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Post updated at 12:16 p.m. Thursday, July 18:
When property transfers ownership, it is often a time of change and improvement. This transition is when people who have fresh ideas seek to implement them.
The properties on the corner of 11th and Massachusetts streets and the east side of the 1000 block of New Hampshire Street have been ripe for change since Allen Press moved its presses in 1986 to the former Stokely Van-Camp facility on Delaware Street in East Lawrence, with staff following in 2000.
In the years since, the properties have sat vacant and neglected, an eyesore on the prominent southern entrance to our historic downtown.
Over the years, developers have attempted to purchase the properties from the former property owner, Rand Allen.
Five years ago, Core Spaces sought approval from the city to build a student housing apartment complex called the HUB that would have been marketed to University of Kansas students. Fortunately, our community rallied, the Historic Resources Commission offered input and the city commissioners listened to the community outcry. Ultimately, the proposal was thwarted.
Allen always intended to sell the properties as a package. Finally, after 38 years, he accomplished this goal by selling 1000 New Hampshire St., 1041 New Hampshire St. and 1040 Massachusetts St. to local developer Tony Krsnich in June.
The vacant lot on the east side of the 1000 block of New Hampshire Street has been cleared for what will soon become the New Hampshire Street Lofts. The complex will be marketed to people ages 55 and up with low to moderate incomes. Plans for the development shared with local government call for 48 rent-controlled apartments, including eight live-work units on the ground floor.
The demolition of the Allen Press buildings on the corner of New Hampshire and 11th streets appears likely and imminent.
Jason Dalton, a principal architect with H2B Architects, has submitted a letter to the Historic Resources Commission and will seek permission during the Thursday, July 18 HRC meeting to demolish these buildings because of their poor and unsafe condition. Dalton’s letter states that if the building at 1041 New Hampshire St. can be demolished, the site would assist in the construction of the lofts across the street.
The midcentury A & P grocery store that closed in the late 1970’s at 1040 Massachusetts St. has been cleared out. At present, this building will be saved because plans have not been solidified.
Fortunately, Krsnich has experience taking on large projects while working with the city. Most notably, he renovated the historic and endangered Poehler Grocery building at Eighth and Delaware Streets into an affordable housing project.
The ultimate outcome of the redevelopment of these properties has not been determined. Time will tell. One thing is certain: Krsnich’s plans will likely change based on the interest he has from possible investors and/or tenants, which is directly related to construction costs and ability to work within the parameters of the city.
I encourage our city leaders and staff to work with Krsnich in a collaborative manner to build improvements that will benefit our community while also being sensitive to location.
The development is within the environs of four historic buildings. It’s a balancing act, often with conflicting values. It requires leadership and compromise on all fronts.
The historic buildings adjacent to this development include the Watkins Museum of History, Douglas County Courthouse, the former English Lutheran Church and the Stubbs Building, a contributing building to the Lawrence Downtown Historic District. Each has historic architectural and community significance. Any buildings within the new development should be judged by their architectural fitness and how the buildings will serve our community for years to come.
This is certainly an exciting moment for our historic downtown.
Mr. Krsnich, we are counting on you to deliver a thoughtfully designed and beautiful development that will provide for the needs of our community and enhance downtown for years to come while also meeting your financial needs.
This project could very well be your legacy in our town.
About the writer
Tom Harper is a Realtor at Stephens Real Estate helping people in Lawrence and Douglas County buy and sell real estate. He is the founder of Lawrence Modern, a group whose mission is to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture. You will find him posting frequently on Instagram under @lawrencemodern, sharing his daily observations of his favorite place on earth: Lawrence, Kansas. Read more of Tom’s writing for The Lawrence Times here.
Note: This post has been corrected from a previous version.
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