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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 11/18/1993 i0 V MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 18, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman Mr. James Catron Mr. Joe Dove Ms. Cynthia Hill-McKinney Mr. Adam Wager Ms. Pam Lakhani Mr. Michael Shelly Mr. Charles Speed Ms. Bunny Tinker Mr. Donald Victory Mr. John Wright MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Patricia Atkins Mr. Leslie Mabrey Mr. Govind Nadkarni Ms. Alclair Pleasant Mr. Joe Williams, Advisory 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 4:35 p.m. by Mr. Edwin Goodman, Chairman. The roll was called and a quorum was present. ACTION ITEMS): Approval of Minutes: The October 28, 1993 Minutes were approved as distributed. Review and Approval of Grant Application to be Submitted to the Texas Historical Commission: Ms. Faryce Goode-Macon, Staff Liaison addressed the commission. Ms. Macon stated she spoke with Bruce Jensen from the SCANNED Landmark Commissioneeting "/ November 18, 1993 Page 2 Texas Historical Commission to receive his input and reception on the commission's proposal to produce a video on the history of the city. Ms. Macon continued that Mr. Jensen was very candid in stating that the request for funding for the video would not be favorable due to limited funding. Ms. Macon continued she was told by Mr. Jensen they were funding projects that are not completed such as the site survey and this year all CLG requests to attend the preservation conference would be funded. Ms. Macon commented that because of limited funds, Staff is recommending that the grant request include funding for the continuation of the site survey and for the CLG conference. Ms. Macon continued that Mr. Jensen commented that since the Nueces County Historical Commission produced a video on the history of the city, for now that would be sufficient. At this point, Ms. Tinker read, into record, the description of the Nueces County's video. The video is a 10-minute overview of historic places to visit in Nueces County and was produced with a total budget of $4,900. The video project was a cooperative effort between the Nueces County Historical Commission and the Corpus Christi Area Convention Tourists Bureau. The video will be integrated into local heritage tourism programs showing visitors historical highlights such as Corpus Christi's Heritage Park and the Tarpon Inn in Port Aransas. The video was produced by a local television station. Ms. Macon added that because of the County's video, the commission's proposal most likely would not be funded and the grant request will not include the video. The grant request includes $5,000 for continuation of the site survey (Phase II-B) and $600 for attendance at the CLG conference. Ms. Macon commented that $5,000 was requested for Phase II-A of the site survey and $4,000 was allocated, and $600 was requested for the CLG conference and $300 was allocated. Phase II-B of the site survey will include four (4) target areas, approximately 336 sites, as outlined in a previous meeting. The total amount requested from THC is $5,600. The total project cost for the site survey, which includes in-kind services, totals $21,239. Ms. Macon continued that approximately $8,000 to $9,000 will be requested from CDBG in February when their funding cycle begins. Ms. Hill asked about in-kind services and Ms. Macon explained that in-kind services are provided by Staff to assist the consultant; which include data entry, mapping, cataloging, and any other services that are needed to Landmark Commissiolleeting S November 18, 1993 Page 3 complete the project. Ms. Macon continued that normally the project cost has been overmatched through in-kind services and funding received from CDBG. After all comments had been received, the following action was taken: IT WAS MOVED BY MS. LAKHANI AND SECONDED BY MR. CATRON THAT THE LANDMARK COMMISSION ACCEPT AND APPROVE SUBMITTING THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION AS PRESENTED BY STAFF. MOTION PASSED. DISCUSSION ITEMISE Update On Habitat Project: Ms. Macon stated she spoke with Erik Bryne, representative with Habitat, and was told that he and Mr. Hale, another board member, would be meeting with Mr. Tom Utter on Monday, November 22, 1993 to discuss securing some of the houses. Ms. Macon stated that the group was definitely interested in one of the houses located an Mesquite Street. Mr. Utter is trying to find other means in providing assistance to the organization in finding other homes. Ms. Macon continued she did not have any additional information and would not have any details until after the