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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 01/25/2001v `i MINUTES _ �� 16;192D2p� LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING a CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 25, 2001 FE62ooi N sE!F' N MEMBERS PRESENT: MS. Deborah Douglas, Chairman DFFIDf ,L'b MS. Sharon Brower S,�O Mr. Michael Cleary MS. Grand'IS Lenken --- Mr. Mark LUddeke Mr. Elmon Phillips Mr. TOM Stewart MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Alan Belcher (Excused) Ms. Betsy Chapman (Excused) Mr. Terry Orf (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Ms. FaryCe Goode-Macon, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:30 P.M. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. ACTION ITEM(S): Approval of October 26 2000 Minutes The minutes for the October 26, 2000 meeting were approved with the following correction: Page 2: Discussion Items — last paragraph, sentence should read: "Mr. Phillips informed the commission of a marker dedication ceremony scheduled for the old Cheston Heath Elementary School on the site of the new federal courthouse," which was the first school ...students. The minutes reflected the wrong name for the school and location of the ceremony. Amendment to Plan for the Gold Star Court in Spohn Park: Ms. FaryCe Goode - Macon, City Planner and Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Ms. Macon stated the Master Review Committee met with staff from the Park and Recreation Department on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 to discuss the amendment to the original plan for the Gold Star Court. Ms. Macon continued that at the conclusion of Mr. Cisneros' presentation, the Master Review Committee would present Its recommendation. At this point, Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, was introduced and asked to give his presentation. Mr. Cisneros thanked the chairman and commission for being at today's meeting. Mr. Cisneros began his presentation by stating that the original drawing approved by the Landmark Commission was a conceptual drawing that reflected circumstances as they were at that time. The new amendment addresses the fact that Spohn Park has a very difficult construction configuration because it is a hilly site. The original drawing indicated a semi -circular brick paved sidewalk going up to the monorail at the top of the hill. Mr. Cisneros continued that what is being presented today is for two essential reasons: SCANNED Landmark commission Meg January 25, 2001 Page 2 1) The brick pavers will not be continued to the top of the hill as originally indicated. Mr. Cisneros stated that once staff calculating the cost and looked at available funding, it would be too costly; and also, staff reviewed the safety issue of pedestrians slipping down on the pavers while trying to climb to the top could become a liability factor: and 2) The City has to be in compliance with the American Disability Acts and ensure that public access is given to everyone. Persons with a disability would have difficulty trying to reach the top of the hill - especially if the person was confined to a wheel chair. Mr. Cisneros stated in order to keep the sidewalk pavers at a safe elevation, a retaining wall with rails would be installed along the walkway. Mr. Cisneros continued that one of the amendments to the plan is that instead of installing the brick pavers the entire length of the walkway, they will be installed in phases and done through a result of fund raising. At this time, the City does not have the money to commit to installing them up to the top of the hill. Mr. Cisneros went on to say that there are two park areas - the smaller area has the brick pavers centered around the eternal light and the larger park area is a functions' area. A lot of the ceremonies held by the Veterans and other organizations are held at Sherrill Park. By using the brick paver area will allow it to become more of an event's area, and at the same time, ensure that ADA requirements are being met. Mr. Phillips questioned how the markers were drawn on the amended plan and Mr. Cisneros explained that the backside of the walkway is a retaining wall. The retaining wall comes in at 36" in height and it would be designed in a mimic form of the balustrade located on Broadway. It would not have the through-ness because it is a retaining wall, but it would have the pilasters as well as the uprights in a mimic form of what was going up there. Mr. Cisneros continued that this is all concrete, as is the balustrade up on top. Mr. Phillips asked if the makers were located right inside on the balustrade on top and Mr. Cisneros answered yes. Mr. Cisneros reiterated that installing this retaining wall was necessary in order to keep back this very aggressive elevation; which was not evident so much on the sides, but as you got closer to the top of the walkway it was very evident. Mr. Cisneros continued that the elevation showed a very real circumstance of the relationship between what was going in the two areas. Mr. Stewart asked if the height would vary on the retaining wall and Mr. Cisneros answered that the height would vary on the outside, but not on the inside. Mr. Cisneros continued that the inside height of 36" would be constant, but the outside height would go from Landmark commission Me`Ig 111111110 January 25, 2001 Page 3 very narrow or shallow to probably being fully exposed by the time it got to the bottom of the hill. Mr. Phillips stated that he has been a critic of the Gold Star Court restoration. Mr. Phillips continued that he likes what has been done in moving the markers back t0 their original location rather than grouping them altogether in the flat area and planting the Crape Myrtle trees was wonderful. Mr. Phillips stated that the thing that has disturbed him the most is the eternal star. Mr. Phillips provided brief