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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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.
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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
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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