Lane House Local Landmark Designation

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions, which may contain errors in names and numbers.

What: a designation study for the Lane House in the Marcy Holmes neighborhood (Ward 3), an 1881 brick house built for a lumber-industry figure, nominated by its owner.
Where it stands: on October 20, 2026 the Heritage Preservation Commission voted 8-0 to recommend that the City Council approve local landmark designation, exterior only.
Next: City Council action.

The owner nominated the property in 2025 and hired a law firm to prepare the study; the owner hopes to use the historic exception (formerly historic variance) to establish a bed and breakfast.
Staff found significance under four criteria (lumber-industry history, a significant person, neighborhood identity, and a combination of Italianate, Chateauesque and Queen Anne styles) and all seven aspects of integrity. Recommended period of significance 1881 to 1906.
The State Historic Preservation Office concurred; the property was found eligible for the National Register in 2012. One letter of support from the neighborhood association; no other comments.
The owner's attorney, Raya Smiley, stressed the owner's restoration work from 2000 to 2007 and goal that protection outlive current ownership. Commissioners called the study thorough.

About 10 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting	Minutes
2026-10-20 - Heritage Preservation Commission	10

2026-10-20 - Heritage Preservation Commission - commission voted 8-0 to recommend designation to the Council; no opposition.