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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 05/27/1993 aa.1 W MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAY 27, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman Mr. James Catron Ms. Cynthia Hill-McKinney Mr. Adam Klager Ms. Pam Lakhani Mr. Michael Shelly Mr. Joe Williams (Advisory Member) MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Patricia Atkins Mr. Joe Dove Mr. Leslie Mabrey Mr. Govind Nadkarni Ms. Alclair Pleasant Ms. Bunny Tinker Mr. Donald Victory STAFF PRESENT: Mr. Michael Gunning, Senior Planner Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner 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. ACTION ITEM(S): Approval of Minutes: The April 22, 1993 minutes will be approved at the June meeting. Acceptance and Approval of the Master Review Committee's Recommendations: On Thursday, April 19, 1993 at 10 a.m., the Master Review Committee met with Ms.Marion Loucks,Parks and Recreation,Mr. Angel Escobar, Engineering Services, and Mr. Jim Rome, Architect for the Seamen's Center to discuss the installation of an informational kiosk in the plaza area of Heritage Park, the installation of a handicap ramp for the Sidbury House, and the placement of an ornamental anchor in front of the Seamen's Center. (At this point in the meeting, Ms. Macon stated that Ms. Loucks from Parks and Recreation, requested that the informational kiosk SCANNED Landmark Conunissio*Meeting May 27, 1993 Page 2 be withdrawn from the Landmark Commission's agenda for action because the final drawings were not completed. The item will be placed as an action item for the June meeting.) The following recommendations were submitted: Handicap Ramp - Sidbury House o Rails will be metal; o Location of the ramp will be per the original site plan submitted; o Concrete will be used for the ramp with a scoring pattern added to give the look of wood planking; o Steps will have a handrail; o Color of the steps, porch, and ramp will match; and o White aluminum railings will be added and handrails/grab rails will be equal in height. Placement of An Anchor For the Seamen's Center. o The anchor will be located per the site plan submitted; o The anchor will be painted gray; and o An adjustment will be allowed for tilting of the anchor. Recommendation will be approved with the observation that the base of the anchor appears too heavy. When the Master Review Committee reviewed the drawing, there was concern regarding the thickness of the base for the anchor, but they wanted it in the record that the recommendation was approved with that observation. After the report had been read into record, the floor was opened for comments and questions. Mr. Rome addressed the Commission. Mr. Rome stated that the Seamen's Center was completed several years ago and a temporary sign was in place. Since that time, careful consideration has been Landmark Commissidfr Meeting May 27, 1993 Page 3 given as to what symbol would be appropriate in representing the Seamen's Center and after some consideration, the Board felt that an anchor would be the most appropriate choice. The anchor that will be placed in front of the center is historical in its own nature that it is over 100 years old -- it was retrieved from Port Lavaca Bay. The anchor has been sandblasted and prepared for installation and is in good shape for placement at the Seamen Center. The sign should in some manner replicate something of the sea. This type of anchor is not made anymore -- it is hand wrought, meaning there are no welded joints anywhere. It is pulled together and heated and hammered out. The planking that was intended to be replicated is a more modern approach. Railroad ties were used to establish an element of history and they will replicate hatch covers that would have been on a sailing ship. The railroad ties are not 100 percent true, they are not four-squared on all sides. They are very rough and measure from 8-1/2" to 9" on one side and 6" to 7" on the other side -- they are uneven. They have a rough character that fits in very well with the antiquity of the anchor. Mr. Rome continued that there was some concern by Master Review Committee members that the platform the anchor sits on was too high. It was indicated that the ties would be set on edge, which would have placed the 8" dimension up, as opposed to laying flat like the railroad track would have been on. The ties will be rotated so that the nails and spikes are not seen. At the meeting, the Master Review Committee thought the elevations were too high and so now the ties will be turned over to where the 6" dimension shows. The timbers and anchor have been brought to the site and placed on the ground. Mr. Rome suggested that commission members drive by the Seamen Center to get a visual feel of what it will look like once it is permanently in place. The platform was shifted down closer to the corner. As it was mentioned to the Master Review Committee, it was felt that if needed, the position of the anchor could be adjusted once everything was in place. The anchor looks fine and is in keeping with the Seamen Center itself. The installation does not take away from anything in Heritage Park. Mr. Rome commented he has a strong tie and feeling to Heritage Park and would never do anything that would take away from its character. The banner on the anchor is made of one-quarter inch plate steel and is three-dimensional with a flowing element to it, which replicates a banner that would have been on a ship. The sign identifying the name of the structure will be painted on the steel plate banner. The banner