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Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC)
Minutes – February 10, 2015
Present:
Ed Finegan, Chair
David Kramer, Vice-Chair
Michael McGandy
Katelin Olson
Stephen Gibian
Jennifer Minner
Ellen McCollister, Common Council Liaison
Bryan McCracken, Staff
Charles Pyott, Staff
Chair Finegan called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
D. Kramer indicated he would need to recuse himself from discussion and consideration of the proposed
Titus-Wood Historic District designation, since he made a financial contribution to Historic Ithaca that
partially funded its investigation for the proposal.
A. Proposed Historic District Designation ― Titus-Wood Historic District
Christine O’Malley, Preservation Services Coordinator, Historic Ithaca, presented an overview of the
proposal.
J. Minner asked how the boundary was chosen. C. O’Malley replied it was selected to include any
properties with a relationship to the original Charles M. Titus property, as well as the historic residential
properties on the north side of West State Street that were once adjacent to the State Street Methodist
Episcopal Church.
C. O’Malley indicated there has been some discussion of how best to name the Historic District, since
there were some concerns that “Titus-Wood” would be too limiting. Historic Ithaca is certainly open to
any suggestions from the Commission.
M. McGandy replied he would be interested in hearing how community members feel about the name.
The “Titus-Wood Historic District” is not necessarily a term people would use very readily. Its name
should be something people feel they can relate to.
J. Minner asked if the Commission needs to make a final decision on the name at this meeting. B.
McCracken replied the name could probably be left undefined, until Common Council acts on the
proposal.
B. McCracken announced that two letters from the public had been received, which will be placed into
the public record and available for viewing: a letter in opposition from Ian Shapiro and an e-mail in
support from Irene Zahava.
M. McGandy suggested summarizing the letter from Ian Shapiro, since it may be helpful for the
Commission to address some of the issues it raises.
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B. McCracken explained that in his letter Mr. Shapiro (the founder of Taitem Engineering, P.C.)
conveyed that while he is in favor of historic preservation in principle, he opposes the proposed Historic
District because he is concerned about its negative impact on energy efficiency-related improvements to
the properties in the proposed Historic District. Mr. Shapiro also suggested the Commission is too
restrictive and that it is too difficult for proposed projects to be approved. (He cited an example of work
that was proposed for 402 Univeristy Avenue, which he reported was denied.) Mr. Shapiro also
documented a couple of minor errors in the proposal materials, including a typo in the cover letter and
an error in the description of his own property at 110 S. Albany Street (which incorrectly referred to
metal handrails on the front steps).
Witnesses in Favor:
Mary Tomlan, 200 Delaware Avenue and City of Ithaca Historian, spoke in support of the proposed
designation, noting she herself launched the project with a windshield survey in her capacity as City
Historian. She remarked that West State Street has attracted residences of a fine character from a very
early date. They are not only significant for their representation of a diverse variety of historic styles,
but they also represent the history of the area as a residential area.
Witnesses in Opposition:
None.
M. McGandy asked if C. O’Malley could respond to some of Mr. Shapiro’s concerns.
C. O’Malley remarked that while some property owners do not personally like having to go through the
Certificate of Appropriateness application process, it is a vital mechanism for helping retain the historic
character of certain areas in the city. She added that the Commission has actually already addressed the
issue of solar panels and approved several applications. There are definitely ways for these types of
energy-related property alterations to be approved in a historically appropriate manner.
M. McGandy observed that Mr. Shapiro also suggests in his letter that the proposed boundaries appear
“gerrymandered.” C. O’Malley responded that was not the case ― there were very well-defined reasons
for including certain properties and not others.
K. Olson added that as part of its Certified Local Government (CLG) program New York State prefers
to see Historic Districts that are not gerrymandered, which is part of the reason the Ithaca Fire
Department parking lot was included in the boundary, even though it is a non-contributing parcel.
S. Gibian noted that aside from solar panel and window installations, most energy conservation and
efficiency alterations are actually performed in the interior of a building, where they are not visible to
the public and not generally within the Commission’s purview.