meeting. Mr. Goodman stated that Mr. Larry Hale, Senior Vice President of Corpus Christi National Bank, recently talked about the Habitat organization. Mr. Hale is a recent appointment to the board and he stated the group is definitely interested in one of the houses. Mr. Utter and Ms. Macon are working with the group in trying to move at least one of the houses. Ms. Macon stated Mr. Hale asked about RTC properties and other properties the City might own and Mr. Hale was told that the City does own property, but she was unaware of its availability and he should speak with Mr. Utter concerning this issue. Mr. Goodman stated that according to Mr. Hale, the Habitat organization has approximately 8200,000 available to start working on projects. Mr. Goodman continued that if this is true, it is possible for the organization Landmark Commissiok'i ieeting November 18, 1993 Page 4 to perhaps purchase some lots and start moving houses and get the project started. After all comments had been received, no action was taken. Ms. Macon stated she met with Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, on Tuesday, November 16, 1993 regarding the Vicente Lozano House located on Agnes Street behind Channel 6 TV station. The Lozano Family approached the City regarding moving their house to Heritage Park. The Family feels the house should be located in Heritage Park because of the historical significance of the family and the architectural merit of the house. At that meeting, it was discussed with the Family that even though the house did meet the criteria and property is available at the rear of Heritage Park, the City could not offer any financial assistance in moving the house to its new location, renovate it, or maintain it. Mr. Matthews told the Family if they could find someone to move the house, the financial cost would be on the Family, the City would consider accepting and placing the house on a lot behind Heritage Park. Ms. Hill asked what would happen once the house was moved and Ms. Macon answered that all the specifics would he written into the contract with the Family. Ms. Macon added that Mr. Matthews stated at the meeting that Staff would be more inclined to accept the house on city property if the Family could find a retail establishment to move into the house rather than a non-profit one. A retail establishment could generate money to help maintain the house. Ms. Tinker stated that this house has been on the original survey since 1978. It is located right behind the Channel 6 TV station. Ms. Tinker continued there is a lot of history connected with the house and part of its earlier significance is its location to the community. Ms. Tinker stated she would like to see the Commission pursue some other avenues through advertising for groups that might be interested in locating their headquarters on site where the house is currently located. Ms. Macon responded that the Family wants the house moved from its current location because the TV station wants to buy the land where the house is located for expansion of the station. Ms. Macon continued that at the meeting, Family members told them that the property, where the TV station is located, was originally owned by the Lozano Family. Through the years, the station owner has expressed interest in buying the Lozano property, Landmark CommissioNeeting November 18, 1993 Page 5 but Ms. Lozano, who resided in the house, was not willing to sell the property. Ms. Tinker asked if the TV station had disclosed any details regarding their proposed expansion plans and Ms. Macon answered she did not have any details, and the Family did not have any at the time of the meeting. Ms. Tinker commented that this is a situation where the Landmark Commission should at least let the TV station know about the real significance of this property. Ms. Macon stated the Family really expressed their desire and, that of Ms. Lozano's while she lived, that the house be placed in Heritage Park. Mr. Wright commented that Mr. Smith, owner of the TV station, approached him several years ago about doing an expansion project to the south on the station. Mr. Wright continued that some preliminary work was done right on the edge of the property which is where a wall is located. Mr. Wright commented that Mr. Smith's intentions were to continue with the expansion and he wondered why those plans are being changed. Ms. Macon stated she was told by the Family that the station was not quite ready to expand and the referenced wall is currently located on their property. It was continued that because the TV station has always been interested in purchasing the property, nothing was said about the wall being on their property. Ms. Tinker