Thanks lots!
Linwood Place set the pace for urban conservation districts
Urb an cons er vat io n in Oklahoma City owes a lotto Linwood Place — more than 450 lots, in fact, most with vintage homes on them.
As the first neighborhood in Oklahoma City to embrace the movement 40 years ago, it cleared the way and set the tone for Cleveland, Me sta Park, Heritage Hills East, Jefferson Park, Gatewood, Silver Lake, Hilldale and others.
The people did it, opting to take some control themselves, but with built-in flexibility, in order to both protect private property and preserve the historic integrity of the neighborhoods. An urban conservation district is a zoning overlay that allows variances from general zoning regulations.
In Lin wood Place, bounded by NW 23 to NW 16, and from NW Grand Boulevard to N Drexel Avenue, the petition drive was complete before the city council had even passed the urban conservation ordinance.
The most recent results of that labor will be on display from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 during the Linwood Place Historic Home Tour. Advance tickets are $12 at www.linwoodplaceokc. com or 23rd Street Antique Mall, 3023 NW 23, or $15 at the door of any home on tour day.
The 450- plus homes in Linwood Place include Tudor Revival, Federal, Colonial, Mediterranean, Craftsman and Bungalow styles built from 1909, when the neighborhood was platted at the end of the city trolley line, to the 1940s.
Tour homes include 3408 NW 19, Tudor, John Milner; 3140 NW 20, Craftsman, Scott and Karen Dedmon ( garden and pool only); 3301 NW 20, Tudor, Jeff and Paola Bennett; 3 2 2 9 NW 2 1 ,
Tudor, Barbara Harrison; 3324 NW 21, modified Tudor, Suzanne Donnolo and Dorothy Dodd; and 3200 NW 22, Tudor, Alyssa Baker.
Urban Conservation Districts, according to city ordinance, are meant “to promote the health, safety, economic, cultural, and general welfare of the public by encouraging the conservation and enhancement of the urban environment.” Specifically:
• “To identify physical, social and economic resources within the urban environment worthy of conservation.”
•“To maintain neighborhood character and integrity by focusing special attention on the maintenance of the physical environment, the enhancement of physical, social and economic resources, and the accommodation of desirable change.”
•“To prevent economic obsolescence and promote reinvestment by fostering stable property values and a high level of economic activity, by maintaining essential urban services, and focusing financial assistance and other economic development programs.”
• “To promote the efficient use of urban lands, including the encouragement of compatible infill development on vacant and passed-over parcels.”
• “To encourage and support rehabilitation of the physical environment, and programs for the conservation and revitalization of urban areas.”
• “To foster the harmonious, order ly and efficient growth, development and redevelopment of Oklahoma City.”
To heart he Lin wood Place Neighborhood Association — the tour organizers — tell it, the mission, after four decades, is still under way, never completely accomplished.
“The tour highlights the work of homeowners whose houses have been restored, preserved, upgraded and modernized. The efforts of residents who care for and have pride in their dwellings will ensure these homes will be enjoyed by future generations,” the association said.
The homes
Here, provided by the association, is a little about each home on the tour:
• 3408 NW 19, John Milner: “This 1932 buff brick Tudor presents a study of urbane, local collections. In the living room an original fireplace surround and hearth displays Arts & Crafts-era tiles depicting historic scenes but then a transformation takes place with an eclectic modern feel. A fabulous locally-produced art collection flows seamlessly from the living room through the rest of the house. This vintage home has taken on a modern flair with gusto.”
• 3140 NW 20, Scott and Karen D ed mon :“The gardens and outdoor areas of this 1925 Craftsman-style home are featured. Each tree, shrub and flower has been carefully chosen to create a quiet refuge in the heart of the city and to accent the lovely features of this classic Craftsman home. The overall effect is the blending of rural and urban to create an ideal historic home and yard.”
•3301 NW 20, Jeff and Paola Bennett: “This grand Tudor was built in 1938 and will serve as the refreshment stop with its first floor and grounds open for touring. Historic features include quarter sawn wood floors, original woodwork and built-ins, an impressive leaded glass dining room window and a wood paneled elevator. An updated kitchen brings modern conveniences to this gem from the past.”
• 3229 NW 21, Barbara Harrison: “This Tudor-style home was constructed in 1930. Here, you will enjoy a cozy space where many of the original features of the home have been carefully maintained, or restored to very near original condition. Features include a decorative masonry fireplace which anchors the home's living room, the tray ceiling that was an architecture style unique to that era, and beautiful artwork displayed throughout the home.”
• 3324 NW 21, Suzanne Donnolo and Dorothy Dodd: “This 1930 modified Tudor bungalow has been master fully updated to retain its historic charm but offer amenities and changes for modern homeowners. Major changes were made throughout the home but the historic feel of the home remains. Additionally, a lovely landscaped yard can be appreciated and a `she-shed' featuring intriguing Bonsai creations can be admired.”
• 3200 NW 22, Alyssa Baker: “This corner house, built in 1929, is a refreshing Tudor revival having had significant renovations inside and out. This house is a great example of a modern updating to a historic home, maintaining much of its original character, but filling it with a contemporary look.”