K. Olson added that the Commission has approved every proposed solar panel project that has come
before it.
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E. McCollister observed that the general appropriateness and compatibility of solar panel installations is
a legitimate concern, regardless of whether they happen to be in a Historic District. She indicated it
would be important for the Commission to clarify its response to Mr. Shapiro’s concerns, for Common
Council approval.
M. McGandy noted that the proposed Historic District would also achieve some useful city planning
objectives (e.g., creating a pause/buffer between denser areas of the city). He added that the
Commission may want to consider how to create some flexibility for expanding the proposed Historic
District at some point in the future, as well.
Regarding the choice of name, C. O’Malley remarked that the Commission could always simply revert
to calling it the West State Street and Albany Street Historic District. M. McGandy responded that the
West State Street Historic District may be the simplest name, since State Street is the axis around which
it revolves.
E. Finegan indicated the Commission can identify a final name before the March 2015 Commission
meeting.
Public Hearing
On a motion by S. Gibian, seconded by K. Olson, Chair Finegan opened the Public Hearing.
Mary Tomlan, 200 Delaware Avenue and City of Ithaca Historian, remarked that although naming the
proposed Historic District “West State Street and Albany Street” would provide it with a more focused
identity, only one of the properties at that particular corner is actually in the proposed district, so that
would be misleading.
There being no further public comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by S. Gibian,
seconded by K. Olson.
LEAD AGENCY RESOLUTION: Moved by K. Olson, seconded by M. McGandy.
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established
for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law,
and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead
agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or
carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed designation of the West State Historic District is a "Type II Action"
pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and is an "Unlisted Action" under
the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission does hereby declare itself lead
agency for the environmental review of the proposed designation of the West State Historic District.
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RECORD OF VOTE:
Moved by: K. Olson
Seconded by: M. McGandy
In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, M. McGandy, K. Olson, J. Minner
Against: 0
Abstain: D. Kramer
Absent: S. Stein
Vacancies: 0
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION RESOLUTION: Moved by M. McGandy, seconded by
J. Minner.
WHEREAS, residents within the proposed boundary of the West State Historic District have
requested consideration by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission of local historic district
landmark designation of the West State Historic District, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review for the designation of the West State Historic District
has been conducted including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), and
submitted for review to the Conservation Advisory Council, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a "Type II Action" under the New York State Environmental
Quality Review Act (Sec. 617.5(C)(30) and an "Unlisted Action" under the City Environmental Quality
Review Ordinance, (CEQR Sec. 176-2), and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, acting as Lead Agency, has reviewed
the SEAF, dated January 26, 2015 and supplemental information, and has determined that designation of
the historic district will not have a significant effect on the environment and that further environmental
review is unnecessary, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk
is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office,
and forward the same to any other parties as required by law.
RECORD OF VOTE:
Moved by: M. McGandy
Seconded by: J. Minner
In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, M. McGandy, K. Olson, J. Minner
Against: 0
Abstain: D. Kramer
Absent: S. Stein
Vacancies: 0
DESIGNATION RESOLUTION: Moved by J. Minner, seconded by K. Olson.
WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission (ILPC) may designate landmarks and districts of historic and cultural
significance, and
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WHEREAS, a public hearing held on February 10, 2015, for the purpose of considering a proposal to
designate eight properties on West State and South Albany Streets, identified more
specifically in the attached map, as a local historic district has been concluded, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission acting as Lead Agency and it has been determined that the proposal will not
have a significant environmental impact, and
WHEREAS, Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code defines a HISTORIC DISTRICT as follows:
A group of properties which:
1. Contains primarily properties which meet one or more of the criteria
for designation as an individual landmark; and
2. Constitutes a distinct section of the city by reason of possessing those qualities
that would satisfy such criteria.
and,
WHEREAS, Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code defines the criteria for designation of an
individual landmark as follows:
1. Possessing special character or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of
the cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state,
or nation; or
2. Being identified with historically significant person(s) or event(s); or
3. Embodying the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style; or
4. Being the work of a designer whose work has significantly influenced an age; or
5. Representing an established and familiar visual feature of the community by
virtue of its unique location or singular physical characteristics.
and,
WHEREAS, the Commission has made the following findings of fact concerning the proposed
designation:
1. The Titus Wood Historic District is an area which contains primarily properties
which meet one or more of the criteria for designation as an individual
landmark.