stated she thinks the current situation merits at least one discussion meeting between the Landmark Commission and the Lozano Family to discuss what options might be available to them. Ms. Tinker continued that part of the commission's job is to be mediators, since there is no ordinance that forces people to tow the line on designated properties. Ms. Hill asked why doesn't the commission pursue "HC" zoning for the property and Ms. Macon replied that it can be done, but one of the tasks of this commission has been to finish all of the survey work before any zoning was started. Ms. Hill commented that she did not feel the commission was bound to the task of completing the survey in a situation as this. Ms. Hill continued this was the reason the commission so diligently pursued getting the ordinance passed and if the commission is afraid that the house will be torn down, the commission should do Landmark Commissiokleeting November 18, 1993 Page 6 something. Ms. Macon stated that the family is not afraid that the house will be torn down, they would not let that happen. Ms. Tinker stated that the station's architect used buildings that were there. The buildings have been changed and they look like individual townhouses and it is not inconceivable that they could not work the Lozano house into their expansion plans. Mr. Michael Gunning, Senior Planner, stated that the owner of the TV station appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) requesting a variance to relocate their property across to South Padre Island Drive. Mr. Gunning continued that before the commission makes any decisions, information should be verified as to exactly what the station is proposing for the property and obtain as much information as possible. Ms. Hill concurred with Mr. Gunning's suggestion and went on to say that it should be verified if the family is sure that the TV station is interested in buying the property. Ms. Macon commented that the Family knows the TV station is interested in the property; but they have taken on the mission that the house should be placed in Heritage Park and this is what they are trying to accomplish. Ms. Hill requested that representatives from the Landmark Commission be included at the next meeting with the Lozano Family. After further discussion, Ms. Tinker, Ms. Hill, and Mr. Wright were asked to represent the Landmark Commission at the next scheduled meeting with the Lozano Family and Mr. Catron will serve as an alternate. Ms. Macon stated at this time, no meeting date has been scheduled. Review and Prioritize Slides of Phase Il-A Historical Site Survey: Ms. Macon referenced the location map for the slide review of the site survey. The first area for review in Phase Il-A is Area 9 - Up River RoadlLongview. Mr. Goodman asked Mr. Wright, who is an architect, to review the slides and point out different points regarding the architectural style or any facts that will enable commissioners to review the slides and rate them. Landmark CommissioMeeting 1/410 November 18, 1993 Page 7 The following slides were reviewed: UP RIVER ROADILONGVIEW AREA: 001 Dattlin Bus Boulevard: Site of Miller High School classrooms, stadium, and auditorium; built in 1928. Stylistic Influence - Art Deco. Current function • educational. Structure is a very large and expanding complex of separate and connected buildings. The most architecturally significant portion visible is the gymnasium; which is located on Up River Road. Gymnasium is a 2-story concrete building with slab foundation, load bearing masonry construction, and a 3-story arched buttress that support the walls and break through over the roof. Mr. Wright commented that this is a very innovative structure similar in design to the Memorial coliseum. It has the effect of buttressing on the sides. Mr. Wright continued to get a feel for this style of architect one would have to review some of his other works. Mr. Bob Vogler designed the first part of MBank, St. Patrick School and he designed his personal home located on Oleander Street. Mr. Vocelor's house was the first and only house to be built with a basement at that time. Consultant Medium Commission: High 2731 Comanche Street Site of Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery which was designated as the official burial ground for the military and it was also the burial ground for the unidentified dead of the 1919 hurricane. Mr. Dove asked if the commission were rating the sites in order to change them and the ones rated low would be demolished and it was answered by Ms. Macon that the structures are rated and prioritized to determine those structures that should be designated first. The properties with a low rating would be the last ones for designation. Landmark Commission`101eeting November 18, 1993 Page 8 Mr. Wright asked Mr. Dove if he was rating the cemetery low because it was not in danger and Mr. Dove responded that he did not understand how a cemetery could be rated and what basis would be used in obtaining a rating. Mr. Wright responded that when one look at the structures inside the cemetery and analyze the history behind it -• the rating would be high. There is history to the Rose Hill Memorial Park. Consultant Medium Camoissien: Medium (6) and High (6) • tie vote on whether to change to high or leave at medium rating. Rating will remain medium. 