HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-18 Public Comment - J. Wilkinson (on behalf of BHPAB) - Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan DraftFrom:Jeanne Wilkinson
To:bozeman@agencylp.com; Chris Naumann; Paul Neubauer; rpertzborn@intrinsikarchitacture.com
Cc:Phillipe Gonzalez; Jennifer Dunn; Jeff Krauss; Agenda; Crystal Alegria
Subject:Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board Downtown Improvement Plan Public Comment
Date:Wednesday, December 05, 2018 9:07:39 PM
Attachments:BHPAB comment DIP 12.4.2018.docx
To the Downtown Improvement Plan Consultants and Task Force:
Thank you for your work developing the Downtown Improvement Plan Framework. Please
find our public comment attached.
Best,
Jeanne Wilkinson on behalf of the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board
To the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan Update Consultants and Task Force:
As members of the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board (BHAB), we are excited to
see references to the historic landscape of Downtown represented and highlighted in the
Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan draft framework. As a community, our identity is rooted
in our history. With the influx of new residents, incorporating our history to better ground us in
our communal identity is key.
Several of the recommendations in the draft framework support Bozeman’s unique identity. We
support the draft’s mention of: celebrating the unique areas like Wallace Avenue’s industrial
heritage, cultural arts on Grand Avenue and transforming Bozeman Creek; sensitive transitions;
inclusivity; connections with other districts; leveraging downtown’s anchor businesses; and
protecting the character of the historic core and neighborhoods through sensitive
development. Yet, the framework doesn’t go far enough to recognize that downtown’s historic
buildings and cultural heritage are the unique identity.
We encourage you to state implicitly that the historic qualities of Downtown Bozeman, and its
surrounding neighborhoods, - cultural vitality, walkable streets, distinct blocks of architectural
diversity and flexible adaptable buildings - have catapulted the area to be the economic
development engine of the state. Downtown and the core neighborhoods are a place where
development has occurred incrementally, over many decades, resulting in a texture, richness,
and distinctiveness that we call character. Historic heritage and character are the most
important traits of this area. Without them, downtown would be another anywhere USA.
Older buildings with layers of history and flexible floorplans are attracting companies large and
small. The ability of cities to attract and retain talented young workers is closely tied to the
presence of a character-rich built environment. The value of these areas points to the
benefits of preservation advocacy and policies that support good design.
For density, support building reuse or adaptive reuse. Consider bolstering density without
demolition, and spotlighting opportunities for growth within existing buildings. Partner with the
NCOD consultants on ways to support historic preservation like prioritizing the historic inventory
process, revising the demolition code and revising the project review process.
In addition, preserving Bozeman’s historic character can help preserve affordable housing.
Bozeman’s older neighborhoods that border downtown still contain affordable housing units on
blocks with older, smaller, mixed-age buildings. This can serve as unsubsidized, “naturally”
affordable housing, yet, properties are being demolished and enlarged effectively eliminating
what affordable housing near downtown is left.
To recap, we urge you to consider these suggestions as you develop the Downtown
Improvement Plan:
1. Downtown holds our historical identity, without it we are anywhere USA
2. Recognize and state that the survival of downtown’s historic heritage and character are
vital to Bozeman’s economic vitality
3. Partner with the NCOD consultants on ways to support historic preservation
4. Older buildings are character-rich places that attract and retain
5. Bolster density without demolition, consider building reuse or adaptive reuse
6. Preserving Bozeman’s historic character and neighborhoods that border downtown can
help with affordable housing
If you would like to discuss these suggestions or have questions, please do not hesitate to
contact any of the board members.
Thank you,
The Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board
Jen Dunn, Chair
Jeanne Wilkinson, Vice- Chair
Crystal Alegria, Member
Vicky York, Member
Michael Wallner, Member
Eric Karshner, Member
Chelsea Holling , Member