EUREKA SPRINGS -- Although the demolition-by-neglect ordinance failed in the recent election, one "likely candidate" for the wrecking ball is being saved at 68 Wall St.

  Barbara Russell appeared before the Historic District Commission for permission to do substantial Level II work on the house she owns across the street from her residence at 67 Wall St.

Swallow nest with moonshine trim

  In addition to a new front door, Russell asked to add new facia and soffits and paint the house Swallow Nest with Moonshine trim.

  A soffit is the underside of the eaves. Facia are the flat boards or face located at a cornice's outer edge. A cornice is decorative molding.

  Chair Melissa Greene thanked Russell for buying the house and fixing it up.

  Commissioners did a site visit last week to 34 Ridgeway, where the chimney in a house damaged by fire is being replaced from its previous concrete block construction material with a limestone chimney.

Interesting chimney facts

  Although the chimney was not an original or "contributing" part of the structure, Commissioner Richard Grinnell did point out when chimneys are replaced in historic structures, state code does require the new chimney be rebuilt in the same space as the original.

More Level IIs

  Other Level II approvals included:

* Porch railing added at 41 Vaughn St.

* Decorative iron trim and handrail to the Purkeypile residence at 229 N. Main St.

* Removal of a rotting and not-original rear porch overhang at 27 Benton St.

  Eight items were approved under the Consent Agenda.

The consent agenda

  The consent agenda consists of Level I items such as repainting within HDC guidelines, signage, minor landscaping or other items not deemed to require a public hearing.

  These items go before Economic Development Coordinator and City Preservation Officer Glenna Booth for approval.

  Any questions involving deviations from HDC guidelines always go before the commission.

  The Consent Agenda consisted of the following:

* New paint colors at 4 Mill Hollow Rd.

* Signage at 55 S. Main St.

* Signage at 1 Center St.

* Signage at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum at 95 S. Main St.

* Signage at 5 Pine St.

* An awning at 75 Prospect Ave.

* Changing billboards on US62E.

* Newly painted columns at 142 Spring St.

Joint presentation planned

  May is Arkansas Heritage Month. According to Greene, the HDC will be joining with the Eureka Springs Preservation Society on May 29 to host a joint preservation awards ceremony in honor of those who work to preserve the city's unique heritage.

  Since the theme of 2008 is "The People Rule: The Heritage of Arkansas Politics," the Preservation Society received a grant to create a cast of Eureka Springs political characters to serve as awards presenters at the ceremony. Greene said Janet Alexander has been directing this project, and it has been cast with local actors. She said the award programs will begin at 7 p.m. in Gavioli Chapel at 80 Mountain St. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

  A photo exhibit depicting "Eureka Springs in the Auto Age" is currently on display in City Hall.

Greene gracious about failed ordinance

  Greene closed the meeting by thanking the citizens who voted in the recent election. She said while she was somewhat disappointed about the narrow failure of the demolition-by-neglect ordinance, which lost by 14 votes, opposition is good.

  "We'll be working on a new one and will appreciate public input," Greene added.

  The next HDC meeting is scheduled for June 4 at 6 p.m.