2724 Leopard: Site of Frank's Spaghetti House • built between 1920 • 1930. Asymmetrical plan; Stylistic Influence • American Foursquare. Structure is a 2-story brick building with alterations to the windows and additions. Has brick columnslbalustrade. Structure is shown on the 1927 Sanborn Map. Good example of adaptive reuse of a residence to a business; which is located in an area that was basically commercial. Consultant High Commission: Medium 401 Longview, East Structure built in 1940s. Modified L•plan; Stylistic Influence • Mediterranean Influence. Original owner was the manager of the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company located on Shell Road. Consultant High Commission: Same 402 Longview, East Structure built in 1940s with Modified L-plan; Stylistic Influence - International. 1944 City Directory shows Jesse and Melba Low as the original owner • he was gas engineer for City Gas Department. Landmark Commissio*l leeting November 18, 1993 Page 9 Consultant High Commission: Same 422 Longview, East Structure built c. 1940. Stylistic Influence - Bungalow. 1.112 story stone residence with alterations to the porch and separate garage. Consultant Medium Mr. Wright commented that the structures should be kept in context and if they are located in a group setting of the same type, the rating should be the same for all of the structures within that group. After Mr. Wright's comments, discussion ensued whether or not the structures should he reviewed on an individual basis or whether the structures should be kept in context with its group setting. Ms. Tinker stated she felt that in reviewing the slides, the commission should be looking for structures that could be zoned as possible "HC" districts as well as individual structures. Commission: High Mr. Gunning stated that because of time constraints and the number of properties that will be reviewed, the commission is forced to view the slides individually. The commission should keep in mind the overall objective of the slide review; which is to identify structures that are worthy of rezoning to some "HC" classification. After the completed slide review, a list of properties will be compiled that will be part of the Preservation Plan listing; which will afford some protection. At the time the property is going to be demolished, remodeled, the commission should review the context of the property. Mr. Gunning asked that the commission be generous in rating the properties because the rating could be changed at a later date. Mr. Gunning continued as was discussed in the past, to get a good feel for the neighborhood would take a tremendous amount of time to bring all of the photographs and videos that would help create a feel for the neighborhood. Mr. Victory added that the commission did take a bus tour of structures Sost Landmark Commissiontleeting November 18, 1993 Page 10 located on Longview and being able to physically see the structures created a better feel of the area and it would be much easier to decide to rate the entire area as a high priority rather than individual sites. Ms. Tinker concurred with Mr. Victory's statement, but she added that an exception should be made when something has been added to the structure to the extent that it is almost destroyed or if three-fourth or more has been added to the facade, then the structure could be rated "medium." If the structure was built as an-inf ill in the 1970s or the structure does not fit into the area, the structure would be rated "low." Commission: Medium Consultant High 426 Lenpiew, East Structure built c. 1940. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. 1-story brick residence with 3-bays, pier and beam foundation on concrete block, load-bearing masonry structural system, cross gabled composition shingle roof. Consultant Medium Commission: High 432 Longview, East Structure built c. 19411. Stylistic Influence - American Foursquare. 2-story stucco residence with alterations to the porch and separate garage. 