will be approximately three feet off the ground so the sign will not cover the building. Mr. Rome stated that it is the Center's desire to light the sign because that corner does not have enough lighting. There is a street light in the area, but it does not light up the corner very well. Landmark ComnussiofMeeting iS May 27, 1993 Page 4 Mr. Rome stated if the ties were to be seen as they are, they are at different levels. In order to adjust that, a grout bed will be installed over the foundation and each tie will be leveled with a grout bed so they will all appear to be flat, but the bottom will be adjusted and covered with grass. After Mr. Rome's comments, it was the consensus of members present to accept the Master Review Committee's recommendations regarding the placement of an anchor in front of the Seamen Center and the Master Review Committee's report will be ratified at the June meeting. Appoint A Committee/Liaison to Work On The Habitat Single-family Housing Project: A committee/liaison will be appointed at the June meeting. DISCUSSION ITEM(S): Presentation on Proposed Plans For Restoration of the Tex-Mex Railroad Station by the Instituto De Hispanica Culturas: Mr. Edgar Farrera, representative for the organization addressed the Commission. Mr. Farrera expressed thanks to the Commission for giving him the opportunity to present their proposal. Mr. Farrera began his presentation by clarifying that he was not presenting restoration plans, but he was presenting a proposal to relocate the Tex-Mex Depot to the Heritage Park area. Mr. Farrera stated this proposal was presented several years ago to the Commission for consideration; but because of the amount of time that has lapsed, it was thought the proposal should be presented again. (Mr. Farrera passed around several photographs of the depot, as it now stands, for commissioners to review.) Mr. Farrera stated that the Tex-Mex Depot was constructed approximately seven or eight years ago by the City for the purpose of serving as a railroad station for the Tex-Mex Company. Unfortunately,the commercial venture did not work out and the contract between Tex-Mex Company and the City was terminated. The building has been abandoned for about five years and vandalized many times. The wood of the building is in very poor condition and the roof has begun to deteriorate. The air conditioner units and all of the plumbing fixtures have been stolen. Mr. Farrera continued that the City has been fortunate in that a fire has not been started in the building. Mr. Farrera commented that the Los Barcos ships are coming to town within the next week and tours will start operating June 12, 1993. The organization, Instituto De Hispanica Culturas (Institute of Hispanic Cultures), thought it would be appropriate to have a house in the Heritage Landmark Commissioeeting 1111110 May 27, 1993 Page 5 Park area and connected with the museums and Spanish heritage. The purpose of having a house, which is why the Tex-Mex depot will meet the needs of the organization, is to provide a place for the group to assemble. The group meets at least once a month and the rest of the time the house will be used to exhibit paintings, films, arts, music, not only of Spanish, which is the native country, but all America, from Caracas to Argentina. Currently, there are twenty-five (25) countries represented. The organization believes that the proposal would be a wonderful asset to the City to exhibit international art. This proposal will tie in very well with the Los Barcos ships. The depot meets the need of the organization because it was designed to accommodate the capacity of 100 to 120 people and it has a big open room with restroom facilities. The physical changes proposed for the building are almost nil, the structure will not be restored, but rather refurbished. A large amount of the wood will be replaced because of its deteriorated state and fixtures that have been removed will be replaced. The proposal is to move the house from its present location to a site located on the corner of Hughes and Mesquite Streets across the street from the rose garden in Heritage Park and next to the Park and Recreation warehouse building. The depot is not a historical structure, but it looks like an old building because of its design. Mr. Farrera continued that it was his opinion that the depot would not be too fancy for the area. The depot would be an asset to the area and it would not be difficult to blend the building with the other structures in Heritage Park. Mr. Farrera continued that as soon as the house is relocated, the stairs, handrails, and a handicap ramp will be installed to be in compliance with state law. Future plans include building a wooden deck for the back of the structure and, with permission from the City, the organization will try to obtain a small section of railroad tracks and possibly an old railroad car from the company to be placed on the property. With the addition of these items, it will complement the depot and provide a reminiscence of the past. Mr. Farrera commented that the proposal is not a money making venture, but it is to promote the cultures. All of the events will be free to the public. Mr. Farrera continued that he hoped the Commission would accept and approve the organization's proposed plan to move the Tex-Mex depot to the Hughes/Mesquite Street location. After Mr. Farrera's presentation, the floor was opened for comments and questions. Ms. Hill asked for clarification as to where the new location would be and who owned the property in question and Mr. Farrera answered the depot will be moved to the corner of Hughes and