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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 04/23/1992 c2.2-9- (100 b MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 23, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Patricia Atkins Mr. James Catron Ms. Cynthia Hill-McKinney Ms. Alclair Pleasant Mr. Michael Shelly Ms. Bunny Tinker Mr. Donald Victory Ms. Mary Whitmire Mr. Joe Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Mary Ellen Collins Mr. Edwin Goodman Ms. Pam Lakhani Mr. Les Mabrey Mr. Govind Nadkarni STAFF PRESENT: Michael Gunning, Staff Liaison Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Mr. Joe Williams, Vice Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. ACTION ITEM(S): Acceptance of Ms. Peggy Clark's Resignation: Mr. Williams stated Ms. Peggy Clark, former chairman of the Landmark Commission, submitted her resignation after the February 28, 1992 meeting. The commission needed to accept her resignation. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. TINKER AND SECONDED BY MS. PLEASANT THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION ACCEPT MS. CLARK'S RESIGNATION. MOTION PASSED. Nominating Committee's Recommendation For New Chairman: Mr. Joe Williams, member of the Nominating Committee, submitted the name of that Ed Goodman as the new chairman. There being no other nominations, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. HILL AND SECONDED BY MS. PLEASANT THAT THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION OF ED GOODMAN AS CHAIRMAN BE ACCEPTED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION PASSED. SCANNED Landmark Commission MeG ` April 23, 1992 �+'9 Page 2 Approval of April 23, 1992 Minutes: The minutes were approved as distributed. Texas Historical Commission's Recommendation On Revising Project Scope of CLG Grant Request: Mr. Gunning provided brief background information regarding the CLG grant request. The Landmark Commission approved submittal of a grant request to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for $14,447.50 -- $8,000 for Phase II-A of the historical survey, $697.50 for the CLG Conference, and $5,750 for implementing a historical marker program. Due to budget restraints, the budget request was reduced to $4,600 -- $4,000 for Phase II-A and $600 for the CLG Conference. No monies were allocated for the historical marker program. To continue Phase II-A of the site survey, a funding request, on behalf of the Landmark Commission, was submitted to CDBG for $9,400. (Note: City Council approved the funding request in the amount of $9,300 on May 5, 1992). On Wednesday, April 8, 1992, Dwayne Jones, Bruce Jensen, and Luis Arellano, Representatives from THC, met with Staff (Linda Williams, and myself) to review and discuss the grant request and formulate ideas on how to revise the project scope with less monies from THC. Mr. Jones and Mr. Jensen felt that the Commission should become more active in pursuing nominations for the National Registry program. The "Blucherville Project" was cited as a great one to begin with. Mr. Jones stated the "Blucherville Project" met the criteria for a National Registry nomination and the Commission and Junior League could work together in compiling the research, writing the nomination, and submitting it. Mr. Jones suggested the commission chairman contact a representative of the Junior League to find out what work has been accomplished. Mr. Jones and Mr. Jensen suggested that when the project scope was revised, the number of sites be decreased; and possibly a portion of the grant money could be matched with monies from the Junior League in hiring a consultant to perform research for the "Blucherville Project. " Mr. Gunning continued that the representatives were told that the CDBG money had to be expended as was originally outlined in the grant proposal -- it could not be changed. Mr. Gunning stated he felt it would not be appropriate to use CDBG monies for other projects during this funding cycle. Mr. Jones and Mr. Jensen requested Staff to present their recommendation that part of the CLG monies be allocated for the "Blucherville Project" to the Landmark Commission at the April meeting. After the commission meeting, the revised grant proposal should be resubmitted to THC by May 15, 1992. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: Landmark Comnissionting J April 23, 1992 Page 3 IT WAS MOVED BY MS. HILL AND SECONDED BY MS. TINKER THAT STAFF RESUBMIT THE GRANT APPLICATION WITH THE REVISED PROJECT SCOPE, WITH THE NUMBER OF PROPOSED SITES REMAINING THE SAME, BUT DELETE THE HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM. MOTION PASSED. Approval of Submitting Letter to Regional Transit Authority: Ms. Tinker stated that at the April 23, 1992 meeting, the Commission discussed Mr. Steve Ortmann's presentation, which was given at the March 26, 1992 meeting, regarding relocating RTA's bus transfer facility from the intersection of Leopard/North Staples Streets (in front of City Hall) to across the street from the Leopard/North Staples Streets intersection over to Waco Street. Ms. Tinker stated the Commission should write a letter to the Transit Authority stating their proposed use of a transfer facility was not consistent with the Commission's recommendation for the area. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. TINKER AND SECONDED BY MR. WILLIAMS THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION SEND A LETTER TO THE REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY CITING THAT THE PROPOSED SITE AT THE LEOPARD/NORTH STAPLES STREET INTERSECTION WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN THE BLOCK AND THE COMMISSION IS INTERESTED IN DESIGNATING THE STRUCTURES. MOTION PASSED. At this point in the meeting, the commissioners reviewed the slides of the Leopard Street Corridor. After reviewing the slides, Ms. Tinker stated there are two or three buildings on Waco Street that are historically significant and they should be included. Ms. Tinker stated that the commissioners should take a walking tour of the block and decide if those buildings were constructed in 1940. Mr. Catron stated he contacted Mr. Richard Gonzalez of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was told by Mr. Gonzalez that the Chamber has a great deal of interest in restoring that block. They have developed restoration plans and a strategy for possible funding. After further discussion, Mr. Catron stated he will contact Mr. Gonzalez again to see if he would present the Chamber's proposal at the May meeting. DISCUSSION ITEM(S): Designating A Portion of South Upper Broadway As A Historical District: Ms. Atkins stated she requested Staff to place Items A, B, and C on today's agenda for discussion purposes. One of the items was discussed at a previous meeting and a committee was Landmark Commission MeE ig April 23, 1992 v Page 4 selected, but nothing was developed. Ms. Atkins stated that Item A would be a good starting point for the Commission to achieve a sense of accomplishment. Ms. Atkins asked if it was possible to establish a historical district in the South Upper Broadway area starting at the Presbyterian Church down to the 500 block of Upper Broadway. Ms. Tinker stated there were several houses in the block that were restored that would qualify to be included in a district. It would be a matter of contacting the property owners to see if they are interested in having their properties included in a historical district. At one time, David Massey, owner of the Giles-Farenthold Home, expressed interest in possibly establishing a small historical district in the area. Heritage Park Gift Shop and Catalog: Ms. Atkins stated that at one time there was a committee for the gift shop/catalog. Ms. Atkins stated she thought it would be nice if a gift shop was in the Heritage Park Area -- it would be an added tourist attraction. Mr. Gunning asked how did the Commission get involved in the gift shop/catalog idea and Ms. Tinker explained that from time to time, citizens and other interest groups donated gifts to the City for placement in Heritage Park -- sometimes the gifts were not always appropriate. The Commission thought if a gift catalog was available, it would be easier for donors to have a guideline and an idea of what items would be appropriate to place in the park. Historical Bus Tours For Tourists: Ms. Atkins stated she thought it would be nice if the Commission could spearhead efforts in trying to spur tourists interest by providing a historical bus tour of the city. Ms. Atkins stated designated routes would be established with a tour guide. Ms. Atkins suggested that a private bus company could be possibly contracted by the City to provide transportation; there would be a charge for the tour. Ms. Tinker asked who would conduct the historical tours and Ms. Atkins responded that if the tours were approved, all of the details could be worked out. After further discussion, Ms. Atkins agreed to serve as chairman for the special committee to spearhead the historical bus tours. As a point of information, Ms. Whitmire informed commission members that the Consulate General from Ireland will be visiting the McCampbell House on Monday, April 27, 1992. Ms. Whitmire also informed commission members that the "Buc Days" festival will be in Heritage Park. Each house will be opened for tours from Friday through Sunday. A weekend of activities have been planned for Heritage Park. Depending upon the success of this year's event, the Heritage Park site may become a permanent site for the festival . Update On City Council Action on Preservation Plan: Mr. Gunning stated City Council approved the Preservation Plan by a five to four vote on Tuesday, March 31, 1992. Even though the plan was approved, Landmark Commissionhiking April 23, 1992 Page 5 several concerns were raised regarding environmental issues and also there is still concern and some misunderstanding about the tax abatement program in restoring historical properties. Staff tried to clarify that the plan did not state "we shall move forward to a tax abatement program." For the most part, the Council supported the plan as a document. There are several things that Staff needs to follow up on and bring back to the commission -- one being the "HC" ordinance. The amendments to the "HC" ordinance should be formulated within the next few months. Continued Slide Review of South Bluff Park: Mr. Gunning stated the slides presented today were new and had not been reviewed by the commission. The following slides were presented: 520 South Carancahua: The Jonas Weil House is owned by Herbert Garrett, built in 1912, Plan/type - rectangular, residential type, Stylistic influence - Prairie Four Square, high priority rating. 