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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 09/27/2007 I MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Bunny Tinker, Chairman Ms. Michelle Braselton Mr. David Brown Dr. James Carter Ms. Anita Eisenhauer Mr. Myron Grossman Dr. Richard Moore Mr. Craig Thompson Mr. Art Zeitler MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Susan Abarca Dr. Clifton Baldwin Mr. Stephen Bowling Mr. Herb Morrison STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Wesley Vardeman, City Planner Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Ms. Bunny Tinker, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. ACTION ITEMS: Approval of February 22 & April 26, 2007 Minutes: The February 22 and April 6, 2007 minutes were approved as distributed. Approval of the Proposed Site Location of the Elisa Rope's Home (aka Steamboat House): Ms. Tinker addressed the commission. Ms. Tinker stated that Skip Noe, City Manager, had requested the Landmark Commission to select a site for relocating the Steamboat House. The proposed sites for consideration were: • Site 1 -A vacant site between the Seamen Center and the Buddy Lawrence House on Mesquite Street across from Heritage Park; and • Site 2-A vacant site adjacent to the Mary Carroll House further down Mesquite Street, Ms. Tinker went on to say that the Master Review Committee met to review the two proposed sites and she and Craig Thompson were the only two available to look at the sites. Ms. Tinker continued that Site 1 - between the Seamen Center and Buddy Lawrence House would be her choice-and with-the location of several palm trees-that were already there, the trees would be a great enhancement in framing the house once it was placed. Ms. Tinker stated there was also a small Oak tree that would have to be transplanted. Mr. Wes Vardeman, Staff Liaison, addressed the commission. Mr. Vardeman displayed two site location maps that showed both locations. Mr. Vardeman stated that he visited the site where the house was currently located and in his review of the house, he noticed that along the west side of the structure, there were some serious issues to be addressed. Mr. Vardeman continued that SCANNED Landmark Commission Meeting September 27, 2007 Page 2 because of the width of the house, there was a possibility that part of the porch would have to be removed in order for the house to be relocated, At this point in the meeting, Ms. Diane Bryan, was introduced to the commission by Mr. Jim Boggs, City Architect. Mr. Boggs stated Ms. Bryan was invited to today's meeting because she was very knowledgeable about the Steamboat House and would be a great resource in the restoration process. Ms, Tinker stated this location was 20 feet away from the Buddy Lawrence House and the only possible issue might be the location of an electrical box that houses either wires or irrigation equipment. Ms. Tinker continued there were no longer two 50-foot lots between the two structures. Ms. Tinker stated she felt the house should be aligned with the Seamen Center, Site 2 -Ms. Tinker stated that the second proposed site was further down on Mesquite Street next to the Corpus Christi Ballet building. Ms. Tinker continued that the old Moore's Auction Barn might be obtained by the City and the optimistic thinking was that more could be done in the way of restoration/preservation once the old shell-crete warehouses were torn down. The Mary Carroll House was sited 25 feet off the street right-of-way and it really does not fit in with its current surroundings. Ms. Tinker continued she did not agree with relocating the Mary Carroll House next to the Ballet building, but the commission had no input in its placement. Ms. Tinker stated she felt the best location for the Steamboat House was between the Seamen Center and the Buddy Lawrence House. Ms. Tinker continued that since the Buddy Lawrence House was two-story and the Seamen Center was one-story, but fairly large, the Steamboat House would blend in between the two structures. Mr. Zeitler asked about the potential use for the house and if a group had been identified to spearhead the restoration of the house. Ms. Tinker responded that she had no other information regarding the restoration project other than the commission was requested to select the site for its relocation. Ms. Tinker stated her preference would be to site the house about 20 feet back to match the alignment of the Seamen Center and Mr. Grossman stated since the commission could not make that decision, what would be the purpose of aligning the house with the Seamen Center and Ms. Tinker responded she felt it would be more aesthetically pleasing. Dr. Carter asked what the square footage of the Steamboat House and it was answered that the square footage was between 1500- 1700 square feet. Dr. Brown stated he had no problem with the proposed location of the house, but he would like to see the house located further back on the lot. Since the lot was deep enough, other activities could be added to that entire area that would draw people to the area. After a lengthy discussion and all comments had been received, the Landmark Commission accepted and approved the Master Review Committee's recommendation that the Elisa Ropes' House (aka Steamboat House) be sited between the Seamen Center and the Buddy Lawrence House with the flat front of the house being aligned with the Buddy Lawrence House allowing the semi-circle of the porch flow towards the front. Begin Application Process for "HC" Designation of the Two-Block Area behind Heritage Park: Ms. Tinker stated that about one year ago when Mr. Tom Utter addressed the commission regarding relocating the Mary Carroll House, he recommended that the Landmark Commission "HC" designate the area and create an overall site plan for the entire two-block area. Ms. Tinker Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2007 Page 3 continued that since the City has acquired the Steamboat House, this would be a great opportunity to begin the process of designating the two-block area. Ms. Eisenhauer asked what other structures would be included in the two-block area and Ms. Tinker replied that the structures that would