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Per criterion #1, the West State Historic District possesses a special character, historical
interest, and aesthetic interest and value as part of the cultural, political, economic,
and social history of the city by virtue of its association with several prominent
businessmen, politicians, a physician and the developer Charles M. Titus.
The district derives special character as well as special historical and aesthetical
interest and value as the home of several prominent local businessmen whose
activities greatly impacted the early development of the Village and City of Ithaca,
including Captain J. W. Tibbetts, who started the Forest City Mixed Paint Works
and was elected Tompkins County Sheriff in 1885 and 1891; Charles J. Rumsey,
who operated a hardware store in partnership with his brother and was the president
of Ithaca from 1882-84; DeForest Williams, who was a supervisor of the Ithaca
Glass Works and was involved in the establishment of the Lyceum Theater
Company in Ithaca; William M. Kent, who was a Tompkins County judge; Charles
M. Williams, who was a prominent businessman involved in the lumber trade, the
Ithaca Trust Company and the Ithaca Savings Bank; William L. Carey, a railroad
conductor for the Ithaca and Athens Railroad, who also served as a Village of Ithaca
Trustee from 1884-85 and organized the Cook Land Company; Dr. Hardy T.
Rhodes, who built 301 West State Street as residence and office for his medical and
surgical practice.
The district derives special character as well as special historical and aesthetical
interest and value from its association with developer, Charles M. Titus, who is
responsible for the development of the southwest and northwest parts of the city
known as the flats into a desirable residential neighborhood in the 1870s. Titus’
own residence was located at 315 West State Street, currently the site of the Central
Fire Station parking lot. In the 1860s, his large house and lot occupied
approximately half of the block bounded by Owego (now State), Plain, Green and
Albany Streets. Between 1888 and 1921, portions of Titus’ land were sold and five
of the seven houses in the district were built.
Per criterion #3, the district is also significant as a collection of intact late nineteenth
and early-twentieth century houses embodying the distinguishing characteristics of the
popular architectural styles of the era, including Stick, Queen Anne, second phase
Italian Renaissance Revival and Craftsman. Three of the properties retain original
automobile garages, one with a particularly high level of integrity, offering excellent
evidence of an early-twentieth century example of this program type.
The Commission has received expert opinion concerning the significance of the
building types and styles of architecture that were typical in the period between
1880, the construction date of the earliest extant building in the district, and c.1922,
the construction date of the latest extant building.
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The properties in the district are notable examples of architectural styles popular
during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The styles represented are as
follows: Stick (310 West State Street); Queen Anne (314 and 317 West State, and
108 and 110 South Albany Streets); second phase Italian Renaissance Revival (301
West State); and Craftsman (307 West State Street)
Per criterion #4, many of the properties within the district are representative works of
designers whose works have significantly influenced an age. The district contains
houses designed by early Ithaca architect A.B. Dale and Cornell-trained architects A. B.
Wood and Arthur Gibb.
Alvah B. (Buckbee) Wood (1850-1909) attended Cornell University from 1871-
74 and studied architecture. He designed several residences in Ithaca as well as
the Ithaca High School and the Morse Chain Works. He also designed several
railroad depots for the Lehigh Valley Railroad in Ithaca (1898), Geneva (1892)
and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and is credited with the design of the 1896
Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. Built in 1880 and 1885 respectively,
310 and 314 West State Street are excellent examples of Wood’s early residential
designs and demonstrate clearly the range of his architectural ability.
Arthur N. Gibb (1868-1949) was born in Quebec City in 1868 and graduated from
Cornell with an architecture degree in 1890. He remained in Ithaca and worked
briefly in the office of William H. Miller, another prominent Ithaca architect.
