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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 02/27/1992 aa8-L V MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 27, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Peggy Clark, Chairman Ms. Patricia Atkins Mr. James Catron Ms. Mary Ellen Collins Mr. Edwin Goodman Ms. Pam Lakhani Mr. Govind Nadkarni Mr. Michael Shelly Ms. Bunny Tinker Mr. Donald Victory Ms. Mary Whitmire Mr. Joe Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Cynthia Hill-McKinney Mr. Leslie Mabrey Ms. Alclair Pleasant STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Michael Gunning, Staff Liaison Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Ms. Peggy Clark, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. Ms. Clark informed commission members that effective after today's meeting, she was resigning from the Landmark Commission. Ms. Clark continued that she enjoyed serving on the commission and encouraged members to continue the work that has begun on the historical survey and other preservation projects. ACTION ITEMS(S): Approval of December 19. 1991 Minutes: The minutes were approved as distributed. DISCUSSION ITEM(S): Report On Meeting With County Commissioners and Mr. Dusts, Durrill: Ms. Clark expressed thanks to those commissioners who attended the two meetings at the Nueces County Courthouse in the Commissioners' Court. Ms. Clark continued that Mr. Williams performed dynamically in working with Mr. Durrill and Mr. Orf in presenting Mr. Durrill 's original proposal for renovating the County Courthouse. Ms. Clark continued it was really exciting to see how the project evolved in one week's time. The definitions became more precise and more exclusive. Mr. Williams stated that according to Mr. Orf, the County Commissioners reversed their earlier decision regarding Mr. Durrill 's proposed use for the annex. The Commissioners agreed to a minimum security facility as opposed to a maximum security facility for the annex. Mr. Williams continued that the State SCANNED Landmark Commission Me 'ng February 27, 1992 `/ vw110 Page 2 Criminal Justice Department did not agree with the Commissioners' decision and they are coming to Corpus Christi to talk with them. Mr. Williams stated there is still hope for the original proposal as outlined by Mr. Durrill . Ms. Clark asked if the Task Force for the County Courthouse had met since the meeting at the County Courthouse and Mr. Gunning answered yes. Mr. Gunning continued that the Task Force met on Thursday, February 20, 1992 and he and Ms. Whitmire, Commissioner, attended the meeting. At this point, Ms. Clark asked Ms. Whitmire to give an update on what happened at the meeting. Ms. Whitmire stated discussion covered several items, including current ownership of the building. Ms. Whitmire continued there are several individuals who have expressed interest in providing some of the money to help renovate the exterior of the courthouse. After an inspection, it seems the interior of the structure is not as extensive as it was once thought. Ms. Whitmire continued that it was disclosed at the meeting that Mr. Bennett is no longer the owner of the courthouse. It is owned by a local group of doctors that has formed a small corporation. It seems that the group has no tangible plans for restoring the building -- the purpose of buying the building was for tax purposes. Ms. Whitmire stated that the taxing entities (County, City, and C.C.I.S.D. ) have to be willing to give up the redemptive rights to the property. Ms. Whitmire stated that a committee (three people) was appointed to write the proposal that will be presented to City Council . Ms. Whitmire continued it was hoped that the meeting would be scheduled in two weeks. Ms. Whitmire stated that on March 17, 1992, St. Patrick's Day, a festival will be held at the old courthouse. Ms. Tinker asked what group was sponsoring the festival and Ms. Whitmire answered that the Nueces County Historical Society is sponsoring the event. The reason given for selecting the courthouse as the festival site is because of its unique design and also the festival would create much needed publicity. Ms. Whitmire continued there are two or three agencies who have expressed interest in leasing office space in the annex portion. Ms. Clark asked who was the non-profit corporation and Ms. Whitmire stated she did not know. Ms. Whitmire asked Mr. Gunning if he knew the answer. Mr. Gunning stated that in adding to what Ms. Whitmire previously stated, the Task Force's first order of business discussed was clearing the title to the property. The groups have come to a consensus on the legalities on clearing the title. The report to City Council will not be presented until March 24 or March 31, 1992 because Mr. Durrill and Mr. Orf will be out of