be included were: the Seamen Center, Buddy Lawrence House, Mary Carroll House, and possibly Moore's Auction Barn. Ms. Tinker continued that she had spoken with Sally Gavlik, Park and Recreation Director, regarding pursuing "HC" designation for the two block area and she concurred with the idea. Mr. Vardeman stated staff could provide ownership of the other properties within the two-block area that were not city-owned. At this point, a slide was shown of the two-block area in question and after a brief discussion and all comments had been received, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. GROSSMAN AND SECONDED BY MR. BROWN THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION PURSUE "HC" DESIGNATION FOR THE TWO-BLOCK AREA BEHIND CITY-OWNED PROPERTY ACROSS FROM HERITAGE PARK. MOTION PASSED. Approval for Landmark Commission Chairman to Meet with City Department Directors to Discus "HC" Designations for the following Sites: Downtown Pump Station, Kinney Street Bridge, & the Carancahua Street Fire Station: Ms. Tinker stated she would like for the commission to pursue designation of the city sites listed on the agenda, but it was recommended that she meet with the department heads responsible for those sites before the commission began the process. Ms. Tinker continued she was requesting the commission to authorize her meeting with city departments, on behalf of the commission, to discuss possible "HC" designations of the sites listed. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. ZEITLER AND SECONDED BY MR. BROWN THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION AUTHORIZE MS. TINKER TO MEET WITH CITY DIRECTORS TO DISCUSS "HC" DESIGNATION OF THE DOWNTOWN PUMP STATION, THE KINNEY STREET BRIDGE AND THE CARANCAHUA STREET FIRE STATION. MOTION PASSED. Discussion Items: Old Business: Ordinance Committee: Ms. Tinker stated Mr. Brown chaired this subcommittee, but the committee had not really been active. Ms. Tinker stated it would have been wonderful to have it working when the commission was reviewing the events that led up to the demolition of the 1019 Furman Avenue structure. Ms. Tinker went on to say that it was really important that the commission be ready to "tweak" the zoning ordinance. Ms. Tinker asked staff if anything had been done with regard-to the input the Landmark Commission-provided to the consultant of- Duncan & Associates and if any of the information had been incorporated. Ms. Tinker went on to say that the commission had not heard anything since Ms.-Arispe gave an update about a year ago. Mr. Vardeman stated that he had not heard anything regarding what Ms. Tinker referenced. Mr. Vardeman continued that he was told that the group was discussing the possibility of condensing the various zoning districts with the hope of simplifying everything, but no definite decision had been made. Landmark Commission Meeting September 27, 2007 Page 4 Mr. Vardeman went on to say that the original UDC document was one giant document and staff decided that the document should be divided into smaller segments with a sub-group responsible for each segment. Currently, the different sub-groups are still meeting and nothing has been decided or approved. After further discussion, Ms. Braselton, Dr, Carter and Mr. Grossman agreed to serve on the ordinance sub-committee. It was discussed that Mr. Brown would meet with Shannon Murphy, City Planner, who is the lead staff person working with the UDC Committee as the liaison. 2005 Proposed Projects: Ms, Tinker reviewed the list of proposed projects that was compiled at the commission's 2004 workshop meeting. Ms. Tinker stated that only one item had been completed and there were several items she would like to add: • Sending letters to property owners of Old Irish Town; and • Forming teams and reinstituting use of the old Sanborn Maps to verify what structures existed and what needed to be addressed for them; and • Also use the maps to document those structures that have been demolished. Rotary Club's Clock Dedication: Ms. Tinker stated the commission was not contacted or invited to the formal dedication of the town clock. The group came to the commission seeking approval of the site location and placement of the clock in Heritage Park. The clock has already been installed and dedicated. Caller Times Home Section Column: Craig Thompson, Vice Chairman, initiated this project, Mr. Thompson stated he had been in contact with Stephanie Jordan regarding highlighting different historical structures and other historical information in the Home Section of the Sunday's paper. Mr. Thompson continued that he provided information regarding the commission's website, but he did not follow up with Ms. Jordan. At the time this project was started, Ms. Jordan was temporarily filling in for another employee, Diana Mireles, and he was not sure if she was still involved with the column. Letters to Property Owners of Old Irish Town: Letters will be added to the listing of projects for 2008. New Business: Master Review Committee for Mary Carroll House: The Master Review Committee will be involved in the review of the restoration plans for the Mary Carroll House. Corpus Christi Independent School District will be the organization that will be leading in the restoration efforts and also have an office in the house. CCISD students will be participating in the restoration. Ms. Tinker continued that no one has contacted the commission with an overall plan for the Master Review Committee to review and approve. Hiring of Historic Planning Officers: Ms. Tinker stated that one of her goals for the city of Corpus Christi was to one day have a historical planning officer on board that would help facilitate the commission's efforts in historic preservation. Ms. Tinker continued that if the city was to ever move forward in historic preservation, this would be the direction to take. Ms. Tinker went to say that staff does not have the time-needed to devote to historic preservation with their workload. Ms. Tinker continued that the city of Brownsville and the city of Rio Grande City have added Historical Planning Officers (HPOs) to their staff. Ms. Tinker continued that the commission should compile a packet