Council adds historic overlay to 1902 North 1st Street, clearing way for restoration

The City Council approved a historic-overlay zoning designation for 1902 North 1st Street, the site of the century-old Philpott Florist building, after staff and local landmark bodies recommended approval. Tim Littlejohn, director of planning and development, told council the landmarks commission and planning-and-zoning board recommended the overlay; he provided historical context about the business and the building’s mid-century design.

Jonathan Crisp, the property owner and speaker at the public hearing, said his restoration plan would remove paint and restore the building toward its 1955 appearance, and he said he intends to pursue state historic designation to access preservation programs. "My personal plans of the property is a restoration project to bring the property back to as close to the original 1955 presentation as I can," Crisp told the council. The council approved the zoning change on a motion with no recorded opposition.