Bill Type and Number: Ordinance 2007-399

Sponsor: Council President at the request of the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission

Date of Introduction: April 10, 2007

Committee(s) of Reference: ECID, LUZ

Date of Analysis: April 13, 2007

Type of Action: Ruling on appeal of Historic Preservation Commission action; designation of historic landmark

Bill Summary: The bill upholds the decision of the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission to deny the application for a permit by KBJ Architects to demolish a building owned by the firm at 504 North Julia Street at the corner of West Church Street formerly known as First Christian Church. The bill also declares the structure to be a local landmark and landmark site and directs the Council Secretary and Property Appraiser to record the historic designation in the public record.

NOTE: After the bill’s introduction it was determined by the General Counsel’s Office that this action is quasi-judicial in nature; therefore the bill will be substituted in committee to use more generic language adopting findings and a ruling on the KBJ appeal, which ruling will be determined after the public hearing process and consideration of the evidence by the appropriate committees.

Background Information: The Colonial Revival-style church building was constructed in 1950 by the congregation of First Christian Church as the success to a previous church destroyed by fire in 1923. KBJ acquired the property in 1981. The Historic Preservation Commission has determined that the structure meets the requirements for designation has a local historic landmark.

Policy Impact Area: Ruling on Historic Preservation Commission appeal

Fiscal Impact: None

Analyst: Clements