of information to present to the new Assistant City Manager for Development Services and possibly invite him to a meeting. Applying for a Texas Historical Grant to Place Inventory On-Line: Ms. Tinker recommended that the Commission pursue submitting a Texas Historical Grant to place the city's historical inventory on-line. The grant should be submitted early spring of 2008. l / Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2007 Page 5 Consideration of Adoption & Implementation of a Corpus Christi Landmark Commission's Architectural Heritage Recognition Awards Program: Ms. Tinker stated this item was requested as an agenda item by Mr. Zeitler, Mr. Zeitler was asked to present the item. Mr. Zeitler stated he was interested in pursuing some type of recognition for property owners who being pro-active with or without staff's support. Mr. Zeitler continued that his proposal was for the commission to make an effort in acknowledging property owners who have restored/preserved their properties. The award recognition would not be limited to structures, but it would also include instructors who may have taught preservation. Mr. Zeitler went on to say that the concept would be that the committee would establish eligibility requirements of the preservation projects. The recipients would be recognized at a public ceremony with the media present. Mr. Zeitler presented an example of the certificates that could be used. After Mr. Zeitlei's presentation, Ms. Tinker stated that the commission had a similar program that was successful for about five to six years, but interest decreased and it finally fizzled out. After a brief discussion, Mr. Zeitler stated he would chair the committee, and Dr. Moore and Ms. Eisenhauer agreed to work him. Ms. Tinker stated that possibly Mr. Morrison would work with them on the committee, Sanborn Maps: Ms. Tinker stated this item would be added to the list of projects for 2008. Using the Sanborn Maps, commissioners would be placed in teams to do field review to verify existing historical structures and structures that have been demolished. Preservation Reports: Texas Historical Conference, May 1-3, 2008 Hosted by City of Corpus Christi: Ms. Tinker stated she received information that the Landmark Commission would not be responsible for planning the 2008 preservation conference. All of the details had been taken care of and commissioners would be attendees. South Bluff Methodist Church: Ms. Tinker stated that as an update, the property had not been sold and plans were still on hold. Resignations of Dr. David Blanke & Nita Selby: Ms. Tinker informed commissions that Dr. Blanke and Ms. Selby had tendered their resignations and there were two vacancies to be filled. Ms. Tinker urged commissioners to actively recruit members to serve. Parks & Recreation City Limits: Ms. Tinker stated the commission had discussed this as a joint project with Parks and Recreation in creating a marker program highlighting historic sites and landmarks within the city limits. No action has been taken, Other Matters: Vote on November/December Meetings: Ms. Tinker stated that normally, the commission cancelled the November and December meetings because they fell during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. Ms. Tinker continued she felt since the commission cancelled several meetings during the summer, they needed to meet in November and cancel the December meeting. For the November meeting, an alternate meeting date should be selected. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MR. ZEITLER AND SECONDED BY MS. EISENHAUER THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION MEET IN NOVEMBER ON AN ALTERNATE MEETING DATE OF NOVEMBER 15, 2007 AND CANCEL THE DECEMBER MEETING. MOTION PASSED. Landmark Commission Meeting September 27,2007 Page 6 Tour Nueces Lofts for October Meeting: Ms. Tinker stated that the asbestos removal had not been completed, but once it was completed, a date to tour the facility would be scheduled, Ms. Tinker requested staff to send a "thank you" letter to Whataburger No, 9 for preserving the architectural sensitivity of the newly constructed structure that was opened on July 11, 2007. Mr. Vardeman stated he spoke with Yvonne Haag of Neighborhood Services regarding find alternative funding to assist with historically significant sub-standard structures. Several items briefly discussed were possibly placing liens on properties or establishing a special grant fund that could be used to help with rehabilitating and stabilizing historical properties. Ms. Tinker stated she sent a letter to Mr. Jim Charnquist, on behalf of the commission, requesting authorization for the commission to retrieve the stained glassed windows from the old Second Baptist Church building. Ms. Tinker stated the windows could be used in the South Bluff Methodist Church. Ms. Tinker continued that she had not received a response from Mr. Charnquist. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. O , '' J Linda Williams Wesley Vard=;'man, City Planner .I �! Recoroing Secretary Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission ` IF (H:PLN-DLR\LINDA\WORD\LANDMARK WIIN UTES\SE P2707.MINS) 24 9- •0 SUMMARY SHEET r, o LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING (.vt l ,. , SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 , 0.11 _ 1-. The'°Landmark Commission accepted and approved the Master Review Committee's recommendation that the Elisa Ropes' House (aka Steamboat House) b sited between the N- - Seamen Center and the Buddy Lawrence House on Mesquite Street across from Heritage Park. 2. The Landmark Commission approved pursing "HC" designation for the two-block area behind City-owned property across from Heritage Park on Mesquite Street. 3. The Landmark Commission approved for Ms. Bunny Tinker, Chairman, to meet with several City Directors to discuss possible "HC' designation of the downtown pump station, the Kinney Street Bridge and the Carancahua Street Fire Station, 4. The Landmark Commission approved meeting in November on an alternate meeting date of November 15, 2007 and cancel the December meeting. The regularly scheduled meeting dates for November and December fall during the holidays.