Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 05/28/1992 aa8'a— Q MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAY 28, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Nancy Bowen Mr. James Catron Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman Ms. Pam Lakhani Mr. Les Mabrey Ms. Alclair Pleasant • Mr. Michael Shelly Ms. Bunny Tinker Mr. Donald Victory Mr. Joe Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Patricia Atkins Ms. Mary Ellen Collins Ms. Cynthia Hill-McKinney Mr. Govind Nadkarni Ms. Mary Whitmire STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Michael Gunning, Staff Liaison Ms. Linda Williams, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was not present. Ms. Nancy Bowen, new commissioner, was welcomed and introduced to Landmark Commissioners. Ms. Bowen is a Partner with Real Estate Investments and was appointed to the Commission on May 5, 1992. Ms. Bowen fills the competency of a regular member, vacated by the resignation of Peggy Clark at the February 27, 1992 meeting. Upon arrival of Ms. Alclair Pleasant, a quorum was declared. ACTION ITEM(S): Approval of April 23, 1992 Minutes: The minutes were approved with the following corrections: Page 1: Acceptance of Ms. Peggy Clark's Resignation: The words "with regret" were added to the end of the motion. Page 2: Third paragraph, first sentence "On Wednesday, April 8, 1992, Dwayne Jones, Bruce Jensen . Staff (Linda Williams and myself) - "myself" was deleted and "Michael Gunning" was added. SCANNED Landmark Commissiceeting J May 28, 1992 Page 2 Page 2: Third paragraph, last sentence "After the commission meeting, " . . May 15, 1992. The word "the" was deleted and sentence should read "After today's commission meeting. . . May 15, 1992. " Page 3: Second paragraph, first sentence - legal descriptions for the properties located in that block were added. Page 3: Second paragraph, second sentence "Ms. Tinker stated the Commission should write a letter to the Regional Transit Authority. . . transfer facility was not consistent with the Commission's recommendation for the area. The words "at this location" were added after transfer facility. DISCUSSION ITEM(S): Presentation By Richard Gonzales, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Mr. Richard H. Gonzales, Executive Director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Commission. Mr. Gonzales expressed thanks for having the opportunity to address the Commission. Mr. Gonzales provided written comments regarding the Chamber's efforts in the revitalization of the La Terraza Area as a cultural , commercial , and historical district. The area is bounded by Staples/Leopard Streets and Waco/Antelope Streets. This two-block area has the potential for historical designation as the founding place for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in 1929 and the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in 1939. The establishment of the organizations led to the creation of the American G.I. Forum in 1947 and the SER Jobs for Progress in 1969. Corpus Christi is the historical center for the largest national Hispanic organizations. Mr. Gonzales stated the area, at one time, was considered a "hub" not only for the Hispanic community, but also for the Jewish and Anglo communities. People went to the movies at this location, the Buccaneer parade traveled this route on Leopard Street, Hispanics owned retail operations along side of Jewish merchants, and today it is still approximately 80 to 85 percent minority family-owned properties or business operators. This factor is what distinguishes the area from any other tract in the uptown or downtown area and based on this, the area has historic significance and commercial revitalization. Mr. Gonzales stated currently there are support systems in place for financial injections and other kinds of support in doing this project. At the State level , there is the "Texas Main Street Program." Annually, the State awards funding to three large cities or several small communities for various revitalization projects. Mr. Gonzales continued that in this program, there are two options that can be taken: 1) Apply for grant funding: Mr. Gonzales stated this program is dominated mostly by central and east Texas Landmark Commissiteeting May 28, 1992 Page 3 communities and the City should consider becoming a part of the program if for no other reason than geographically. Mr. Gonzales continued he has communicated with City officials regarding support for "Texas Main Street" because the program cannot happen without the City committing, over a three year period, at least one person to serve as Program Coordinator that would oversee the project. The City of Austin would provide architects and any needed personnel to inspect and ensure that the restoration project is being done in accordance to the original design of the structure. 