By D.E. Smoot
City councilors added downtown Muskogee to its roster of four historic districts Monday, but plans to designate a fifth were put on hold after Capital Hill residents balked.
In order to move the measure forward, city councilors struck the provisions for designating the Capital Hill District as a historic preservation district but promised to revisit the issue after residents had time to discuss what impact that designation might have on homeowners.
Residents who expressed concerns were worried the designation would mean stricter codes and harsh enforcement if homeowners were unable to maintain those standards. Others were concerned about an increased financial burden.
“It’s going to get a bit expensive for some people,” said James Brown, who said he has lived in the neighborhood about 30 years. “I am for getting things good for Muskogee, but there are a lot of people who can’t afford this, especially these days.”
Arnold Swan said many of his neighbors are worried about building or remodeling restrictions.
“We’re hearing a lot of pros and cons,” Swan said. “We need to know all the guidelines — we should hold off on this until we have more information.”
Assistant City Planner Tish Callahan said the preservation district designation at this level primarily recognizes an area’s historical significance. The only additional requirements for homeowners who want to remodel would be securing approval from the Muskogee Historic Preservation Commission before construction begins.
That additional step, Callahan said, would be required only for exterior work that requires a building permit. Callahan said that review is necessary to ensure the historic integrity of structures within the district is maintained. New construction also would require approval.
“We’re not going to push the residents to do anything,” Callahan said. “But we would like to keep it historically correct.”
The addition of downtown Muskogee and the Capital Hill District to the city’s registry of historic districts was prompted by a request by the Muskogee Historic Preservation Commission. Callahan said the move, which has been in the works for several years, could be used as a tool to spur economic development and tourism.
“There is a lot of history here, and people need to know about it,” Callahan said. “Compared to other cities, Muskogee has a larger combined area of places of historic significance.”
Other historic districts in Muskogee include Kendall Place, Founder’s Place and the Muskogee Freight and Depot districts. Muskogee is home to 10 structures or areas of interest listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The two areas the city wants to add to its registry are significant because of the roles they played in the pre-statehood days as an economic hub in the Indian Territory. Capt. Frederick B. Severs, Callahan said, platted the Capital Hill area in anticipation of Muskogee being named capital of the state of Sequoyah.
The proposed Capital Hill Historic District is bounded by Martin Luther King Street on the south, Terrace Boulevard on the north, North Terrace Street on the west, and North Ninth Street on the east.
Downtown Muskogee’s historic distinction is based upon its reputation of being home of the first chartered bank in the Indian Territory and as a bustling commercial center in the heart of the area granted to the Five Civilized Tribes.
The Downtown Muskogee District is bounded by Columbus Avenue on the south, Denison Street on the north, Seventh Street on the west, and Main Street on the east. Callahan said the historical designation of downtown Muskogee is one component of Muskogee’s partnership with Main Street program.
Ward IV Councilor Jim Ritchey said designating identified areas of historical significance is a positive move both for the city and property owners.
“It protects property owners by preserving the historical aspects of a neighborhood and enhances property values,” said Ritchey, who owns a house in one of Muskogee’s historical districts. “This designation also protects the historical value of the city, and hopefully it will bring people together to help fight crime and beautify these neighborhoods.”
Reach D.E. Smoot at 918-684-2903 or Click Here to Send Email
