The Audubon City Council is continuing to investigate implementation of a new ordinance that would allow officials to designate structures in town as historic property. According to Clerk, Joe Foran, discussions on the city code began after Audubon was selected for a grant to rehabilitate the second-story of a building near downtown for conversion into apartments.
Currently, only one property is slated for renovation in Audubon and that is located at 302 Broadway Street at the intersection of Washington Street. The building has served as home to a variety of different businesses over the years, but its most recognizable feature is the John James Audubon clock on the building’s south-facing façade. The city council has scheduled the first reading for the historic property ordinance for their Jan. 11 meeting. Foran says approval could open the door for additional grant opportunities.
He adds this will also allow owners of other historic properties in the community to request the council designate their building in a similar manner. Ordinance changes require three readings for approval, but Foran expects the council to waive the second and third readings.
