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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 02/27/2003 MINUTES 7232425 LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING 02 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ,Oq' A <6'.? FEBRUARY 27, 2003 A d RAR 2003 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman RECEIVED Ms. Susan Abarca a CIIYSECRBARI'S I Dr. David Blanke a� OFFICE v, Mr. Myron Grossman /2 q4'� Dr. Tom Kreneck 40L B B l.913-- Ms. 09Ms. Grandis Lenken Dr. Richard Moore Mr. Elmon Phillips Ms. Bunny Tinker MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Alan Belcher (Excused) Mr. Michael Cleary (Excused) Mr. Kevin Maraist (Excused) Mr. Terry Orf (Excused) Mr. Alan Wahlers (Excused) STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary Ms. Deborah Douglas, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. The roll was called and a quorum was not declared. Upon arrival of Dr. Kreneck and Ms. Lenken, a quorum was declared. ACTION ITEMS: Approval of Minutes for January 23. 2003 Meeting: The minutes for the January 23, 2003 meeting were approved with the following corrections: Page 1, Second Paragraph, First Sentence: Dr. Blanke's middle initial was incorrect. Minutes reflected initial "L"and were corrected to initial "P." Page 1, Second Paragraph, Second Sentence: Minutes stated "Dr. Blanke shared with the commission . . . interest is early century and "late 21'r century history. Minutes should read "early 19th"century history. "Potential Landmark" Designation on Property Owned by Robert L. McCarty located at 356 Merrill Drive: Ms. Macon provided brief background information for Dr. Blanke regarding the Landmark Commission's plaque program. Ms. Macon stated that the Landmark Commission received a grant from the Community Development CDBG program to establish a plaque program for local historical resources. There are two plaques available - one for properties designated as a "potential landmark" and one for properties designated as "HC." Ms. Macon continued the property presented at today's meeting is for a "potential landmark"designation. The property is owned by Mr. Robert McCarty and is located at 356 Merrill Drive in the Saxet Heights Subdivision. The property was included in the historical site survey and was rated with a "medium" priority. Ms. Macon stated the consultant's justification for the "medium" priority was that the property was not in danger of being demolished. Ms. Macon stated Mr. McCarty attended today's meeting to answer any questions the commissioners might have regarding his property. At this point in the meeting, Mr. McCarty was introduced to commissioners and the floor was given to Mr. McCarty for remarks. Mr. McCarty stated he has lived In the city the majority of SCANNED Landmark Commission Meeting' February 27, 2003 Page 2 his life and had been aware of the Saxet Heights Subdivision and he felt the neighborhood has a lot of potential and is a very important area of our city. Mr. McCarty continued he moved into his home a little over a year ago and it was his hope by him pursuing the "potential landmark" designation for his property will spur some of the other owners in the area to become more interested in their properties and their historic value. Ms. Tinker asked what the neighborhood currently looked like and Mr. McCarty answered the neighborhood was very mixed. Ms. Tinker asked for clarification as to "mixed" referring to maintenance or had there been in-fill architecture. Mr. MaCarty responded that there had been a little bit of in-fill, not a lot. Mr. McCarty stated that for an entire six-block area, maybe three or four houses were in- fill. For the most part, the physical condition of the original homes is also mixed. Some are in good condition and have been well maintained and some have been neglected. Ms. Macon added that the street Mr. McCarty lives on, most of the homes would qualify for a "potential landmark" or a "HC" designation. The Merrill Drive area has maintained its original character. Ms. Macon stated Mr. McCarty was fully aware that a "potential landmark" designation would impose a thirty-day delay if at some future time he wanted to tear down the structure. Ms. Tinker asked if he would be interested in pursuing a "HC" designation and Mr. McCarty stated he is seriously considering the "HC" designation, but he wanted to start with the "potential landmark"first. After all comments and discussion concluded, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. GROSSMAN AND SECONDED BY MS. TINKER THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION ACCEPT AND APPROVE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION REQUESTING A "POTENTIAL LANDMARK" DESIGNATION ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 356 MERRILL DRIVE, OWNED BY MR. ROBERT MCCARTY AND FORWARD TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL. MOTION PASSED. Mr. Phillips commented that he was surprised to see that the house was on a gray concrete slab since he thought the standard for most of the houses at that time were pier and beam. Mr. Phillips continued that his wife's grandmother had a house on Baker Drive and they have pictures that were taken during the 30s that showed houses scattered throughout the street and there was no concrete slabs shown in the pictures. Thanks were expressed to Mr. McCarty for attending today's meeting and for his willingness to participate by having his property designated as a "potential landmark" and hopefully his neighbors will eventually come on board. Mr. Grossman stated that if the commission could work and get the neighborhood pointed in the right direction, as a realtor, getting their properties designated would increase the property values. Ms. Macon informed Mr. McCarty that she would keep him abreast of the process and let him know when the case was scheduled for the Planning Commission public hearing. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Update on Consideration of a Historical Designation for the Cotton Gin Located near Agnes Street: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Ms. Macon stated she was presenting a proposal for the commission's consideration on the cotton gin located in the vicinity of Mary and Twelfth Streets. Ms. Macon continued that Ms. Abarca provided documentation on the facility through a title search that revealed the transaction of sale and its origin, along with a photo description of the property. Ms. Macon stated she was turning the floor over to Mr. Grossman who would provide additional information on the proposal. Mr. Grossman stated he and Ms. Macon met with Mr. Ralph Diaz on Monday and the meeting was very positive. Mr. Diaz was very receptive of the idea of having the building designated and he was very interested In trying to do something with the building. He recognized that the building was significant other than being Just an old building. Mr. Din was aware of some things that we did not know about the property. Mr. Grossman continued Mr. Diaz took them • Landmark Commission Meeting February 27, 2003 Page 3 on a walk through of the building. There are two buildings; and the smaller one, which is octagonal inside, has a very unusual support system that holds the roof in place. There Is one huge round post that supports the rafters. Mr. Grossman stated the photos do not really depict the ceiling as it really is. Once inside the building, the ceiling is much higher as it appears that the building is two or three stories high. Mr. Grossman continued that he and Ms. Macon discussed with Mr. Diaz what the limitations were and also what the advantages would be if the property was designated. Mr. Grossman stated Mr. Diaz agreed to apply for a designation for both buildings. Mr. Grossman continued that Ms. Macon did an excellent job in reassuring him that there was no fear from the City in designating his property and also that he would be receiving a plaque for the designation. Mr. Grossman stated the commission has found a real jewel in this particular property and he is very excited that the commission will have the opportunity to designate it. Mr. Grossman continued that perhaps the commission might be able to hold a meeting over there and do a walk through of the building. Mr. Grossman went on to say that the building is built like the Alamo and it may be stronger than the Alamo. The walls are unbelievable on the larger building. It is approximately 90 percent intact of its original construction, except that the larger building had some work done on the roof. Some of the rafters inside it are not original to the building, but the walls and foundation are all original, as is the smaller building. Mr. Grossman stated the building was much more than he had anticipated and it was really worth seeing. Mr. Grossman stated if Ms. Macon gave him the application packet, he would personally take it to Mr. Diaz. After Mr. Grossman's presentation, the floor was opened for comments and questions. Ms. Tinker stated she was really excited about the opportunity for the commission to designate the gin and commended Mr. Grossman and Ms. Macon for a job well done in meeting with Mr. Diaz and encouraging his participation in our preservation effort. A question was asked regarding what the octagonal building was used for and Mr. Grossman answered that he was not sure, but he thought it was used as a cotton storage room at one time. Mr. Grossman stated he really did not know that much about the cotton business and he was not sure, but the room could have possibly been used to weigh the cotton or grade It. Dr. Blanke asked if there was a timber beam supporting the roof and Mr. Grossman answered yes and that it was a huge piece of wood. Mr. Grossman stated he has a friend that is a photographer and he was going to ask him to photograph the inside of the building. The angles are really just unbelievable. Dr. Moore asked if there was a way that the commission could authenticate if this design was considered unique or if this was considered to be standard. Mr. Grossman responded that he felt the design was unique and he felt that once the commissioners walk through the building and saw it, they would agree. Mr. Grossman continued that he had never seen a roof put on in this manner. It is really something that Is pretty spectacular. Ms. Tinker stated she knew the concrete part was unique because it was the first in some area for cotton gins, but she was not sure which one. Mr. Grossman stated he felt the building was more valuable architecturally than historically. Mr. Grossman shared with commissioners that at one time; Ms. Bunny Tinker's grandfather was one of the owners of this cotton gin. A question was asked where the gin was specifically located and if it was in a populated area. Mr. Grossman responded that the property is surrounded by industrial and residential properties. It is located off Laredo Street, but a block from the corner of Mary and Twelfth Street. The property encompasses an entire block, but the specific property being discussed today is on one end of the property. A question was asked if there was any ginning equipment remaining in the building and Mr. Grossman answered no. Ms. Tinker stated she knew where some of the W. B. Ray ginning equipment was located and possibly some of it could be placed in the building. The equipment was made during the 1920s. During discussion of the possible period the gin was