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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 07/26/2012SUMMARY SHEET LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING JULY 26, 2012 Mr. Richard Bowers gave a presentation on the Asian Culture Museum. The Landmark Commission Archive Subcommittee gave a status report on updating the bound volumes of the Historical Site Survey properties. MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 26, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. James Klein, Chairman Ms. Kim Charba Mr. Anthony Gavlik Ms. Karen Howden Mr. Dennis Miller Mr. Herb Morrison Mr. John Olson Dr. Mark Robbins Mr. Sean Thorson MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Laura Commons (Excused) Ms. Christina Crouse (Excused) Ms. Margareta Fratila (Excused) Ms. Marie Guajardo (Excused) Mr. Armando Mendez (Excused) Mr. Leo Rios (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Andrew Dimas, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Dr. James Klein, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. ACTION ITEM: Approve June 28, 2012 Minutes: Motion was made by Mr. Morrison and seconded by Ms. Charba to approve the minutes as corrected: Page 3, second paragraph: Dr. Robbins requested that the sentence be amended to read" "that the artifacts found were significant in that they were part of the daily... park. The minutes read "not significant." Motion passed. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Report from the Landmark Commission Archive Subcommittee on Updating the Bound Volumes of the Historical Survey Properties: Mr. Herb Morrison, Landmark Commission Archive Subcommittee Member, addressed the commission. Mr. Morrison stated the Subcommittee has met several times in an effort to formulate a plan in which to accomplish the goal of updating the historical binders. Mr. Morrison stated that at the initial meeting, the group basically discussed the best method of reviewing the binders to determine structures that have been demolished and document those findings. Mr. Morrison continued that at the July 24 2012 committee meeting, the committee discussed several steps that needed to be completed before the initial update could really begin. The steps discussed were: Landmark Commission Meeting July 26, 2012 Page 2 • Surveying the sites using Google to cull out structures that have been demolished; • After verifying through Google which structures still existed, volunteers will conduct a field survey to verify the physical condition of those structures; • Digitizing existing forms and photos; • Volunteers will come to the Development Services Department and check out a binder to use in the field survey. A check -out log will be provided for commissioners to check out the binders; • After the field survey is completed, the field investigation notes would be inputted into a digitized form. The new digital form will allow the new data to be entered. Once the data has been updated, the form will be uploaded. Mr. Morrison stated he was still working on the digitized form and he would have a draft for review by the next meeting. • Copies of the Historic Survey II Worksheet and the Binder Check- out/Check -in forms were provided for commissioners to review. Mr. Morrison summarized how the work would be completed as follows: Document Format • Microsoft Word format document template file be created; • Embed scanned image of existing form as background image behind text; • Utilize Word developer tools to create forms with editable fields that can overhaul outdated information with new data; and • Forms shall be locked to protect formatting. Scanned Image Format • Full size .jpg • Maximized compression for smallest file size Supplemental Pages • Should include images page with standardized layout and photo size; and • Should include a form page for additional remarks that may exceed first page fields. Additional Features • Archive should have an index page with hyperlinks to individual document pages; and • Archive should have an instructional page for editing existing pages and for appending with new pages. After Mr. Morrison's update and further discussion by commissioners, no action was taken. Mr. Dimas stated he would provide to commissioners the link to the YouTube instructional video on conducting the online aerial survey of the historic sites. Mr. Dimas continued that the video would provide step -by -step instructions with example using Bing Maps and Google Maps. Presentation the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures: Mr. Richard Bowers, a retired CEO /President of Tor Mineral, addressed the commission. Mr. Bowers stated during that time of his career, he also spent some time in Singapore working for the Embassy. When he returned to Corpus Christi, he became involved with the Japanese Art Museum. Mr. Bowers continued he returned back to Japan and taught school and he spent even more time learning more about the people and its culture. Mr. Bowers stated upon his return to Corpus Christi, the Museum was located on Staples Street across from the Channel 6 television station. Mr. Bowers continued that back in 1978, Mr. Jimmy Goldston, over a span of about thirty years, served four terms as president of the board of directors for the museum. Mr. Bowers stated the museum relocated to several locations after the Staples Street site from the Furman Building and then to the Sunrise Mall. The museum eventually partnered with a Landmark Commission Meeting July 26, 2012 Page 3 Japanese foundation. Mr. Ed Harte and many others from the community were very generous in donating their money and time to the museum. Eventually, the museum relocated and renovated the Longshoremen Hall, which was a two -story shell and converted it into a very nice building. Jim and Eleanor Goldston enclosed the garden area and ran the organization for approximately thirty -seven (37) years. Under their leadership, a lot of art exhibits and Asian groups were sponsored. The museum focused on present Asian culture. Ms. Dana Wall, with Corpus Christi Independent School District, was overseer for the children's program. The program served all schools to the extent of about 2,000 to 3,000 per year. There were two classes of 30 to 60 kids twice a day. Mr. Bowers stated at one time, the museum was self- supporting through various fund raisers. The museum has fallen on hard times financially, and at one time, the City provided funding of $15,000; which was eventually increased to $30,000. Mr. Bowers continued that the attendance has decreased drastically; which means the income gained from tourism also decreased. The museum no longer receives financial support from the City and most of the support comes from private citizens and a few community foundations. Mr. Bowers continued that it would be a great loss if the museum had to close its doors permanently and the community would lose a great asset. After Mr. Bowers' concluded his comments, the floor was opened for discussion. Ms. Charba asked if the building was "HC" designated and Mr, Bowers responded no. Mr. Gavlik asked if there was an admission fee and Mr. Bowers answered yes, but the admission fee was not adequate enough to keep the museum solvent. Over the course of time, with decrease in attendance and the number of tours given, the overall expenses associated with the museum also increased. Mr. Gavlik asked if the museum had tried to partner with other groups in the community and Mr. Bowers answered no. Mr. Bowers continued that at one time, it was thought that the Corpus Christi Museum and the Asian Museum could be housed together, but the museum was not in a position to assist because they are now in partnership with the City of Corpus Christi. Ms. Charba commented that she could not find the museum on the City's website and Mr. Bowers responded that it was not a part of the website. Mr. Gavlik asked if the museum had any type of plans to increase community awareness and Mr. Bowers stated the museum was struggling and with the reduced volunteer staff they currently have, they were trying to find ways to increase community awareness. Mr. Gavlik stated the Asian Culture Museum was facing the same problem of exposure as the Art Museum because in that people do not know about the northern end of Chaparral Street. Mr. Gavlik stated that may be more signs were needed to promote the museum and inform the community that it was still in operation. Mr. Gavlik asked if any of the refineries had been contacted and Mr. Bowers replied that at one time, the museum received support from Citgo and Koch. Mr. Gavlik asked if it would be more appealing for the Asian Culture Museum to be under the umbrella as a City museum and Mr. Bowers answered that at one time that possibility was considered. Mr. Bowers continued that the museum board felt that the Asian experience would have been compromised and diminished if it were to become part of the City's umbrella. Mr. Olson stated that since Dusty Durrill has partnered with the Science and History Museum, this option could be something to consider for the Asian Museum. Mr. Morrison asked how many non - students normally toured the museum and Mr. Bowers responded that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 visitors tour the museum annually. The museum was opened five to six days per week and closed on Mondays. Dr. Klein expressed thanks to Mr. Bowers for attending today's meeting and presenting an update on the museum. No action was taken. Mr. Gavlik stated for the next meeting, he would like to schedule mapping of historical neighborhoods as an agenda item for discussion. Landmark Commission Meeting July 26, 2012 Page 4 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:456 p.m. Linda illiams Recor ing Secretary Andrew K. Dimas, City r Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission (DEVELOPMENTSVCS\ LINDA\ WORD\ ANDMARKWINUTES \2012UULV2612MINUTES.MTG) County Nueces Corpus Christi Historic Site Survey, Phase IIA. Revised 6/93 Area 07 Site No. M -082 City TMEplt;aak 0loi over write text Name Veronica Apartments UTM Sector Zoning Map Name Street Number 810 Morgan Constdate 19306 -19406 Owner Jack A Sahodirt et ux Architect/Builder Plan/Type Rectangular Address 900 Morgan, CCTX 78404 Property/Type Residential Original Owner Historic Function Domestic Legal Bayview 1; Bk 10, Lot 9 -10 Description Current Function Domestic Stylistic Influence Art Deco influence Nueces County Tax Account N's R- 190517; 0486 - 0010 -0090 IO.Description 2 -story brick apartment house; 3 -south facing bays, slab foundation, load- bearing masonry structural system, flat built up tar & gravel roof, stepped brick parapet, brick work includes vertical and horizontal raised bands and corbeled central bay. No porch /canopy; 1/1 wood double hung windows; corbeled recessed entry, doors covered with metal louvers. Exterior wood stair at rear on west side. This is sample new text 11. Present Condition Fair 12.Significance 1932 Sanborn Updated shows 2 -story brick apts with frame exterior stair at rear and 5 -car frame rear garage. Not shown in 1932 City Directory; 1944 - Veronica Apts, 6 units. Relationship to Site: Moved Original Site Yes Bibliography Nueces Cty Appraisal Dist files; City Directories; Sanborn Maps Informant Recorder Sally S. Victor Dateupdated Apr 1, 1993 DESIGNATIONS National Reg Ind National Reg Dist THC marker potential National Register File Name Film roll Film frame Multiple Property Individual 1 1 21 Priority High Medium X Low Zoning he zone potential is Site Sutve Count Nueces Area 07 City ver write text Name Veronica Apartments Sir ee t Ntunlx 81 0 Morgan O ahodirt et ux 11. Present Conditio F a i r Addr s 900 Mor an CCTX 78404 Original Own Legal Ba view 1; Bk 10 Lot 9 -10 Descriptio Nucces County Tax Account k's R 1 9051 7; IO.Dcscrintion Site No. M -082 UTM Sector Zoning Map Nam Constdat4 1930s -1940 PlarvType Rectangular Property/Type Residential Historic Function Domestic Current Function Domestic Stylistic Influenc p 0486 - 0010 -0090 2 -story brick apartment house; 3 -south facing bays, slab foundation, load-bearing masonry structural system, flat built up tar & gravel roof, stepped brick parapet, brick work includes vertical and horizontal raised bands and corbeled central bay. No porch/canopy; 1/1 wood double hung windows; corbeled recessed entry, doors covered with metal louvers. Exterior wood stair at rear on west side. This is sample new text 11. Present Conditio F a i r 17 Cinnirirnnrn 1932 Sanborn Updated shows 2-story brick a is with frame exterior stair at rear and 5 -car frame rear gara Not shown in 1932 City Directory; 1944 - Veronica A ts, 6 units. Relationship to Site: Moved Original Sit Ye; Bibliography ueces Cty Appraisal Dist files; City Directories; Sanborn Maps Recorder I Sally S. Victor Datet DESIGNATIONS National Reg In JL THC marker poten National Register File Name Multiple Propertf I Indivi Priority Hig � cdiui X Zonind I he zone note A 1, 1993 National Reg Film roll Film frame 11 1 21