Gibb then became a partner of Clinton L. Vivian for eight years and later a partner
of Ornan H. Waltz. As a sole practitioner and a partner in a firm, Gibb designed a
number of buildings in Ithaca, including the dome of Sibley Hall at Cornell in
1902. Gibb and Waltz designed a number of buildings still extant in Ithaca,
including Rand Hall at Cornell; the Chi Psi fraternity house (1907-09); the Delta
Chi fraternity house (1914-15 known as the Knoll); the original Elks Lodge
(1915-16); the Crescent Theater (1916) and the Masonic Temple (1926). Gibb
himself is responsible for the design of the Henry St. John Elementary School
(1925). 301 West State is an excellent example of his residential designs.
A.B. Dale (Alfred B., 1829-1910) was born in Portsmouth, England and trained as
carpenter. He came to Ithaca around 1845 or 1850 and worked as journeyman
carpenter before spending one year with architect I. G. Perry in Albany. Dale
returned to Ithaca and opened his own office in Ithaca in 1870. Over the course of
his career, he designed many stores and residences in Ithaca, including the
Boardman House (1866); the Griffin Block (1872); the Bates Block (1872); the
Titus Block (1876); the Sprague Block, the Ithaca Hotel (1870-71) and the
Andrus-Whiton House at 212 Aurora Street (1873). 317 West State Street is a
good example of his remaining residential work in Ithaca.
2. The Titus Wood Historic District constitutes a distinct section of the city by
reason of possessing those qualities that would satisfy the criteria for
designation as an individual landmark.
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The West State Historic District encompasses eight contiguous properties slightly west of
the downtown commercial core. The geographic boundaries were deliberately plotted to
capture the houses built on the historic Titus house lot and the remaining residential
properties on the north side of West State Street. As a unit, these properties reflect the
original residential character of the neighborhood.
and,
WHEREAS, the Commission adopts as its own the documentation and information more fully set forth in
the report titled West State and South Albany Streets Local Historic District Nomination,
prepared by Sara Johnson and Christine O’Malley of Historic Ithaca, Inc, with research
provided by Mary Tomlan, dated 2012, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, determines that the West State Historic
District meets the definition of an historic district as set forth in Section 228-3 of the
Municipal Code, Landmarks Preservation, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Commission hereby recommends designation of the West State survey area, which
boundaries are shown on the attached map, as a local historic district.
RECORD OF VOTE:
Moved by: J. Minner
Seconded by: K. Olson
In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, M. McGandy, K. Olson, J. Minner
Against: 0
Abstain: D. Kramer
Absent: S. Stein
Vacancies: 0
B. Proposed Landmark Designation – 421 N. Albany St. (a.k.a. the Dennis-Newton House)
Christine O’Malley, Historic Ithaca, presented an overview of the proposal and submitted a letter from
Historic Ithaca in support of the designation.
Witnesses in Favor:
Mary Tomlan, 200 Delaware Avenue and City of Ithaca Historian, spoke in support of the designation.
The designation would be a highly apt recognition of an important part of Cornell University history and
a symbol of its town-gown relationship with the city.
Raymond Dalton, retired Cornell University Senior Lecturer, former executive director of Cornell's
Office of Minority Educational Affairs (OMEA), and also chair of Alpha Phi Alpha’s (APA) Ithaca
chapter, spoke in support of the designation. He indicated that his research at the university centered on
African American history and architectural education. The property is a 127-old house that is significant
in the history of the fraternity. It is also an architectural gem and has a rich history. He indicated that
APA is very interested in seeing the property survive.
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Witnesses in Opposition:
None.
Public Hearing
On a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by S. Gibian, Chair Finegan opened the Public Hearing. There
being no public comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by J. Minner, seconded by K.
Olson.
M. McGandy remarked that it seems a very strong application, given the property’s connections to APA
(whose members have included W.E.B. DuBois and Thurgood Marshall). It seems to have been a strong
centerpiece of African American intellectual life in the United States. M. McGandy asked what C.