601 South Carancahua: House owned by Russell A. Brashars, built between 1920 - 1940, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Prairie Four Square, medium priority rating. Ms. Tinker added that the Church of the Good Shepherd cleared all structures on that street accept this one house. The house has been converted into a four-plex apartment house. The rating was changed to low. 715 South Carancahua: Lichenstein Apartment House owned by Louis Williams - built between 1920 - 1940, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use - Stylistic Influence - Prairie Four Square, medium priority rating changed to low. 717 South Carancahua: Apartment Complex known as the Cara Cole Rehab Project is owned by Morris Lichenstein. The structure was built between 1920 - 1930, additions in 1970s - Plan/Type - asymmetrical , residential use, Stylistic Influence - Tudor Revival. This structure is three (3) existing houses that were connected to make an apartment complex. Low priority rating changed to medium/high. 801 South Carancahua: House built between 1920 - 1940, Plan/type - rectangular, commercial use - current use is residential - structure was an old drugstore and is a good example of adaptive reuse - medium priority rating changed to high (building is located across the street from the Old Steamboat House). 802 South Carancahua: The Ropes' House - built in 1890, Plan/Type - asymmetrical , residential use, Stylistic Influence - Steamboat Gothic - high priority rating. Landmark Commission Mes ,g April 23, 1992 �/ Page 6 805 South Carancahua: Structure owned by Gary Melancon, built between 1890 - 1910, Plan/Type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , high priority rating. 806 South Carancahua: House is owned by Louis Williams, built between 1900 - 1920, Plan/Type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Georgian Revival , medium priority rating changed to high. 807 South Carancahua: House is owned by Fred and Anna Roberts, built between 1890 - 1900, Plan/type - asymmetrical , residential use, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , high priority rating. (House has carriage steps and an outhouse remaining on the property. ) 810 South Carancahua: House owned by Morris Lichenstein, built between 1920 - 1925, Plan/type - asymmetrical , residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating changed to high. 713 Coleman: Built between 1910 - 1939, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Prairie Four Square - medium priority rating. 717 Coleman: Built between 1910 - 1930, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. 723 Coleman: The Lillian Smith Davis House built in 1890, currently owned by C. M. Henkel , III - Architect/builder - John Andrew Smith, Plan/type - asymmetrical , residential use, current function - commerce/trade, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival - medium priority rating. 801 Coleman: Built between 1920 - 1930, Plan/type - asymmetrical , residential use, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival , low priority rating. 815-817 Coleman: Structure built between 1900 - 1920, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority changed to high. 819 Coleman: Structure built between 1900 - 1920, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. 820 Coleman: Structure built between 1900 - 1912, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. 913 Coleman: Structure built between 1900 - 1930, Plan/type - Landmark Commission sting April 23, 1992 IMO Page 7 rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, low priority rating changed to medium. 917-919 Coleman: Structure built between 1900 - 1930, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow - medium priority rating. 1001 Coleman: Structure built between 1890 - 1910, Plan/type - T-plan, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating changed to high. 710 Fifth: Structure built in 1910, Plan/type - rectangular, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival, low priority rating changed to medium. 723 Fifth: Structure built between 1900 - 1930, Plan/type - L-plan, residential use, Stylistic Influence - Bungalow, medium priority rating. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. (A:106MINS.APR-LMC2)