The Essen Log Cabin is being constructed at Wildwood’s Village Green. (West Newsmagazine photo)
On May 28, the Wildwood Historic Preservation Commission conducted a public hearing regarding the final draft of the city’s Historic Preservation Plan.
The commission and its consultant Moore, Iacofano and Goltsman (MIG) have organized numerous events to gather public input on the plan.
Community engagement started the previous spring with a historic preservation survey that generated over 200 responses, according to Historic Preservation Planner Robyn Keefe.
An open house took place in summer 2025 with 50 participants, and a virtual open house was conducted in February. Additionally, multiple focus group discussions have been held.
This represents the city’s first historic plan, intended to safeguard the community’s historic resources and character, Keefe explained.
(Photo courtesy of city of Wildwood)
The plan will better integrate the preservation program into the city’s master plan, establish a timeline for preservation goals and assess the status of historic properties, she explained.
Several additional steps must be completed before adoption, including a public hearing with the Planning & Zoning Commission and another before the City Council.
Marcia Boyle, senior project manager at MIG, explained that the plan aims to provide goals and strategies that encourage preservation of the city’s resources, celebrate those assets and develop new ways to engage people throughout the next decade.
She outlined the five key vision elements that form the foundation of the plan: accessibility, advocacy, civic engagement and collaboration, intergenerational participation, transparency and unity.
“The intent is that any of the goals and actions implemented over the next 10 years will align with these vision elements and reinforce them,” she stated.
The plan contains eight goals. One significant goal involves revitalizing Manchester Road (Route 66). Boyle suggested initiatives like offering memorabilia and collectibles or establishing a cruising loop route to enhance the visitor experience.
The goals identify key priorities for the Historic Preservation Program over the next 10 years. (Photo courtesy of city of Wildwood)
Commissioner Steve Larson mentioned that the state distributes a Route 66 Passport allowing travelers throughout Missouri to collect stamps at designated locations along the route.
Boyle committed to ensuring that Wildwood components are included when the passport is updated.
Another objective is recognizing African-American and indigenous history and heritage initiatives.
The city is expanding the existing Historic Markers Program by adding markers that honor local men who served in the United States Colored Troops. These markers will be placed at sites associated with the Madison Valley area (formerly Old Slave Road) and Wild Horse Creek Road (formerly the Coleman and Tyler Plantations).
Promoting youth engagement is an additional goal, and the commission has worked to involve young people in its initiatives. Teens can serve as youth ambassadors on the commission to learn about historic preservation, participate in events and act as liaisons with their community and schools.
Goals are categorized into short-term (five years), medium-term (six-10 years) and long-term (over 10 years or ongoing) phases.
Of the 73 strategic actions listed, 22 are considered long-term actions that will extend beyond the 10-year plan period, according to Boyle.
Resident Lynn Link remarked that “Every initiative to safeguard our irreplaceable history and environment is vital and time well spent.”
The Planning & Zoning Commission also held a public hearing on June 1 regarding the final draft of the plan.
“A critical aspect of the plan views historical preservation not merely as protecting these assets but as leveraging them for economic development, heritage tourism and benefits that serve both property owners and the community,” said Joe Vujnich, director of Planning and Parks.
The preservation plan receives 60% of its funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of the Interior through a Historic Preservation Fund Grant, with the city providing all remaining funding.
