|
City of Lincoln
Lincoln College rezoning proposal and museum preservation plans
discussed at Lincoln City Council Meeting
[May 14, 2026]
All members of the Lincoln City
Council were present for the Committee of the Whole meeting held May
12, 2026, where discussion centered heavily on the future of the
former Lincoln College campus and the Lincoln Heritage Museum. The
meeting included discussions and questions regarding a proposed
zoning change to a C2 or R1 zone tied to a redevelopment proposal by
Washington state developer Chase Huston.
During public participation, Vic Martinek who is a member of the
Lincoln Planning Commission, spoke in favor of the rezoning request,
saying he supported the proposal because it represented a privately
funded investment into Lincoln after years of uncertainty
surrounding the campus.
“There hasn't been anything in three years that's substantive, that
the College Board was able to accept any proposals until this one
came forward,” Martinek said. “This is an opportunity to put a large
parcel on the tax rolls, which hasn't for 160 some years.”
The council then moved discussion of the zoning request to the top
of the agenda. Building and Zoning Officer Wes Woodhall explained
that the Planning Commission had recommended approval following a
lengthy meeting.
Developer Chase Huston attended
virtually via Zoom and answered numerous questions from council
members about the proposal, future housing plans and concerns from
residents. Alderman Kevin Bateman raised concerns he had heard from
constituents regarding the possibility of the property eventually
becoming government-subsidized housing if luxury apartments failed
to fill.
Huston pushed back on those concerns, stating the project would
remain privately funded.
“We will never rely on government subsidies. We never have, we never
will,” Huston said.
Huston described the project as an opportunity to address Lincoln’s
housing shortage while also revitalizing the campus with
community-centered businesses and attractions.
“We're not bringing in slot machines. We're not bringing in bars,”
Huston said. “We're really focusing on something we can provide for
the community all year round, that's of all ages and all creeds.”
Mayor Tracy Welch and council members discussed adding protections
tied to the zoning approval in case the sale of the campus did not
close. Concerns were raised that rezoning the property to commercial
use before a finalized sale could potentially open the door for
undesirable future development if the deal collapsed.
Lincoln College representative Patrick Doolin said the college would
be agreeable to language making the rezoning contingent upon
completion of the sale.
The discussion also focused on Lincoln College’s financial condition
and what could happen if the sale fell through. Doolin explained
that the college had maintained the property since closing in 2022,
but resources were running low.
[to top of second column] |
“If we had to
continue operations as they are now, we would not be able to go
through the end of the calendar year,” Doolin said.
Doolin revealed the college had already prepared plans to
auction the campus if an agreement had not been reached before a
previous deadline. He said the auction process had been nearly
finalized before Huston’s proposal advanced.
“We have no control over who buys it,
where they're from, what they're going to do with it,” Doolin said
regarding a potential auction.
Huston also spoke extensively about his connection to Lincoln,
explaining he has spent nearly a decade investing in local
properties. According to Huston, he currently owns approximately 100
rental properties and 240 storage units in Lincoln.
Council members additionally questioned how historic portions of the
campus would be protected. Doolin explained that University Hall is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning exterior
modifications require historic preservation approval.
The meeting later shifted toward the future of the Lincoln Heritage
Museum located on campus. Doolin explained that Lincoln College
intends for the museum collection to remain intact and operational
following the dissolution of the college.
According to Doolin, Lincoln College plans to transfer museum
artifacts and assets to the City of Lincoln as part of the
dissolution process, along with a proposed $250,000 cash gift to
assist with operational continuity.
Doolin estimated the museum collection could now be valued between
$5 million and $7 million.
The proposal would allow the museum to remain in its current
building temporarily through a lease agreement with Huston while the
city evaluates long-term plans.
“We want to keep everything here, keep it operational as is,” Doolin
said.
Several council members emphasized the
significance of preserving the museum and its artifacts. Alderwoman
Robin McCallen noted that maintaining historic items requires
specialized knowledge and care.
“Some of these are national treasures,” McCallen said.
Alderman Tim Becke also expressed support for keeping the museum at
its current location if possible.
“I mean, it is just a great asset to Lincoln,” Becke said.
The council ultimately agreed to place the zoning request on the
regular agenda for a vote the following week while city officials
continue discussions regarding the museum proposal and operational
transition.
[Sophia Larimore]
|