town during those times. Also, the attorney for the Tax Appraisal District and the City Attorney will prepare legal briefs on how the title can be cleared. Basically, the conclusion reached was that the title of the courthouse will have to be transferred through Nueces County onto a non-profit group. Judge Barnes did not commit himself, but he did request a legal memorandum stating that the title will not be left with Nueces County nor will the County be accountable for any Landmark Commissioeting February 27, 1992 Page 3 liabilities. The other part of the discussions dealt with turning the building over to a nonprofit group for considerations. Mr. Gunning continued that both legal staffs will have to research and completely understand what the State Law definition of "considerations" is before rendering an opinion. In this situation, considerations could mean that the nonprofit group will restore and continue maintenance of the structure once they receive ownership. The group also discussed the County' s concern if the property reverted back to them if the nonprofit group defaulted. Mr. Gunning stated there is a reversion clause provided by state law, which would give the County first option to take the property back if the nonprofit group defaulted. The attorneys were not certain what would happen if the County declined to take the property back. Mr. Gunning continued there are some legal questions that still have not been answered. In the meantime, Mr. Durrill stated they wanted to proceed with renovating leasable space and he would like to move forward with renovation to the annex as quickly as possible in order to start generating revenue. At the Task Force meeting, Mr. Durrill stated it would cost approximately $150,000 to make the annex useable lease space. Ms. Tinker asked why was that amount of money being spent on the annex. Ms. Clark interjected that she was in agreement with Ms. Tinker's question since the annex was always scheduled to be torn down. Mr. Williams answered that Mr. Durrill wanted to get someone in the building as quickly as possible to generate income for hiring security personnel as well as deterring vandalism. At this point in the meeting, the order of the scheduled agenda was changed. The slide presentation was moved to the end of the agenda. Update On The Status of the Preservation Plan: Mr. Gunning stated that the Preservation Plan was submitted to the City Manager's office and a City Council action date has been requested. Staff was requested to provide additional information on the proposal regarding Policy A.7 "Tax Abatement Program" for "HC" zoned properties. The policy originally read as follows: "The City should consider adopting a local exempt tax program to encourage the restoration of historical elements." The word "should" was changed to "may. " Also, Staff was requested to outline how the tax abatement program would function and what process would be used to implement it. Basically, Staff referenced the state law that states if a property has the "HC" zoning overlay, and has been recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark, such property would qualify for the tax abatement program. The tax abatement program would freeze taxes at a fixed rate and would not increase for a period of ten (10) years, providing that the restoration of the property is continued. After the ten year period, the abatement would end and the property would be reappraised at its full value. Mr. Gunning continued there was also a clause in the law that provided tax abatement for historically significant properties that may not have been recorded as Texas Historic Landmarks, but were potentially historic and in danger of being demolished. The properties could possibly fall Landmark Commission Meciig February 27, 1992 Page 4 under the "hardship" provision. Ms. Clark asked if there was a provision in the plan that would tie into the historic survey in the category if a property has been rated as a "high priority" and Mr. Gunning stated there was no such provision. Mr. Gunning continued that the Legal Department's interpretation of the state law is that the property must be a recorded Texas Historical Landmark. Mr. Gunning stated there were several properties on the survey that would fall under the "hardship" category and would meet the criteria. Mr. Gunning continued that no confirmed council date has been set and Ms. Clark asked if it was possible to have a council date before summer and Mr. Gunning stated yes -- it is possible that a date can be scheduled within the next two weeks. Awards Ceremony: Ms. Clark stated the Landmark Commission did not host an awards ceremony for 1991. Ms. Clark stated her records showed that the last ceremony was in 1990 and the members that served on the committee were Chip Carmer, Les