2) Self-initiated Program: Mr. Gonzales stated this program would entail some support from the State, but the City will be required to contribute more financial support to the project. At the State level , there are other trends that can benefit the city -- the Department of Commerce and the Department of Tourism have finally realized that South Texas is fast becoming a tourist attraction. Mr. Gonzales continued that unfortunately, the emphasis in South Texas is on the border regions. Mr. Gonzales stated the Meadows' Foundation has financially supported the border regions' preservation efforts, over a long period of time, from Laredo to Brownsville. This preservation effort is happening on both sides of the border and the project is known as the "Caminos Del Rio. " Also, at the State level , the focus remains on the border regions because of the negative image that most tourists have of the border. Mr. Gonzales stated the question should be asked "where does South Texas fit into this new awakening" at the state level . Mixing of the Hispanic historical significance of this district with the current trend in tourism development with a historical focus on the region comes back to Hispanic history. At the national level , there is the U. S. Travel and Tourism Administration's initiative to increase minority entrepreneurs in the travel industry. Mr. Gonzales continued minority businesses should be given the opportunity to become more involved in the tourist industry for the City and hopefully, this situation will be corrected. Mr. Gonzales stated because the La Terraza project is located in an urban area and is also part of the "Enterprise Zone, " this opens up other avenues of financial support for the program. Mr. Gonzales stated one local bank (First City) has already indicated an interest in the program, and when the project reaches the stage where physical revitalization can occur, their support will be there. Landmark CommissiHhmeeting May 28, 1992 Page 4 Mr. Gonzales again reemphasized the importance and significance of the Hispanic culture to the city and how Corpus Christi is viewed as the historical center for the largest national Hispanic organization in existence today. The historical preservation of the architecture and the historical designation as a "Plaza de Organizaciones" are a blend that offers a flavor uniquely to the South Texas. Mr. Gonzales stated that since November walking around the blocks talking to the owners/operators of the businesses in the area, the general feeling is that something has to be done. Mr. Gonzales continued there is nothing happening for them and a broader customer base needs to be developed. In talking with some of the merchants in the square, it was realized that most of them have very limited resources and their access to capital would be very limited for a rehab program. Mr. Gonzales continued that on the Waco side of the block, a church has moved into the area. At this point in his presentation, Mr. Gonzales referenced an architectural rendering of the proposed "La Terraza Project." Mr. Gonzales stated the drawing was designed by Mr. Oscar O'Keefe and it is a working drawing. The drawing consisted of leasable space for business offices and retail shops. After Mr. Gonzales' presentation, the floor was opened for questions and comments. Ms. Tinker asked what were the three structures shown on the drawing and Mr. Gonzales replied that the structures were verandas that could be used for outdoor eating or rest spaces. Ms. Tinker stated the three structures were new and were not part of the existing structure. Mr. Gonzales concurred that the three structures were added and he continued there would be enough open space available to allow for these types of activities. Mr. Gonzales stated he is requesting the Commission to consider this block as a historically significant part of the City. Mr. Gonzales continued this project is something that he feels very strongly that the Hispanic Chamber should be involved with, but he has not received 100 percent commitment from the Board. Mr. Gonzales stated he saw the La Terraza Plan as the "mercado" for the City of Corpus Christi and continued that one of the reasons that a "mercado" has not been built is because the timing has never been right. Mr. Gonzales continued the La Terraza project is the answer and it is one that is very viable and pursuable. Mr. Gonzales continued he is convinced the business owners in the two-block area are committed to keeping their businesses where they are currently located. Landmark Commissi9eeting May 28, 1992 Page 5 Ms. Tinker asked if the Mexican Chamber of Commerce was still active and Mr. Gonzales answered yes and the name of the Chamber was changed in 1983 from the Mexican Chamber to Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Goodman asked if the Commission reviewed slides of the structures in the Leopard Street Corridor and Mr. Gunning answered the Commission reviewed the slides at the April 28, 1992 meeting and the priority ratings were changed to high on the properties in the referenced block. Ms. Tinker added that after the April meeting, several Commissioners went on a walking tour of the block in question. Mr. Gunning explained that the Commission is involved in completing a review of the Consultant's city-wide survey of potentially historic structures. Mr. Gunning continued that areas have been identified where there is a concentration of older structures. The Commission completed its slide review of several areas; which included Leopard Street. During the review, Comissioners discussed each slide and decided whether they concurred with the consultant's rating. In review of the Leopard Street Corridor, the priority rating was changed to high on structures in that particular block. Structures rated high will be pursued for possible designation and structures rated low will be reviewed at a later date for possible designation. Over the years, several commissioners indicated interest in preserving these properties. Mr. Goodman asked since the Commission has