Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission - 2025-12-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission denied a petition to designate the Hayes Robinson Kennedy House at 6713 Jacob School Road as an individual landmark. The property owner, Braxton Dunbar, opposed designation and sought to demolish the deteriorated 1920s cottage to eventually build a new family home. The commission voted 5-5 on a motion to deny based on integrity (failing to pass), then voted 3-7 against designation (requiring 7 votes to pass). The commission unanimously approved directing staff to prepare a historical marker report for the property owner to consider.
Key Decisions (2)
Individual Landmark Designation for Hayes Robinson Kennedy House at 6713 Jacob School Road
Petition by Leslie Barris to designate the Hayes Robinson Kennedy House as an individual landmark was effectively denied. The property is a 1920s cottage built by Hayes Kennedy and her husband Calvin, located in the historically African American James Taylor Jacob School neighborhood. Property owner Braxton Dunbar opposed designation, citing severe structural deterioration, estimated $120,000-$200,000+ rehabilitation costs, and desire to eventually build a new family home. Motion to deny based on integrity failed 5-5; subsequent motion to designate failed 3-7 (required 7 votes).
Historical Marker Report Preparation for Hayes Kennedy Property
Commission unanimously approved directing staff to prepare a report for a potential future historical marker at 6713 Jacob School Road based on the draft designation report, to be provided to property owner Braxton Dunbar to explore the possibility at his discretion.
Development Activity (1)
Hayes Robinson Kennedy House Site
Property owner indicated plans to demolish existing deteriorated 1920s cottage and build new single-family home in 7-10 year timeframe. Lot is over one acre. Demolition permit application on hold pending landmark review. Alternative concept presented showed moving historic house to rear as ADU with new construction in front.
Market Signals (2)
Housing Demand
New construction homes in the Jacob School Road/Prospect area are selling for $400,000-$500,000+, with at least one million-dollar home in the neighborhood, indicating strong residential demand in this historically African American community.
Sentiment
Commission expressed concern about balancing historic preservation requirements with property owner rights to build generational wealth, particularly for African American property owners in historically significant neighborhoods.