2-west facing bays, pier and beam foundation with a skirt wall, wood frame structural system; low- pitched composition shingle roof. Consultant Medium Commissim: High 418 Loapiew, West Structure built c. 1940. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. 1.112 story cut red granite residence with exceptionally fine masonry work with 3-north facing bays, pier and beam foundation with skirt wall, wood frame structural system, cross gabled state roof, 5 gables across the main facade, exterior stone chimney on ridge. Landmark Commissioieeting V November 18, 1993 Page 11 Consultant Medium Commission: High 115 Port Avenue: The Texas Star Complex was built in 1930. Stylistic Influence - Industrial. Current function • industrial. Mr. Wright commented that the current building was built after Hurricane Celia in 1970 and the main building was destroyed during the hurricane. The interesting structures in this area are down Agnes Street. Consultant Medium Commission: Low 402 Port Avenue: Site of the Longhorn Glass Company. Built between 1920s•1940s; Stylistic Influence • Art Moderne. 1.112 story brick commercial building with alterations to the windows; flat built-up tar and gavel roof with stepped brick parapet. Current function • commercial. Consultant Medium Commission: High 514 Port Avenue: Site of C & S Plating & Bumper Recycling. Built between 1930s-1940s; Stylistic Influence - Art Deco. Current function • commercial. Consultant Medium 3025 Up River Road: Site of Holy Cross Cemetery. Established in 1850s. 22-acre cemetery surrounded by wrought iron fence. Up River Road was previously named Shell Road. Many pioneer families of the city are buried in the cemetery. Site has potential for "HC" marker. Consultant High Landmark Commissioui"I eating November 1R, 1993 Page 12 3101 Up River Road: Site of Hatch Mobile Home Park which was constructed in the 1930s. Approximately six acre trailer park with paved streets and buildings c. 1950. Consultant Low 3201 Up River Road: 2-story brick residence with 2-story rear garagelapartment. Stylistic Influence • Mediterranean. Current Function • Domestic; very good example of style in architecturally significant development Consultant High 3209 Up River Road: 2-story stucco residence with 2-story rear garagelapartment. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. Current Function • Domestic; address may have changed • street was previously named Shell Road. Consultant High 3215 Up River Read: 2-story stucco residence with detached garage. Stylistic Influence • English Tudor Revival. Current Function • domestic; street was previously named Shell Road. Consultant High 3235 Up River Road: 2-story red brick residence with rear garage. Stylistic Influence • Colonial Revival. Address may have changed; street was previously named Shell Road. Consultant High 3305 Up River Rout 2-story brick residence with 1-story sun room added and 2-story garagelapartment Stylistic Influence • Colonial Landmark Commissioieeting V November 18, 1993 Page 13 Revival. Current Function • domestic. Address has been changed over time; street was previously named Shell Road. Consultant High 3326 Up River Road: 1-story framed residence with garagelshed at the rear. Stylistic Influence • Bungalow. Current Function • domestic. Consultant Medium 3417 Up River Road: 2-story framed residence with alterations to the windows. Stylistic Influence • Dutch Colonial. Current Function - domestic. Consultant Medium OAK PARK AREA: 12 Country Club Place, Norsk 1.112 story brick residence with altered windows. Built in 1930s. Stylistic Influence - Tudor Revival. Current Function • domestic. Subdivision substantially altered during 1960s when I.H. 37 took two-thirds of the homes. Tank farms were located to the north and south during 1960s-70s additions. Current Function - domestic. These two factors significantly altered the neighborhood and caused a decline in property values. Consultant High Commission: Medium 22 Comity Club Place, leak 1-story brick residence with auxiliary garage. Built between 1930s • 1940s. Stylistic Influence - Mediterranean. Current Function • Domestic. Consultant High Landmark Commission4eeting November 18, 1993 Page 14 23 Country Club Place, North: 2-story stuccoed apartments with altered roof, auxiliary garage. Built in 1930s. Stylistic Influence • Mediterranean. Current Function • Domestic. 1930s development built to accompany the newly constructed Corpus Christi Country Club. Consultant High 38 Country Club Place, North: 1.112 story brick residence with altered garage and second auxiliary garage. Built in 1930s. Stylistic Influence - Tudor Revival. 