rated these properties high what should be the City's or Mr. Gonzales' next step and Mr. Gunning stated the Commission should consider amendments to the existing "HC" ordinance to include a wider variety of "HC" designations. The proposed "HC" designations would also include historic districts for facades only, as addressed in the recently adopted Preservation Plan. Ms. Tinker stated the Commission, over the years, realized the historic significance of this block and the boundary for the corridor is from Tancahua Street over to the Crosstown Freeway. Ms. Tinker continued it was recently that the Commission reviewed the slides of this area and took a walking tour of the area beginning at old the Frank Strauss site on Staples Street and over to the block in question. Ms. Tinker continued the Commission would be delighted if someone wanted to undertake a revitalization project in the area. Ms. Tinker added the Commission's main concern would be that the project be done with integrity -- meaning that the Landmark Commissilideeting *00 May 28, 1992 Page 6 Commission would like to see the "architectural historical integrity" of the structures preserved. Mr. Goodman asked again what direction should the Landmark Commission take in following through on Mr. Gonzales' proposal and Mr. Gunning replied the property owners could request the Landmark Commission to initiate a zoning application for a "HC" overlay zoning within this block. Mr. Gunning continued that with this application, the Commission would be committed to perform a more in-depth review of the architectural significance of the structures and determine whether the structures meet the criteria for "HC" designation. After the "HC" designation is approved, there are restrictions on what developments can be done to the property. Mr. Mabrey asked if his recap of the discussion was accurate in that: 1) The slides of these structures were reviewed by the Commission and given a high priority rating; and 2) Staff is telling Mr. Gonzales that if the property owners would submit a zoning application to the Planning Commission to designate that entire block as a historical district, the Landmark Commission's and Planning Commission's recommendations would be considered by City Council. Mr. Mabrey continued that this would be a golden opportunity for the Hispanic Chamber to initiate this project, since they have access to the merchants and the Commission does not. Mr. Gonzales stated he considers his first encounter in presenting the "La Terraza" project successful . Mr. Gonzales continued it is contention that the project deserves the "Texas Main Street" endorsement as it adds credibility. Mr. Gonzales stated he did not know if the Board wanted to take a more indirect role in the project, he was not sure at this point. Mr. Gonzales continued as a result of today's meeting, he is aware of what steps should be taken in initiating the zoning application process and he asked if there was an application deadline. In response to Mr. Gonzales' question, Mr. Gunning replied there is a zoning application form that is used and he would like to meet with him to review the regulations and the procedures. The Landmark Commission will make their recommendation on any "HC" zoning request to the Planning Commission and the Planning Commission will make their recommendation to City Council . Mr. Goodman stated as additional input, he works for a local bank who is part of a special group that helps Landmark Commissioeeting V May 28, 1992 Page 7 small new businesses obtain loans who would not otherwise qualify for normal bank loans. Mr. Goodman continued there are several entities involved in the Group: Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration (SBA) , thirteen local banks, and the City. Funds have been pooled together, by the thirteen banks, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, the City, and the SBA, to fund small new businesses that would not qualify for normal bank loans. This fund was established through the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Program, which allows banks to become involved by putting monies back into restoration projects for those structures that merit it. Mr. Goodman stated not many people have applied for the funding, but the program is in place for this type of project. Ms. Tinker asked Mr. Gonzales to explain what the oddly shaped designs were on the drawing between the block of buildings on the left side that turns and go up to the old pawn shop and Mr. Gonzales stated they were windows. Ms. Tinker asked how many conceptual drawings are in existence and Mr. Gonzales replied that the drawing presented today is the only drawing available and is subject to many changes. Ms. Tinker continued there are some changes indicated on the drawing that she feels the Commission would not be entirely happy with. Mr. Gonzales reiterated that before any drawings are finalized, the Commission will review them. Mr. Goodman expressed thanks to Mr. Gonzales for addressing the Commission and sharing the Chamber's vision of what can possibly happen in this area. Ms. Tinker asked for clarification if this project is located in the redevelopment zone and it was affirmed that it was. Ms. Tinker interjected that First City Bank owns a large "chunk" of undeveloped land in the Leopard Street Corridor. Formulate Policy For Naming Historical Designated Houses: Ms. Tinker stated she requested this item to be placed on the agenda after receiving