O’Malley anticipates in terms of funding that may be available to renovate the house. C. O’Malley
replied that there is definitely an advantage to having the property designated, including eligibility for
historic tax credits. B. McCracken added that the property could also apply to the City’s a real property
tax abatement under Section 300-20 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code titled “Real Property Tax
Exemption for Historic Preservation.”
LEAD AGENCY RESOLUTION: Moved by S. Gibian, seconded by J. Minner.
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for
conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead
agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed designation of the 421 North Albany Street, a.k.a. the Dennis-Newton House,
is a "Type II Action" pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
and is an "Unlisted Action" under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission does hereby declare itself lead agency
for the environmental review of the proposed designation of 421 North Albany Street, a.k.a
the Dennis-Newton House.
RECORD OF VOTE:
Moved by: S. Gibian
Seconded by: J. Minner
In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, D. Kramer, M. McGandy, K. Olson, J. Minner
Against: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: S. Stein
Vacancies: 0
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ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION RESOLUTION: Moved by D. Kramer, seconded by K.
Olson.
WHEREAS, members of The Jewells Heritage Project, Inc of Alpha Phi Alpha have requested
consideration by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission of local historic district
landmark designation of 421 North Albany Street, a.k.a the Dennis-Newton House, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review for the designation of 421 North Albany Street, a.k.a the
Dennis-Newton House has been conducted including the preparation of a Short
Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), and submitted for review to the Conservation
Advisory Council, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a "Type II Action" under the New York State Environmental
Quality Review Act (Sec. 617.5(C)(30) and an "Unlisted Action" under the City
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, (CEQR Sec. 176-2), and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, acting as Lead Agency, has reviewed the
SEAF, dated January 26, 2015 and supplemental information, and has determined that
designation of the individual landmark will not have a significant effect on the environment
and that further environmental review is unnecessary, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is
hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s
Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law.
RECORD OF VOTE:
Moved by: D. Kramer
Seconded by: K. Olson
In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, D. Kramer, M. McGandy, K. Olson, J. Minner
Against: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: S. Stein
Vacancies: 0
DESIGNATION RESOLUTION: Moved by K. Olson, seconded by M. McGandy.
WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission (ILPC) may designate landmarks and districts of historic and cultural
significance, and
WHEREAS, a special public hearing held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, for the purpose of considering
a proposal to designate the Dennis-Newton House at 421 North Albany Street as a City of
Ithaca landmark has been concluded, and
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WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the report titled The Dennis-Newton House, 421 North Albany
Street, Ithaca, NY dated November 19, 2014 including the Narrative Description of
Property and the Narrative Description of Significance, prepared by Christine O’Malley for
The Jewells Heritage Project, Inc of Alpha Phi Alpha and presented to the ILPC at their
regular meeting on December 9, 2014, and
WHEREAS, the proposal is a Type II action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and the
City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and as such requires no further
environmental review, and
WHEREAS, Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code defines the criteria for designation of an individual
landmark as follows:
1. Possessing special character or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the
cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state, or
nation; or
2. Being identified with historically significant person(s) or event(s); or
3. Embodying the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style; or
4. Being the work of a designer whose work has significantly influenced an age; or
5. Representing an established and familiar visual feature of the community by virtue
of its unique location or singular physical characteristics.
RESOLVED, that the Commission adopts as its own, the documentation and information more fully set
forth in the report titled The Dennis-Newton House, 421 North Albany Street, Ithaca, NY
and dated November 19, 2014, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Commission has made the following findings of fact concerning the proposed
designation.
As described in the Narrative Description of Significance section of the report titled The
Dennis-Newton House, 421 North Albany Street, Ithaca, NY prepared by Christine
O’Malley and dated November 19, 2014, the Dennis-Newton House, and the adjacent
areas that are identified as tax parcel #50.-3-22, is a structure deemed worthy of
preservation, by reason of its value to the city and nation as enumerated below:
Per criterion 1, the Dennis-Newton House possesses special historical and aesthetic
interest and value as a part of the development, heritage and cultural characteristics
of the City of Ithaca by virtue of its association with Norman Dennis and Edward
Newton.
