairs to a damaged building.

The meeting covered administrative reviews, focusing on permits issued for repairing a building damaged by a car crash. The city worked with applicants to avoid condemning the building, allowing residents to remain while repairs were made.
Building Renovations and Commitment to Preservation (00:35:19)
Discussion on building renovations with a focus on maintaining historical integrity.

There was a discussion on the renovation of a building, with a focus on preserving its historical character. The owners were attentive to details such as cracks in the lintel and were committed to restoring it to its original state.
Review of Historic Structures Survey (00:36:06)
Presentation and discussion of a survey report on historic structures in the area.

A report on a survey of historic structures was presented, highlighting the many hidden historic homes in the area. The report included a sortable spreadsheet of structures, which participants found interesting and informative.
Meeting Conclusion (00:36:58)
The meeting was concluded with no further business to discuss.

The meeting was concluded after all agenda items were addressed and no further business was brought up for discussion.