a copy of a letter from Anita Eisenhauer, Nueces County Historical Commission, dated March 30, 1992, in the March packets. The letter was addressed to Mr. Bill Hennings requesting the City to use the designation Jalufka-Govatos House displayed on the Texas Historical marker. A copy of this letter was sent to Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, mainly because his department is responsible for printing brochures for Heritage Park and the department also installs the markers. Ms. Tinker stated she had many conversations with Lee Govatos on this subject. As a point of information, Ms. Tinker provided brief background information regarding the Jalufka House. The Jalufka House was Landmark Commissioleeting ✓� May 28, 1992 Page 8 donated to the City and restored by the Czech Heritage Society of South Texas. The Landmark Commission does not have anything to do with Texas Historical markers -- they are initiated by the Nueces County Historical Commission (County Historical Commission). Ms. Tinker continued that the County Commission performed the research on the house and submitted the application to the Texas Historical Commission. The normal course of business for the marker is that the City signed the application, since the house is owned by the City, but the research and submittal were by the County Historical Commission. The state marker reads "Jalufka-Govatos" House. Ms. Tinker stated in order for the Commission to protect itself, the "Govatos" name was never mentioned in any of the discussions of accepting the house, moving the house, and restoring the house. The "Govatos" name was never indicated on any of the many plans and drawings reviewed by the Commission. The "Govatos" name surfaced several years later after the house was restored and when the research was conducted for the nomination. Ms. Tinker continued because of the consternation among several people as a result of the name of the house, it serves as a reminder for the Commission that the official name for the French-Galvan House is the "Galvan House." The house was donated by the Galvan Family and it was their request that the house be known as the "Galvan House;" and the City honored their request, but the Texas marker reads "French-Galvan. " The French Family built the house. Ms. Tinker stated she does not know what guidelines are used by the State or the National Registry for naming structures. Ms. Tinker continued that an application was submitted for a Texas marker for the "Littles-Martin House, " but the State does not want both names on the marker because the daughter, Hattie Martin, has not been dead for fifty (50) years. Ms. Tinker continued that all of these occurrences lead to the fact she believes the Commission should develop a policy on how the City should handle this type of situation in the future. Ms. Tinker stated no one is to blame, but the last occurrence caused a lot of dissension between individuals. Ms. Tinker continued she is not requesting the Commission to take a stand, but she thought it would be a good idea for the Commission to develop criteria for naming houses in which the Commission might be involved with. Mr. Gunning was asked if he had any input from the City's view point and Mr. Gunning replied no, but he concurred with Ms. Tinker's statement that a policy and criteria should be developed so as to avoid what previously happened. Mr. Gunning continued that the Commission has no say in the State marker program, accept as owner of the structure. A first step is to find out what guidelines are available for the State marker and National Registry programs to use as starting point. Ms. Tinker requested the Chairman to appoint someone to find out what guidelines are used by the State Marker Committee and the National Registry program for naming historical markers. The Chairman appointed Ms. Tinker to research the State and National guidelines and report at the May meeting. Landmark Commissigideeting 1411110 May 28, 1992 Page 9 Continued Slide Review of South Bluff Park: No slides were shown at today' s meeting. The slide review will resume at the May meeting. Mr. Goodman stated he spoke with Mr. Gunning regarding the format of the agenda and Mr. Gunning suggested that all agenda items be approved by the chairman before they are scheduled on the agenda. Ms. Tinker requested two items to be scheduled as agenda items for the May meeting: 1) Report from the Task Force on the Nueces County Courthouse; and 2) Request the Chairman to consider someone from the Landmark Commission to meet with a staff person from the Neighborhood Improvement Department to discuss low income housing projects. Ms. Tinker stated she knows that CDBG funding recommendations are approved and the Staff person that attended the preservation workshop in San Antonio is in charge of a program that will be working with low income projects. Ms. Tinker continued that since the Commission, in the past, has discussed possible areas of the city that this program might be implemented, it would be worthwhile to see what areas, if any, are being proposed; and also to ensure that the Landmark Commission will be involved. Mr. Goodman requested Ms. Tinker to contact the Neighborhood Improvement Department, on his behalf, since he and Ms. Tinker attended the workshop in San Antonio. Mr. Goodman stated after Ms. Tinker's report, if more members are needed, an appeal can be made at the May meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.