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As stated in the Narrative Statement of Significance, the residence at 421 North
Albany Street was originally constructed around 1868-69 for Norman Dennis
(1833-1908), an early African-American resident in the City of Ithaca who was
born in New York State and worked as mason and laborer. Dennis also helped
found the African-American lodge of the Odd Fellows in Elmira, New York.
Dennis’ daughter, Lula, inherited the house in 1893 but transferred the deed in
1898 to her husband, Edward Newton. Edward Newton (c.1856-1932) worked as
a porter for Sage College at Cornell University and was longtime employee at the
Psi Upsilon fraternity house. He was an active member of Ithaca’s African-
American community and supported the efforts of early-19th century African-
American students at Cornell to form a fraternal organization. Lula and Edward
Newton lived in the house at 421 North Albany Street until their deaths in 1928
and 1932 respectively. The house remained in the Newton family until 1982 when
the deed to the house was transferred by Lula and Edward Newton’s son, Norman
Dennis Newton, to a new owner. In total, three generations of the Dennis–Newton
family lived in the house. The house stands as a surviving example of a dwelling
built for one of Ithaca’s early African-American residents.
Per criterions 1, the Dennis-Newton House also possesses special historical and
aesthetic interest and value as a part of the development, heritage and cultural
characteristics of the nation through its association with the formation of Alpha Phi
Alpha, the first nationally recognized African-American, Greek-letter collegiate fraternity
in the United States.
As stated in the Narrative Description of Significance, fraternities were an
integral part of student life at Cornell University from its inception; however,
African-American male students were not admitted membership into these
organizations and generally lived apart, both literally and figuratively, from the
rest of the student population. With the purpose of establishing an organization
that would provide a platform for socialization and mutual support, a cohort of
African-American students decided to form a study group and literary society.
Their first meeting was held in the home of Edward and Lula Newton at 421
North Albany Street in 1905. This group would later evolve into Alpha Phi Alpha,
the first Greek-letter, African-American collegiate fraternal organization in the
United States, and 421 North Albany Street was considered its birthplace. Among
the fraternity’s members were Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood
Marshall, Frederick Douglas, and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. The connection
between the house and the formation of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity makes it a
significant site for an important episode in African-American history and
American collegiate education history.
Per criterion 3, the Dennis-Newton House embodies the distinguishing characteristics
of an architectural style as an excellent example of mid-19th century vernacular residential
design.
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Built for Norman Dennis in a vernacular Italianate Style in c.1868, the Dennis-
Newton House retains many of its original exterior features and materials,
including wood clapboard siding and windows, denticulated cornice, window
hoods, double entrance doors, half-round gutters and Queen-Anne Style porch
posts, railings, brackets and spandrels. Despite the deteriorated condition of these
features and materials, the property is considered to have a high level of integrity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, determines that
based on the findings set forth above, the Dennis-Newton House meets criterion C defining
a Local Landmark as set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, Landmarks
Preservation, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Commission hereby designates the Dennis-Newton House, 421 North Albany Street
as a City of Ithaca landmark.
RECORD OF VOTE:
Moved by: K. Olson
Seconded by: M. McGandy
In Favor: E. Finegan, S. Gibian, D. Kramer, M. McGandy, K. Olson, J. Minner
Against: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: S. Stein
Vacancies: 0
II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST
None.
III. OLD BUSINESS
None.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
None.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
As moved by J. Minner, and seconded by D. Kramer, Commission members approved the following
meeting minutes, with no modifications.
• January 13, 2015 (Regular Meeting)
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VI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
B. McCracken reported that the applicant for the 210 Eddy Street parking space addition project
(reviewed by the Commission in 2014) brought in a building sample and some drawings of the proposed
parking spaces. The applicant indicated the work should simply be subject to staff-level approval;
however, B. McCracken subsequently discovered the Commission had in fact asked the applicant to
return to the Commission. B. McCracken will contact the applicant and follow up with him.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:17 p.m. by Chair Finegan.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission