ORDINANCE NUMBER 26-11286
AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE H.D. LEE FLOUR MILLS COMPANY SIGNS LOCATED AT 343 NORTH SANTA FE AVENUE TO BE OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE IN THE CITY OF SALINA, KANSAS.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Body of the City of Salina, Kansas:
Section 1. Property. The signs that are the subject of this ordinance are the H.D. Lee Flour Mills Company signs located on the following described real estate:
Lots 24 and 26 and the North 8 feet of Lot 28 on Santa Fe Avenue in the Original Town (now City) of Salina, Saline County, Kansas (the “Property”)
The above described tract of land is also known as 343 North Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, Kansas.
Section 2. Findings. After review by the Heritage Commission at a public hearing held on May 27, 2026, and pursuant to Salina Code Sec. 42-525(c), the Governing Body finds that the H.D. Lee Flour Mills Company signs comply with all three guidelines required to be designated historically significant:
- The signs have been in continuous existence at the present location for not less than twenty-five (25) years, as documented by photographic records from at least 1899 through August 2021. The signs’ removal in 2021 was temporary and preservation-motivated, with documented public intent at the time of removal to refurbish the signs and return them to the site. (Salina Code Sec. 42-525(c)(1)); and
- The signs possess such exemplary design, craftsmanship, materials, and means of illumination that they significantly enhance the cultural, historical, and aesthetic quality of the community, including through their long association with the H.D. Lee Flour Mill, their scale and prominence as a recognized visual feature of north downtown Salina, and the addition of marquee-style bulb illumination through the ongoing restoration. (Salina Code Sec. 42-525(c)(2)); and
- The signs have not been significantly altered from their historic period and are restorable to their historic function and appearance. The principal identifying text, “THE H.D. LEE / FLOUR MILLS CO,” is fully preserved in the restoration, and the signs are being restored to their historic function as the primary identifying signs of the H.D. Lee Flour Mill. (Salina Code Sec. 42-525(c)(3))
Section 3. Declaration of Historic Significance. Based on the foregoing findings, the H.D. Lee Flour Mills Company signs located at 343 North Santa Fe Avenue are hereby declared to be of “historic significance” pursuant to Salina Code Sec. 42-525. Except for requirements pertaining to safety, structural integrity, or maintenance, the signs shall be deemed to conform to the City’s sign ordinance.
Section 4. Significant Features. The significant exterior features of the signs to be protected are:
- Two sign support structures on the grain elevator complex at 343 North Santa Fe Avenue: one mounted on the north lower head house and one mounted on the south lower head house.
- The individual metal letters comprising the text “THE H.D. LEE / FLOUR MILLS CO” as displayed on each sign support structure.
- Marquee-style bulb illumination incorporated in the restoration of the signs.
Section 5. Certificate of Appropriateness Required. The following construction activities shall require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Heritage Commission prior to commencement:
- Alteration or removal of the individual metal letters, or modification of the letter composition or arrangement, on either sign.
- Alteration or removal of either sign support structure, in whole or in part.
- Removal of the signs from the grain elevator complex at 343 North Santa Fe Avenue.
Section 6. Conditions. The declaration of historic significance under this ordinance is subject to the following conditions:
- Prior to installation of the signs, the applicant shall submit a sign permit application to the City that includes anchoring details and structural plans (meeting all 2018 IBC requirements of Chapter 16 and Section 3107) stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Kansas. The sign permit must be issued prior to installation of the signs, and a final inspection is required. If the signs are not accessible to City building inspectors, it is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange special inspectors to complete the inspection.
- The signs shall be installed and maintained in a manner consistent with the historic composition and lettering of the H.D. Lee Flour Mills Company signs as described in the application and supporting materials on file with the City
Section 7. Publication. The City Clerk shall cause this ordinance, as soon as practicable after it has been passed and signed, to be published on the City’s website as the designated official city newspaper.
Section 8. Effective date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its publication.
Passed: June 22, 2026
Signed: June , 2026
Michael L. Hoppock, Mayor
ATTEST:
Nikki Goding, City Clerk