Mesquite Street and the Landmark CommissifrMeeting iS May 27, 1993 Page 6 property is owned by the City. The property will be leased from the City. Mr. Farrera clarified that the property in question is at the corner and half the block is the new parking lot for the convention center. (At this point, Mr. Farrera pointed out the location on a map). Ms. Macon, Staff Liaison, pointed out that this property is not zoned "HC" and technically, the Landmark Commission has no jurisdiction over the property, and Mr. Farrera attended today's meeting to receive input and support from the Commission regarding the organization's proposal. Ms. Macon continued that Mr. Farrera does not need the Landmark Commission's approval to move forward with their plans, but they will need the City's approval to lease the property. Ms. Hill asked again the name of the organization and how long has the organization has been in existence and Mr. Farrera answered the name of the organization is Intstituo De Hispanic Culturas and the group has been established for 19 years. Mr. Farrera briefly described some of the events the group has been responsible for implementing and promoting. The question was asked if the depot would be used as an art gallery and Mr. Farrera answered in the affirmative, and the structure would also be used as a meeting place for the group; which meets once a month. The building will not be used to house art work. Mr. Goodman asked if everything had been investigated to see if the building could be moved and Mr. Farrera stated that the building was designed to be moved -- it is on piers and the group is in the process of taking bids to have the house moved and complete the plumbing installations and fixtures. Mr. Farrera continued that it is hoped that the projected costs will be within the organization's budget. Mr. Catron asked if the steps that are currently in front of the building would be moved to the new location or would they be redone once the building was moved and Mr. Farrera answered that the presents steps are concrete and whatever is concrete cannot be moved. The steps, platform in back of the building, and the parking lot -- those items will be left behind. It is planned to build new steps and a handicap ramp for the front of the building once it has been moved and the back will be more at the level of the building so that an emergency exit can be created and also give an impression of a loading area for the railroad. Landmark Commissieeting May 27, 1993 Page 7 Mr. Goodman stated that the Landmark Commission does not have jurisdiction over this area, but the Commission does like what the group is proposing and can endorse the concept of the proposal presented today. Mr. Farrera stated the group wanted the Commission's input and comments to ensure that the proposal was not offensive to the area. Mr. Goodman stated it was his personal feeling that the proposal sounded great and whatever activity the City can add to the area would be an asset. Mr. Goodman stated he has been strongly trying to get some activity going in the area through relocating four other houses in Heritage Park. Mr. Goodman encouraged Mr. Farrera by stating that once the lease agreement is worked out with City staff, the building moved and relocated, refurbished, and the group occupies the structure, the project will be worthwhile. Ms. Macon asked if there were any conditions to the lease agreement that required the Landmark Commission to review any plans and Mr. Farrera stated when they were working on the contract, Mr. Utter asked if the proposal had been presented to the Landmark Commission and Mr. Farrera answered that it had not,but since the City and the Landmark Commission were concerned about the kinds of activity placed in the area, he thought it would be best to present the proposal to the group. The group did not want to place anything in the area that would be offensive. Ms. Hill asked if it was a concern that the building was not historical and how old was the structure. Mr. Farrera answered that it was not a concern for the group that the structure was not historical. The building was constructed approximately eight years ago and it was continued by Mr. Farrera that he was the architect that created the design sketch for the building and Morgan Speer was the architect that did the plans for the building. Mr. Farrera continued that the plans for the building were completed under his guidelines and the building design was such that it could be moved. Mr. Goodman stated he felt that City staff was looking for the Landmark Commission to provide input and feedback regarding Mr. Farrera's proposal before the organization moves forward. Mr. Gunning asked Mr. Farrera what other city departments and staff members had he been working with him on this proposal and had he submitted a proposal for staff to review and Mr. Farrera answered that this proposal has been discussed with some of the top management members for about three years. Discussions were stopped about two years ago for there were objections to relocating the structure because the structure was built Landmark Commissi*Meeting 1110 May 27, 1993 Page 8 with CDBG funds,and would preferably be relocated in a low income area. The Heritage Park area is considered a special district and not low income. Mr. Farrera continued during that time period, the City proposed that the organization relocate the building to a site in the Agnes Street area, but the organization responded no. Mr. Farrera stated that the organization felt that moving the structure to that area would not attract people to the area and organization did not feel