Mabrey, Alclair Pleasant, and Bunny Tinker. Ms. Clark continued that a new committee has to be appointed and the awards ceremony should be scheduled the first part of May or the end of June. For the benefit of new commissioners, Ms. Clark gave background information regarding the ceremony. The purpose of the awards is to encourage local property owners to preserve their buildings and sites rather than let them deteriorate to the point where they become a safety factor and have to be demolished. Giving the awards is a means of acknowledging citizens' participation in preservation and restoration. The Landmark Commission usually awards three (3) plaques and two certificates. The plaques are awarded for physical renovation/restoration or structures for adaptive reuse or continued use and the certificates are awarded to individuals or organizations for their preservation efforts in promoting local history. Ms. Clark continued that the recipients for 1990 were: o Award plaque to Bishop Rene Gracida and the Diocese for the renovation/restoration of the church and its continued use; o Award plaque to Maverick Markets, Inc. for the restoration/preservation of the Santa Fe Street Filling Station; o Award plaque to Mr. and Mrs. David Massey for the renovation project of the Watson-Giles-Farenthold House; o Award certificate to Ms. Oscarine Garcia for outstanding achievements in the promotion of local history among students by coordinating the Baker Middle School Historians; and Landmark Commissiokeeting110 February 27, 1992 Page 5 o Award certificates to Corpus Christi Independent School District for outstanding achievement and displaying sensitivity in the rehabilitation projects of the Moses Menger Elementary School and W. B. Ray High School. Ms. Clark continued that there have been several projects completed that could be considered. After a brief discussion, Mr. Joe Williams, Ms. Pam Lakhani , and Ms. Mary Ellen Collins agreed to serve on the Committee. Ms. Clark stated she asked Mary Whitmire, Joe Williams, and Govind Nadkarni to serve on the Nominating Committee and they agreed to serve. The committee will submit a name for the chairman at the March or April meeting. Ms. Clark referenced brochures on two preservation conferences that were included in the packets. The conferences are sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission. Ms. Clark stated that both conferences would be good to attend. Ms. Clark asked if any of the commissioners were interested in attending one and Ms. Atkins stated she would be interested in attending both if funding could be obtained. Ms. Clark requested Staff to submit a letter of request to the Planning Director to see if funding for one person to attend could be funded through department funds. Slide Presentation of South Bluff Park: Mr. Gunning presented a portion of the slide presentation for the South Bluff Park area. The properties reviewed and rated are as follows: 1011 Agnes Street - House is currently owned by Harry Heaney, III and was built between 1900 - 1920, Condition of structure - fair, Domestic function, Plan/Type - Asymmetrical , Stylistic Influence - Queene Anne, low priority rating. 1014 Agnes Street - House is currently owned by Antonio Carranza, and was built between 1890 to 1910, Condition of structure - fair, Domestic Function, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , medium priority rating. 1015 Agnes Street - House is currently owned by Harry Heaney, III and was built between 1900 - 1920, Condition of structure - fair, Plan/Type - L, Stylistic Influence - Queene Anne, low priority rating changed to medium. 701 Blucher Street - House was built between 1900 - 1910, Condition of structure - fair, Domestic function, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , medium priority rating. Landmark Commission Me{ ng February 27, 1992 �/ Page 6 703 Blucher Street - House was built between 1900 - 1910, Condition of structure - poor, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Domestic function, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. Discussion ensued regarding if the priority rating for 703 Blucher should be changed from medium to high. Ms. Clark stated that if the rating was for the house as a unit, the rating could be higher, but as an individual structure, the rating should remain at medium. Ms. Tinker stated that this block is located east of the Central Library. The block runs from Carancahua to Tancahua and it is a preserved block of what was originally there. When Blucherville and Blucher Park are restored, it would be an excellent opportunity to tie the entire area together since it is one of the few remaining blocks that is still intact. Ms. Tinker continued there is a big ravine that runs between the back of the subject property and part of the old Alamo Iron where the railroad tracks are located. 