Historic resources commission hosts lecture

Old buildings in an earthquake-prone area -- not the best mix for potential business owners.

Downtown Carson City has its share of historic buildings that could use a good earthquake retrofit, but the costs sometimes seem daunting.

The Carson City Historic Resources Commission is hosting a lecture today featuring Melvyn Green, an engineer experienced in retrofitting historic buildings.

Green has worked on several buildings in Carson City, including the U.S. Mint, now the state museum. Jennifer Pruitt, city associate planner, said Green will offer insights into ways in which the commission and historic property owners could better preserve their structures.

"If anyone has a concern about their building or seismic safety downtown, this would be educational to see in what ways you can minimize the impact to historic structures and still have seismic safety," said Mike Drews, historic commission chairman.

The commission is using its annual training budget of $1,000 for the lecture, Pruitt said.

The scope of the commission, formerly known as the Historic Architecture Review Commission, was changed recently to include more than a review of historic district architecture. Drews said the commission now will review plans for all sites in Carson City meeting the criteria to be on the National Register of Historic Places, not just those in the Historic District. The district covers a narrow swath of land north to south from John Street to Fifth Street and east to west from Curry Street to Mountain Street.

IF YOU GO

What: Historic Resources Commission lecture by Melvyn Green

When: 6-8 p.m. today

Where: Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.