the move would help promote the future of Hispanic culture. Mr. Farrera commented that since the building has been vacant for five years and is in such a deteriorated state, the City does not have the same objections regarding relocating the structure to the Heritage Park area as opposed to a site in a low income area. Mr. Gunning stated that the project needs to be officially presented to City Staff, whether it be Engineering or through the City Manager's office, to allow the different departments that may be affected to review the proposal and ascertain what kind of impact this would have on the city. Mr. Gunning continued that he felt it was proper that the Landmark Commission look at the project in terms of having comment, because of the proximity to Heritage Park, there might be other boards and commissions that would like to have input on the proposal. This is in an area that the City has been working with plans for redevelopment and creation of a festival area, reviewing different types of street figurations and one-way systems. Mr. Gunning continued that he would hate for the Commission to commit and offer a premature endorsement for a proposal that staff has not officially reviewed. Mr. Farrera again emphasized that the organization has been working on this proposal with the City Manager, Engineering Services, and the Park and Recreation Department. Mr. Farrera continued that the design was offered by the Park and Recreation Department. The Legal Department is now involved because they are drawing up the lease contract. Mr. Farrera stated he would like to present the group's proposal to City Council within the next two weeks. After all comments and questions were received, it was the consensus of members present that they liked the organization's proposal, as presented by Mr. Farrera, Representative for the organization Instituto De Hispanic Culturas, and encouraged Mr. Farrera to move forward with their plans. Mr. Goodman expressed thanks to Mr. Farrera for addressing the commission. Landmark Commiss*Meeting J May 27, 1993 Page 9 Staff's Report On Cost Estimates For Moving & Restoring One of the Woods' Houses for the Herita•e Park Extension: Ms. Macon stated she spoke with Mr. Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director of Programs who is responsible for maintaining the city parks and Heritage Park, regarding the Commission's request for cost estimates for maintaining the houses currently in Heritage Park. Mr. Whitworth submitted a written statement. Ms. Macon read into record Mr. Whitworth's comments. According to Mr. Whitworth's correspondence, $44,500 was budgeted annually for maintenance in Heritage Park. The money was budgeted for such items as termite control, minor repairs, and painting. This amount has not been adequate to deal with all the repairs needed at the homes. Recent cost estimates to replace the roof at the Galvan House were approximately $25,000. Ms. Macon stated that the bottom line in discussing maintenance for the Park is the budget. It was also stated in Mr. Whitworth's correspondence that as additional homes are considered for placement in Heritage Park, the restoration process must not cut corners. The cost to repair the homes can be minimized if restoration is done properly. Ms. Macon stated that the general cost of moving one of the smaller homes to Heritage Park is approximately $5,000. The restoration costs for small homes such as the Merriman-Bobys, Littles-Martin, etc. (six years ago) totaled approximately $75,000 each. Ms. Macon continued, as outlined in Mr. Whitworth's correspondence, the amount allocated annually does not cover all of the maintenance items involved in maintaining the houses. The City is very cautious in accepting any new structures due to maintenance. Ms. Lakhani asked if the organizations that are housed in the homes are responsible for the individual costs and Ms.Macon responded that originally most of the organizations, excluding the Junior League, borrowed and received grant monies to restore their individual houses. Over the years, the City has forgiven the loans and each tenant is required to pay a monthly maintenance fee. The monthly maintenance fee is still not enough to pay for needed repairs and maintenance. Mr. Goodman commented that in order for any additional houses to be moved into the Heritage Park area at this time or in the future, initial financial backers will be needed to move the structure, restore it, and have enough funds to maintain the structure. Mr. Goodman stated that Staff's report helps clarify and answer some questions regarding why the Woods' Houses have not been moved into the park. • Landmark ConunissaRMeeting May 27, 1993 Page 10 ITEMS) NOT SCHEDULED: Ms. Macon stated that letters were submitted to various organizations seeking nominations for the awards ceremony. To date, no responses have been received and the deadline for submittal is June 1, 1993. Ms. Macon stated that if no nominations were received by June 1,previous nominations submitted that were not selected will be pulled from the file and reviewed for consideration for the 1993 awards ceremony. Mr. Goodman informed the commission that Phase II-A of the site survey will be completed within the next week and Staff will compile the report for submittal to the Texas Historical Commission. Ms. Macon stated that the Landmark Commission will review the report probably sometime in September. There being no further business, the meeting was unofficially adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Faryce Goode-M coa n, City Planner Staff Liaison to Landmark Commission (Aao661Isen3-1Mc3)