705 Blucher Street - House was built between 1900 - 1910, Condition of Structure - fair, Domestic function, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. 707 Blucher Street - House was built between 1900 - 1910, Condition of structure - poor, Domestic function, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Stylistic Influence - Prairie/Four Square, medium priority rating. Ms. Tinker stated that the nice thing about these structures is that there has been no infill or demolition activities and as a result, a whole block of original structures intact. 711 Blucher Street - House was built between 1930 - 1940, Condition of structure - poor, Domestic function, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. Ms. Clark asked if Blucher Street ran one block between Carancahua and Tancahua and Ms. Tinker answered yes. Ms. Tinker continued that it is possible that the consultant rated the structures medium because of the uniqueness of the area. Ms. Clark asked the commission if a special notation should be recorded that the block of houses should be kept together and Ms. Tinker answered yes. Ms. Tinker continued that commission members should drive by and look at the houses. Ms. Landmark Commissioeting February 27, 1992 Page 7 Tinker further stated that if Blucher Park was ever made a historic district, these four structures should be included. Mr. Goodman asked Mr. Williams if he had seen any of the houses and thought the rating should be changed to high. Mr. Williams responded no and he was unsure where the houses were located because he thought the houses faced Blucher Park. Ms. Tinker explained that the houses do not face Blucher Park, but they face Blucher Street. Ms. Tinker continued that on one side of Blucher Street is the side of the Mediterranean style apartment house and it is across from Central Power and Light. Also, behind the houses is the ravine and the Old Alamo Iron Work. Ms. Clark suggested that commissioners drive by and look at the houses before the next meeting and decide what direction should be taken. Ms. Clark continued that it was the proximity of the structures to Blucher Park and Blucherville that would make them significant; otherwise the rating on the houses should remain at medium. 417 Upper South Broadway - Location of the YMCA, original construction date - 1941 - 1942, Condition of structure - alterations made in 1945, 1955, 1956, 1983, Plan/Type -Asymmetrical , Historic Function - Education, Stylistic Influence - Mediterranean, priority rating - medium, changed to low. 435 Upper South Broadway - Location of First Presbyterian Church, built in 1930, Condition of structure - good, Plan/Type - Asymmetrical , Religious function, Stylistic Influence - Gothic Revival , high priority rating. 611 Upper South Broadway - Richard King Home, currently owned by David and Adrienne Dunn, built in 1926, Condition of structure - excellent, renovated in 1991 , Plan/Type - Rectangular, domestic function, Stylistic Influence - Mediterranean, high priority rating. Ms. Clark stated the Richard King House is the one Mr. Dunn has renovated and is now a law office. This is one of four or five houses that the Commission should pursue in getting them zoned "HC. " Ms. Clark continued that she has spoken with Mr. Dunn and Mr. Massey about the possibility of establishing a small historic district. 615 Upper South Broadway - Julius Lichenstein House, owned by Church of the Good Shepherd, built between 1905 - 1919, Condition of structure - good, Domestic Landmark Commission Meng J February 27, 1992 Page 8 influence, Plan/Type - Asymmetrical , Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , high priority rating. Ms. Tinker stated that the County' s comments on this structure were really high. The structure was rated very high and if five structures had to be selected throughout the city, this house would be one of them. 701 Upper South Broadway - Church of the Good Shepherd- Munds Hall (Civic Center) , built in 1938, Condition of structure - good, alterations to entry doors not consistent with original style, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Religious function, Stylisticlnfluence - Spanish Colonial Revival , medium priority rating. A brief discussion ensued about the construction date of the structure. Ms. Tinker stated that she did not think the building was built in 1938, but was built in the early 50s. After all comments were made, the priority rating was changed to high. 707 Upper South Broadway - Pease House, built in 1900, Condition of structure - good, Plan/Type - Asymmetrical , Domestic function, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , high priority rating. It was added that this house was probably the only one left with a cistern in the backyard. 