constructed, Ms. Abarca commented that while she was doing a search on the property, the records showed that a loan was made in the 1930s. Ms. Abarca continued that in one of the deeds referred to the concrete building. There were several owners of the gin and one of the owners was the Mobrey Family, who were big farmers. Landmark Commission Meeting February 27, 2003 Page 4 Mr. Grossman commended Ms. Abarca for an outstanding job in doing a title search on the property and providing the needed documentation on the property. Ms. Abarca pointed out that during the search, she found that a map showed a railroad that ran next to the gin where the cotton was loaded up. Ms. Tinker commented that earlier she had stated that the cotton gin was a benchmark for her because she assumed it was located in the middle of cotton fields, but that was not true, there were shotgun houses located all in the area. Ms. Tinker continued that actually there was an earlier gin located close to Staples Street as it was shown on the old Sanborn Map. Ms. Tinker stated that the same Sanborn Map showed another gin located at the end of the next block. Ms. Tinker continued that in, there were four cotton gins In this area in the mid-20s. Dr. Moore stated that a long time ago he was involved in the restoration of the Fulton Mansion. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has an architectural historian who researched the architectural designs and provided all kinds of information that was used in the restoration of his house. Dr. Moore suggested that maybe the commission could send photographs of the buildings to see if the architectural historian recognized the design of the buildings. Mr. Grossman stated Dr. Moore's suggestion was an excellent idea. Mr. Grossman stated the next thing that the commission should do is to write to the Texas Parks and Wildlife to see if the architectural historian could assist the commission in finding more historical information about the architectural design of the building. Mr. Grossman asked who installed the plaques once they were given to the owner and Ms. Macon stated the plaque is given to the owner and, if the owner has the capability of placing the plaque on the building, they will do it. If the owner has a problem in having the plaque placed on the building, staff has, in the past, provided assistance in having the plaques installed by Park and Recreation maintenance staff. Ms. Macon continued that City staff is really cautious and hesitant in lending assistance because of possible liability issues. Ms. Tinker asked if Mr. Diaz was going to designate the interior of the buildings and Mr. Grossman answered no. Ms. Tinker went on to say that if he designated the interior, it would include the trusses. Mr. Grossman asked what were the different designations would apply to the buildings and Ms. Macon answered this was a private structure, so there might be a provision for private structures to include the interior. Ms. Tinker stated she felt the commission should encourage Mr. Diaz to apply for the full designation since he is willing. After all comments and discussion concluded, no action was taken. Update on Historical Video: Ms. Macon stated she had spoken with Frank and Paul, producers of Quadrant Productions and they provided an update on the video. Ms. Macon continued they have completed a large portion of the footage. Student actors from the Harbor Playhouse were used to complete the classroom scene shot at the Annabelle Little Red Schoolhouse off of Interstate Highway 37. Ms. Macon continued that they have requested footage that was shot of Corpus Christi a number of years ago from a movie storage facility. Ms. Macon stated that once the footage is received, it would be incorporated with what they have filmed. Ms. Macon stated that the project is on task. Ms. Macon continued that in speaking with Frank, he feels the video is coming out very well and the commission will be pleased with the outcome. Ms. Tinker asked when was the next grant deadline and Ms. Macon stated she was not sure, but she felt it would be in early spring around April. Ms. Macon continued she knows that there was a deadline for the fall. There are two cycles in which applications can be submitted. OTHER MATTERS: Ms. Macon informed commissioners that Mr. Michael Cleary is transferring to the Frost Bank branch in San Antonio, Texas, leaving a vacancy on the commission. Also, Sharon Brower has been appointed to the Museum Board because of her new position with the Corpus Christi Independent School District, so she has tendered her resignation from the Landmark Commission. Dr. Brower's Landmark Commission Meeting February 27, 2003 Page 5 appointment to the Museum Board was one of her requirements with the school district and city policy states that an individual cannot serve on two boards concurrently. Mr. Phillips asked Ms. Macon if he she had heard of a book entitled "Corpus Christi - the Sesquicentennial Edition" and Ms. Macon answered that she knew of the book. Mr. Phillips stated he had not heard anything about the book until he read the article in today's paper. Ms. Macon stated the Chairman needed to appoint a Nominating Committee to submit a slate of officers of Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2003. After a brief discussion, members volunteered to serve on the Nominating Committee were Bunny Tinker, Dr. Richard Moore, and Grandis Lenken, with Ms. Tinker, chairing the committee. The committee decided to meet after today's meeting and will make submit their recommendation at the March meeting. Mr. Phillips asked Ms. Macon if she had any additional updates on the Gold Star Court and Ms. Macon answered the only update she had was that the project was completed. Ms. Macon stated the marker had been laid down, as recommended by the Landmark Commission. Ms. Tinker stated she had hoped that a representative from the Parks Department would be at today's meeting so that the commission could thank them for a job well done. Ms. Tinker continued she also would like to know the cost of having to lay the marker down as compared to the $8,000 the marker manufacturer was going to charge. We need to let them know that the Landmark Commission appreciated them stepping up to the plate in completing the Gold Star Court project by laying the marker down and it looks great. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. PHILLIPS AND SECONDED BY DR. BLANKE THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION WRITE A LETTER OF APPRECIATION AND THANKS TO THE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR AN EXCELLENT JOB IN LAYING THE MARKER DOWN AND FOR FINAL COMPLETION OF THE GOLD STAR COURT PROJECT. MOTION PASSED. Ms. Tinker stated that after the City Council meeting to approve designating the four properties as "HC" properties, no media publicity was given to the sites. Ms. Tinker continued that the commission needed to do something to counteract this, since Murphy Givens has been writing these columns about the city not doing anything to protect our local historical resources. We need someone to recognize City Council efforts in designating the four properties "HC." Ms. Douglas stated that they were interviewed twice my by the news media after the council meeting, but nothing was mentioned on the news broadcast that evening and neither was there anything written in the newspaper. During a brief discussion, several suggestions were discussed as to how the commission could get the word out about what the commission had achieved in getting the four properties designated. Mr. Phillips asked if he could submit a letter to the editor's column highlighting the designations and it was answered yes he could. Ms. Macon stated she met with the managing editor for the Medallion, a historical publication for the State of Texas. Ms. Macon continued that she took him on a tour of the historical sites in the city those that are designated and those also listed on the web site as points of Interest. Mr. Tim Clower, a local realtor, was very interested, and allowed him to tour his facility; formerly the old Kress Building. Ms. Macon stated that within the next couple of issues, the editor's plan is to feature Corpus Christi as a historical tourism destination. Ms. Macon informed the commission that she also received a telephone call from a lady with Mobile Guide Tourists who wants to do a driving tour brochure of Ocean Drive showing its historic aspects. Ms. Macon stated she guided her to the commission's web site along with other available information on the site. Ms. Macon informed commissioners that all boards and committees affiliated with Planning and Building Inspections, will be meeting at the new facility at the Frost Bank location at Leopard and Port Avenue. Ms. Macon stated that as of this meeting, she did not have a projected time frame in which the meetings will be moved to the new facility. Landmark Commission Meeting February 27, 2003 Page 6 Mr. Phillips referenced several fliers he provided for the commissioners. On Sunday, March 2, 2003, a Texas Independence Day celebration will be held at the Centennial House starting at 2 p.m. The celebration is jointly sponsored by the Nueces County Historical Commission, the Daughters and Sons of the Republic of Texas, and the Corpus Christi Heritage Society. There will be a ceremony followed by a reception of cake and punch. On Saturday, March 8, 2003, at the 1892 Nueces County schoolhouse, known as the "Little Red Schoolhouse,"an Oak tree raised from acorns at the site in West Columbia, Texas, where Stephen F. Austin was buried, will be planted at the school site. The removal and replanting of the tree is sponsored by an organization called the Heritage Oak Group. The group has planted about 300 of these trees across the state and their aim is to have at least one Oak tree planted in every town. Mr. Grossman stated there is an old building that was called a "round house" located on Laredo Street where the trains were switched. Mr. Grossman continued he would like to determine who the owner is. The building is located behind the Hoffman Door Company on Laredo Street. The structure is just sitting there and he feels there might be some possible history associated with it. Dr. Moore stated at the corner of Ocean Drive and Louisiana, there is a house at this location that has a very interesting architectural design and Mr. Phillips stated that the house was known as the Watsonia House. There beingngnonofurther comments or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. C W�Y/� AA.t.U"h/ I r. f n, f Lin Williams Faryc- oode� acon, City Planner Reco ding Secretary Staff Liaison Landmark Commission (H:WORDWNDAUANDMARK\MIN UWES\FEBMINS03.DOC) SUMMARY SHEET LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING FEBRURY 27, 2003 1. The Landmark Commission accepted and approved submitting an application requesting a "potential landmark" designation for property located at 356 Merrill Drive owned by Mr. Robert McCarty. 2. Mr. Myron Grossman gave a presentation on a possible designation of the old cotton gin located at Mary and Twelfth Streets. 3. Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison, gave an update on the historical video production by Quadrant Productions. 4. The Landmark Commission approved sending a letter of appreciation and thanks to the Park and Recreation Department for their assistance cooperation in completing the Gold Star Court.