background history about the star. Mr. Phillips continued that Ms. DeGarmo and Ms. Sam Rankin were the individuals who were instrumental in pushing this project through in the 1930s. Ms. DeGarmo was the national president of the Gold Star Court Mothers. Originally, the whole symbol of the Gold Star Court Mothers was that when you had a son in the military, you received a plaque t0 hang in your window. The plaque had a blue background with a white star. If the son was wounded, the mother was given a silver star to place over the white one. If the son was killed, a gold star was given and placed over the white one, but the background of the plaque was still blue. Mr. Phillips continued that the original sign had a blue background and a gold star, but the sign that is currently there has a white background with a blue star; which is not authentic. There is a base at the balustrade where the original star was located, and in talking with John Wright, he stated electrical power is available behind the balustrade. Mr. Phillips stated he would like for staff to consider placing the star back to its original location since power is available at the top of the balustrade area. Mr. Phillips stated the star does not look good where it is currently located and it is the wrong color and it is not the same as what was there. In response to Mr. Phillips' comments, Mr. Cisneros stated with regard t0 the colors Of the star, staff researched through the files, and pictures were found of the star that was taken down during the bluff renovations. In comparing the pictures with what has been done with the star, the color sequence is the same. Mr. Cisneros continued that in terms Of what Mr. Phillips stated relative to the window treatment, there is probably no disagreement regarding the blue background versus white for the star. Mr. Cisneros continued that he remembers seeing the etched and weathered worn sterling Of the old star, but you could still see the color sequencing relative to what was done. Mr. Phillips asked if it was possible to get the star moved back up to the balustrade area where it should be and Mr. Cisneros answered that he could not give an answer today, but he Would Check on It. Mr. Cisneros continued that part of the rationale before was twofold - one being the utilities being served overhead and the second being the difficult access relative to where it was in terms of being viewable. Landmark Commission Mel6g January 25, 2001 Page 4 Mr. Phillips stated the original plan presented showed all the markers placed in the big circle. Mr. Phillips continued that he had concerns about the plan, and he spoke with officials at the Texas Historical Commission. The next plan he saw showed the markers back In their original locations on a little concrete post and the Crape Myrtle trees were planted, which was very nice, but the sign really does not fit into the overall setting of the court. Mr. Phillips stated this was a national movement and it was a very important event at the time - honor the dead killed during World War I. Ms. DeGarmo was the national president of the Society and she traveled throughout the country dedicating and having these courts built. It is part of the cultural fabric of the city and it was unfortunate it was taken down in 1989 during the bluff renovations and was never returned back to its original location. Mr. Phillips continued that the bottom part of the bluff area was to be a park and a memorial to Dr. Spohn. Mr. Phillips stated he has City Council minutes that reflect that the Kennedy representative stated to City Council that they did not want anything like that in the area because they donated the land as a memorial to Dr. Spohn. The agreement was that to put the memorial in the 10 -foot right-of-way that the City had on Upper Broadway. Mr. Phillips ended his comments by stating that the plan is wonderful, but his only objection was that he would like to see the star moved back to its original location. Mr. Luddeke asked if it was possible to tell an old story in a new and better way with this location as opposed to up on the high side. Mr. Luddeke continue he felt the current location was more appropriate location given this plan and what they are trying to achieve. Mr. Cisneros stated we have to recognize what it is - history being what it is offers a better opportunity for all of the groups involved to work together to get it as authentic as possible. Mr. Cisneros continued he felt tying it all together with the walkway was the best way. Originally, the plan called for leaving it out; which was not acceptable. Ms. Macon stated that the Landmark Commission agreed to place a plaque stating where the original site was located. Mr. Luddeke stated that in the Master Review Committee meeting on yesterday, the committee members felt that the amended plan was a major leap forward from where we were previously. Mr. Luddeke continued that the committee felt that the retaining wall added a significant enhancement to the Whole design. The only concern the committee had was if there was need for a guardrail; which we found out that there is no need for one. Mr. Luddeke stated that from an architectural point of view, this plan is for better than the one previously presented. Landmark commission MAill January 25, 2009 Page 5 Mr. Phillips asked if there would be any mentioning of Dr. Spohn and Mr. Cisneros answered that in terms of signing, staff is working with Parking signing and the sign will be part of that recognition. Mr. Stewart asked if the Cannon will be placed back and Mr. Cisneros answered in his research, the cannon was installed during World War It and he was not sure if that type of cannon can be found. After all comments and discussion concluded, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. LENKEN AND SECONDED BY MR. CLEARY THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION APPROVES THE MASTER REVIEW COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT THE AMENDMENTS TO CHANCE THE WALKWAY DESIGN AND INSTALL A RETAINING WALL FOR THE GOLD STAR COURT. MOTION PASSED WITH MR. PHILLIPS VOTING NO. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Update on Buddy Lawrence House Renovations: Ms. Faryce Goode -Macon, Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Ms. Macon stated the renovations are really coming along and it is great to see the progress that has been made since October 2000. At this point, Ms. Macon passed pictures of the renovations for commissioners to review. Ms. Macon continued that the committee met to pick out the color schemes. The tenant will be the Veterans' Band and staff wants to make sure that they will be comfortable with the interior selections of colors. The exterior of the building will have several colors; one of which is a "colonial blue." Ms. Macon stated that this would be the first blue house on the block. The renovation schedule is running very smoothly and on time. The exterior is a complete re -work and wood shingles will not be placed back on the roof. The contractors will use an EI -Mystic type composition sheet and they are the color or mocha brown and gray. Ms. Brower asked when will the tenant move In and Ms. Macon answered that she did not have a tentative date, but again she was very impressed with the progress the contractors have made on the renovation. Ms. Macon stated as part of another phase of the renovation, it is proposed to place a gazebo between the Buddy Lawrence House and the Seamen's Center. The gazebo will be used by the band to may be hold some of their rehearsals outside during the warmer evenings. Mr. Phillips stated that if the City wanted to place a marker for the house, it might be difficult to obtain one for the structure itself. Mr. Phillips continued that the Nueces County Historical Commission had some problems with the marker for the house. If the City wants to have a historical marker, basis of information is needed upon which the marker is warranted and should be submitted to Texas Historical Commission. The other markers were based on their architectural style significance. The cost of a marker is approximately S1,100. Landmark Commission Meg 40 lanuarY 25, 2001 Page 6 Ms. Macon asked Mr. Phillips if it was his suggestion to leave the original marker at its current site and Mr. Phillips answered yes. The marker was based on the owner of the house, Buddy Lawrence, for his accomplishments as a county commissioner and prominent citizen of the city. Ms. Macon stated she would take this information back to city staff. Ms. Macon encouraged commissioners to drive by and look at the renovations in progress. Follow Up on Historical Web Site: Ms. Macon stated she met with Farenthold Consulting and they are working with Larry Messer, from City Engineering who Is in charge of the City's GIS/mapping, to discuss the GIS process to incorporate the needed maps. According to Farenthold, they have run into a Snag with the mapping. Once the web site has more information than what was presented at the last meeting, staff will do a presentation. The verbiage is three-fourths completed. Ms. Macon continued she would keep the commissioners updated. OTHER MATTERS Mr. Phillips stated he wanted to let commissioners know that an application of proposal had been submitted by Dusty Durrill to change the name of Belden Street to Concrete Street. Mr. Phillips continued he was involved in a letter writing campaign trying to block the name change. Belden is a historic name for a street. Mr. Belden was the first district judge for Nueces County and a very prominent citizen at the founding of Corpus Christi. The street was named Belden in 1852 on the original plat of the city. Letters were written to City Council and Mr. Durrill indicated that he was not aware of the historical significance of the street name and he withdrew his request. He asked for a street name change on a short driveway that goes up to his property, the Concrete Street Amphitheater. Mr. Phillips stated he is concerned Belden was the first district judge in Nueces County and he was a very prominent citizen of the city. Mr. Phillips continued that he saw the plans and it would be a good thing for the city and provides some activity for that area. There were will be a 10 to 12 feet fence for noise barrier. Mr. Phillips continued that he is also working on getting the Old Bay View Cemetery updated. The original site was of the cemetery was used by General Zachary Taylor who buried eight of his soldiers at this site. Mr. Phillips continued he is trying to get the government to donate the headstones for the eight soldiers who died in 1845. Mr. Stewart asked if an agenda item could be placed on next month's agenda regarding street name changes and how we can avoid losing some of our historical street names. Ms. Macon stated she wanted to inform commissioners that she received information from the National Trust for a contest for "Preservation Week" to be used In our local schools. The information was sent to several local schools to encourage participation - Merger Elementary, Coles Elementary, Wynn Seale Academy, Miller High School and Ray High School. The national winner would be awarded a cash prize. Mr. Phillips stated that the Corpus Christi Heritage Society is also sponsoring a contest for middle school students. Students are to write a 1500 word essay on the "Centennial House." Fourth graders will be drawing pictures that will be placed in a Landmark commission Me4 January 25, 2001 Page 7 brochure. Mr. Phillips continued that we need to do more to get our students and parents involved in our local history. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. a2 - - Lintl Williams ce Goo Macon, City Planner Recor ing Secretary Staff LI2150 0 Landmark Commission (W ORMLANDIVA RKV AN M IN5201)