1930s development built to accompany the newly constructed Corpus Christi Country Club. Current Function • domestic. Consultant High 41 Country Club Plus, North: 2-story brick residence with 3 east facing bays. Built in 1930s. Stylistic Influence - Classical Revival. 1930s development built to accompany the newly constructed Corpus Christi Country Club. Current Function • domestic. Coosa[taut High 56 Country Club Plato. North: 1-112 story brick residence with altered porch, and windows on second floor. Built in 1930s. Stylistic Influence - Tudor Revival. 1930s development built to accompany the newly constructed Corpus Christi Country Club. Current Function - domestic. Consultant High Commission: Medium 806 Erwin: 1-story brick residence with alterations to the porch and carport addition. Built in 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. Address is not shown in the 1944 City Directory. Current Function - domestic. Consultant Medium Landmark Commissio$eeting S November 18, 1993 Page 15 818 Erwin: 1-story framed residence with altered porch and garage. Built between 1930s • 1940s. Stylistic Influence - Bungalow. Current Function • domestic. Consultant Medium 862 Erwin: 1•story framed residence with altered porch, and windows and shed auxiliary structure. Built between 1890 - 1910. Stylistic Influence • Queen Anne Victorian. Very early residence in this neighborhood; similar in style to residence located at 4025 Up River Road. Structure is severely deteriorated; appears to have fire damage. Current Function • domestic. Consultant Low 3907 Live Oak: 1-story brick residence with alterations to the windows and garage auxiliary structure. Built between 1930s • 1940s. Stylistic Influence - Tudor Revival. Current Function - domestic. Consultant Medium 3909 Live Oak: 1.112 story brick residence with shed auxiliary structure. Built between 1930s • 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. Current Function - domestic. Consultant Medium 4000 Live Oak: Site of a city park • Oak Park. Semi-circular park landscaped with numerous mature oak trees; rustic furniture, and two buildings. Built in 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Rustic. The park is a very important anchor of the Oak Park Subdivision and surrounding neighborhoods. Consultant High Landmark CommissioSeeting November 18, 1993 Page 16 3701 Mueller. Site of Oak Park Elementary School. Built in 1942. Stylistic Influence • Classical Revival. 1•story stucco school with altered windows, additions, portable buildings on the south side of the classrooms. Original building had U•plan with two projecting entries. Consultant Medium 3908 Mueller. 1.112 story brick residence with auxiliary garage. Built between 1930s - 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. Mueller Street was first shown in the 1948 City Directory; owner was assistant manager at Alamo Iron Works. Current Function • domestic. Consultant High 821 Oak Park: 2-story stucco residence with 2-story garagelapartment with a covered walkway. Built between 1930s - 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Mediterranean. Current Function - domestic. Consultant High 842 Oak Park: 1.112 story brick residence with alterations to the doors, additions, and auxiliary garage. Built between 1930s - 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. Current Function • domestic. Casultant Medium Commission: High 845 Oak Park 1-112 story brick residence with altered windows and auxiliary garage. Built c. 1940. Stylistic Influence • Tudor Revival. Current Function - domestic. Consultant Medium Landmark CommissioMeeting November 18, 1993 Page 17 846 Oak Park 1-112 story brick and stone residence with alterations to the windows and 1-story garagelapartment. Built between 1930s • 1940s. Stylistic Influence • Bungalow. Current Function • domestic. Consultant Medium 615 Oliver Court Site of the former Fred Roberts' Memorial Hospital, now owned by Nueces County MHMR. 2-story stucco building with altered porch, windows, portable classroom, attached awning on the north side. Built in 1928. Stylistic Influence- Classical Revival. The hospital opened in 1928 in the memory of Fred Roberts, who was a businessman and rancher, who was fatally shot in a political war during the early 1920s. Consultant Medium At this point, the slide review was concluded. Ms. Tinker requested Staff to send a letter to the La Plaza Venture business group, who recently acquired the Frost Brothers Building, informing them that a portion of the Bidwell Hotel remains in the old Frost Brothers building and we request that their development plans for the building display sensitivity and a respect for its historic nature. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. J Faryce Go -Macon, City Planner Staff Liaise uim1os fl1NO