801 Upper South Broadway - House was built between 1900 - 1910, Condition of structure - good, some alterations, but still architecturally significant for the area, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Domestic function, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , medium priority rating, changed to low. (Structure was moved to its present location. This location was the original site of the Merriman-Bobys House). 425-427 South Carancahua - Structure is owned by H. C. and H. A. Kaffie, built between 1935 - 1940, Condition of structure - fair, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Domestic function, Stylistic Influence - Prairie/Four Square, no rating given by consultant, commission rated structure as low priority. 511 South Carancahua - Structure is owned by Jane H. Mays, built between 1920 - 1930s, condition of structure - poor, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Domestic function, Stylistic Function - Bungalow, low priority. 520 South Carancahua - Structure owned by Herbert N. Garrett, built in 1912, Condition of structure - good, Plan/Type - Rectangular, Domestic function, Stylistic Landmark Commissiorimeting February 27, 1992 Page 9 Influence - Prairie/Four Square, structure has Cyprus siding, high priority rating. This house was one of the Weil houses. 525 South Carancahua - Structure owned by H. C. and H. A. Kaffie, built in 1916, Condition of structure - good, Plan/Type - Asymmetrical , Domestic function, Stylistic Influence - Mediterranean, current function - commercial , high priority rating. After a brief discussion regarding the changes the structure has gone through, commission changed the priority rating to low. 535 South Carancahua - Structure is owned by Sylvan Weil , built between 1924 - 1926, Condition of structure - excellent, Plan/Type - L, Domestic.function, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , high priority rating. (Note: It is reported that this was the first red brick house in Corpus Christi). OLD BUSINESS: Ms. Tinker asked if the Regional Transit Authority had been contacted about their plans for the Leopard Street Corridor and Ms. Clark stated no. Ms. Tinker read portions of an article in the November 8, 1991 Caller-Times stating that a team had been selected to assist the RTA with a wide-range of capital improvement projects planned during the next five years. The article also stated that the team was to set priorities, design and finance projects related to public transportation such as the "Leopard Street Corridor," Flour Bluff improvements, and new central offices. Ms. Tinker stated it should be related to RTA that the Commission is interested in what is planned for Leopard Street and would like input. Mr. Nadkarni stated that David Richter is the architect for the Staples to Six Points project (designing the bus shelters) and Charles Graves of Washington, D.C. is the consultant for federal grants for projects for public spaces. Mr. Nadkarni continued that Mr. Graves is the New York base consultant who will be getting private/public joint projects. The Waterfront Design group consists of Cotten Landreth, Scott Johnson, John Wright, Pat O'Keefe, and Raymond Gignac. Ms. Clark requested Staff to contact the Regional Transit Authority and find out what their plans are for the Leopard Street Corridor and report at the March meeting. Mr. Gunning gave an update on the CLG grant request. The initial grant request was for $14,447 to be matched with CDBG monies and in- kind services. The request was decreased to $4,600 - $4,000 for the continuation of the preservation survey update and $600 for the CLG conference. Staff received notification on Monday, February 17, 1992. Staff is to trying to recapture much of the work program Landmark Commission Me[ ng February 27, 1992 �./ Page 10 through CDBG monies. No funding was allocated for the marker program. Public hearings for the CDBG grant program are scheduled for late March. A request for CDBG funding was submitted for $9,400, which will allow for the continuation of the preservation survey. The Commission will be notified with a confirmed date. Dwayne Jones called the office and spoke with Ms. Williams. Mr. Jones and Mr. Jensen will be in the area April 7th and 8th and would like to schedule a meeting with Staff and Ms. Tinker to rewrite the grant proposal to correlate with the amount granted. Ms. Clark requested Mr. Williams to attend the meeting since he is acting chairman. The tentative meeting date is April 8th. Mr. Jones will call to confirm the meeting. Ms. Tinker announced that the Nueces County Historical Commission is having commemoration of Texas Independence Day on Monday, March 2, 1992 at 2 p.m. at the McCampbell House in Heritage Park. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.