Architectural Happenings in Encanto-Palmcroft-2007 in Review
This Update is based on a report submitted to the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Preservation Association (EPHPA) Board on December 17, 2008 by Martin Vogel for the Architecture Committee.
Update of the National Register of Historic Places.
A major 4 year effort to update the National Historic Register is coming to its conclusion: the result includes major financial benefits for homeowners, an updated map of the neighborhood and an inventory of the additional homes that are now eligible for “Historic Status”. What does this mean?
First some important, but elusive definitions. If you’re reading this Newsletter you are probably an Encanto-Palmcroft resident, which means you live in one of two subdivisions platted in the late 1920’s (The Home Tour Brochure has a very good summary of our history). The general area of our neighborhood lies between 7th and 15th Avenues, and McDowell and Encnanto Boulevard. PARTS of this area were designated as a Historic Neighborhood in the 1980s through the efforts of neighbors, including G. G. George. Key benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic of Historic Homes (a federal entity in Washington D. C.) include eligibility for a lower property tax rate (a state and Maricopa County benefit), and eligibility for exterior renovation grants (administered by the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office). These programs are for homeowners who must individually apply for these benefits. The City of Phoenix can also apply a Historic Overlay to an area that has the national historic designation. The City’s Historic Overlay also provides additional zoning/preservation protection for the entire area. Please note, however, that the boundaries for the City’s Historic Overlay’s are not necessarily similar to the ones granted by the Federal level. Thus we get periodic conflicts about what is included for historic protection.
Generally, properties that are older than 50 years old are eligible for the “historic designation”. When the initial application for historic status was prepared in the 1980’s, obviously a number of homes were not yet eligible, since many properties had been built after the Great Depression, which lasted through the 1930s. Initially, in the 1980s, much of the historic paperwork was done by volunteers. Updates, when homes became eligible for historic status, were handled informally, and could be done by individual property owners.
Recent requirements for updates to the National Register have become more onerous. 4 years ago, the Encanto Palmcroft Historic Preservation Association (the one that publishes this Newsletter, has monthly Board meetings, and runs the bi-Annual Home Tour) decided to organize an update of the National Register. As many as 55 or so homes (out of a total of 325) were not on the lists of historic homes available at the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office or the State Historic Preservation Office.
A succession of EPHPA leaders, notably Diane Bishop, Jeff Simmons, Ron Pick and Todd Templeton, have provided guidance after the EPHPA seeded this project with $10,000. These funds were used to engage two consultants (Don Ryden for architectural and overall coordination, and Vince Murray for historical content) to prepare a document that is more than half an inch thick. This document is an Amendment (or an update) of the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District.
A group of volunteers worked with EPHPA Board members to pursue this task. Joellyn Pollock and Joan Burke were involved from beginning to end in raising $16,000 from affected homeowners. So far, total expenditures have totaled about $27,000, with a possible additional charge of $1,000 for amendments that may be requested by the Keeper of the National Register. To date, the EPHPA Board has agreed to pay for additional costs incurred on this project.
Final news should be available for the February Newsletter. We now know that after reviewing the 55 unlisted homes, informal but valid approvals had been granted for all but 22 homes. These 22 properties were included in the submission to the National Register.
Thanks to all of you, especially JoEllyn Pollock and Joan Burke, who participated in the many phases of the work.
Additional Items:
Recent actions indicate that City Code provisions are being more rigorously enforced, sometimes on a retroactive basis. A neighbor was asked to dismantle a garage that had been constructed around a carport, for failure to obtain appropriate permits. Several other neighbors have been cited or asked to attend hearings on improvements made without proper permits. Official notices of hearings have appeared on yard signs in the neighborhood. Please remember that you live in a Historic District which has specific procedures to protect the historic fabric of the neighborhood. Please plan ahead and consult the appropriate City agencies, including the Historic Preservation Office for renovation or remodeling permits. Failure to obtain appropriate permits may lead to severe penalties.
The EPHPA Board recently allocated an additional $2500 for dusk to dawn lights in the alleys and open space around 15th Avenue and McDowell due to concerns about crime levels and transients. These lights have already been turned on in the McDowell alley, and Ron Pick is arranging for consent from homeowners along 15th Avenue, south of the Valley Garden Center. If you live in that area, please expect to be contacted by Ron. The extra lights will make it easier to patrol and promote security in the neighborhood.
If you have an interest in joining the Architecture Committee, please contact Martin Vogel (602) 200-1025.