Title
Approval of Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant - George H. and Mabel M. Lutgerding Residence - 303 W. Willetta Street - District 7
Description
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of a Phil Gordon Threatened Building grant of up to $199,500 to assist with the rehabilitation of the historic George H. and Mabel M. Lutgerding Residence located at 303 W. Willetta Street.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
Located at the southwest corner of 3rd Avenue and Willetta Street, the Lutgerding Residence was constructed circa 1912. The property was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributor to the Kenilworth Historic District in 1983 and listed in the Phoenix Historic Property Register as part of the Roosevelt District in 1986. The property is a significant example of Tudor Revival-style architecture designed by prominent Phoenix architect Leighton G. Knipe and was acknowledged as individually eligible for historic designation should certain non-historic modifications to the property be reversed.
During the Great Depression and World War II, the home was used as a boarding house, and in 1971, it became a group home. A number of modifications were made to the building to increase and divide space to accommodate this use, including additions to the front and side elevations.
The current property owners, Johnny and Criselda Sweet purchased the home in September of 2024 with the intention of converting the property back to single family use and reversing a number of the prior modifications. The owners submitted a threatened building grant application on October 9, 2024 (Attachment A). The owners are seeking funding assistance for the following eligible work items:
1. Installation of new period-appropriate diamond-paned windows;
2. Repair and restoration of original windows where present;
3. Replacement of exterior doors to match originals;
4. Full roof replacement on main structure;
5. Repair/replacement of half-timbering on gable ends;
6. Various brick repairs;
7. Demolition of non-historic additions and restoration of front facade;
8. Replacement of missing section of front porch wall; and
9. Various stucco repairs.
The cost of the entire rehabilitation project is estimated at $600,000.
Staff recommends allocating the use of $199,500 in available Phil Gordon Threatened Building grant funds for this project.
If approved, the grant funds will be disbursed to the applicant on a reimbursement basis. The applicant will be required to provide evidence of a dollar-for-dollar match.
Financial Impact
The requested amount is $199,500. In exchange for the grant funds, the City will receive a 30-year conservation easement. The easement will require that the property be preserved and that it be insured and maintained in good repair once rehabilitation is completed.
Concurrence
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of this item on October 21, 2024, by a 6-0 vote.
Location
303 West Willetta Street
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Planning and Development Department.