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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Landmark Commission - 04/27/2023MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING LANDMARK COMMISSION CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 4:30 pm 1201 LEOPARD STREET THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 COMMISSIONERS: Armando Mendez -Chairman Wade Williams -Vice Chairman Dr. Jen Brown Matthew Forrester Gordon Landreth COMMISSIONERS: Albert Montez JeffMumme Dr. James Pruitt Elizabeth Riggle Michelle Wanzer Veronica Wilson STAFF: Nina Nixon -Mendez, Assistant Director & Historic Preservation Officer Ruth Bocchino, Agenda Coordinator Buck Brice, Assistant City Attorney I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: 4:34 pm. The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established with Commissioner Montez absent. ��. PUBLIC COMMENT: One written comment via email: David Jakubowski 3/29/23: "I am against a developer destroying so many historical buildings, which will be replaced by a generic modern building. North Chaparral is the Main Street of downtown Corpus Christi, and those buildings should be rehabilitated. All of them hold historical value important to the history of this city. There are countless pictures of N. Chaparral from decades ago which prominently show these buildings in the background. A hotel could go somewhere else and have the same economic impact, while preserving the history of the city. Once they are demolished, it cannot be undone. The landmark commission should deny their request to demolish the buildings. " IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 28, 2022, March 23, 2023, and April 13, 2023. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Riggle. The Vote: All Aye. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF ABSENCES: 3/23/23: Commissioner Brown. 4/13/23: Commissioners Williams, Montez, and Pruitt. A motion was made by Commissioner Wanzer to approve the absences, seconded by Commissioner Riggle. The Vote: All Aye. The motion passed. v. PUBLIC HEARING, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Andrew Dimas, Development Services Administrator, presented the following cases: A. Case No. COAD 0423-01, Elevate QOF, LLC.: Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition to allow for the demolition of a building on a tract of land addressed as 301 North Chaparral Street and described as Lot 1, Block 13, Beach Subdivision, located at the northwest corner of the intersection of North Chaparral Street and Lomax Street, north of Lomax Street, and south of Lawrence Street. B. Case No. COAD 0423-02, Elevate QOF, LLC.: Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition to allow for the demolition of a building on a tract of land addressed as 305 North Chaparral Street and described as Lot 2, Block 13, Beach Subdivision, located on the west side of North Chaparral Street, north of Lomax Street, and south of Lawrence Street. C. Case No. COAD 0423-03, Elevate QOF, LLC.: Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition to allow for the demolition of a building on a tract of land addressed as 309 North Chaparral Street and described as Lot 3, Block 13, Beach Subdivision, located on the west side of North Chaparral Street, north of Lomax Street, and south of Lawrence Street. D. Case No. COAD 0423-04, Elevate QOF, LLC.: Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition to allow for the demolition of a building on a tract of land addressed as 314 North Mesquite Street and described as Lot 9, Block 13, Beach Subdivision, located on the east side of North Mesquite Street, south of Lawrence Street, and north of Lomax Street. E. Case No. COAD 0423-05, Elevate QOF, LLC.: Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition to allow for the demolition of a building on a tract of land addressed as 315 North Chaparral Street and described as Lot 4, Block 13, Beach Subdivision, located on the west side of North Chaparral Street, north of Lomax Street, and south of Lawrence Street. Administrator Dimas gave the following presentation: COAD Project Elevate. Case No. 0423-01 (301 North Chaparral) Case No. 0423-02 (305 North Chaparral) Case No. 0423-03 (309 North Chaparral) Case No. 0423-04 (314 North Mesquite) Case No. 0423-05 (315 North Chaparral) Municipal Code §13-4008. - Demolition review. (a) The owner of a vacant downtown building may apply for a demolition permit from the development services department. (b) Demolition permits shall not be granted for any vacant downtown building constructed more than fifty (50) years prior to the date of the application unless a certificate of appropriateness for demolition is issued in accordance with section 3.16 of the Unified Development Code. For purposes of this section, the vacant downtown building that is more than fifty (50) years old will be treated as though it is a designated landmark or contributing structure located within a historic overlay zoning district. §3.16.1. Applicability A certificate of appropriateness for demolition is required prior to the demolition or removal of a designated landmark or contributing structure within a Historic Overlay zoning district or permanent landscaping of the landmark or structure. §3.16.2. Review Process A. Staff Review The Assistant City Manager of Development Services shall review the application and, considering the review criteria in Subsection 3.16.4, make a recommendation to the Landmark Commission. B. Landmark Commission Final Action 1. Following notice in accordance with Subsection 3.1.7, the Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the certificate of appropriateness for demolition. Any action taken by the Landmark Commission to demolish, change the exterior of or remove property on the preservation plan shall require a favorable vote of at least a majority of the Landmark Commission members. (Ordinance 029125, 07/12/11) 2. The Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing on a certificate of appropriateness for demolition within 60 days from the date the application is deemed complete. §3.16.3. Stay of Demolition A. The Building Official shall automatically impose a 60 -day stay of demolition or removal at the time a permit is requested unless public health, safety and welfare are threatened. B. If the Landmark Commission denies the certificate of appropriateness for demolition, a maximum of 365 -day stay of demolition from the initial of the application shall be imposed by the Landmark Commission and any interested parties explore alternatives to demolition. During the stay of demolition period, no demolition or removal permit shall be granted. § Section 3.16.4 A. The uniqueness of the landmark or structure as a representative type of style of architecture, historic association or other element of the original designation criteria applicable to such landmark or structure. B. The condition of the landmark or structure from the standpoint of structural integrity, landscaping, and the extent of work necessary to stabilize the structure. C. The economically viable alternatives available to the demolition applicant, including: 1. Donation of a part of the value of the landmark or structure to a public or nonprofit agency, including the conveyance of development rights and facade easement, 2. The possibility of sale of a part of all of the landmark or structure to a prospective purchaser capable of preserving the landmark or structure; 3. The subject properties have undergone architectural changes and modifications from their relative period of significance. 4. Additionally, the structural engineering report demonstrated life and safety issues. 5. Staff recommends approval of all the Certificates of Appropriateness for Demolition. D. Status of the structure under Chapter 13, Code Enforcement, of the Municipal Code. Administrator Dimas gave an overview of the structures and of the proposed structure, as well as the history of the existing structures. In conclusion: In February of 2023, the applicant acquired an independent, structural assessment of all structures. Report states existing conditions warrant structures to be considered life -safety issues. States the structures at 315 N. Chaparral and 314 N. Mesquite are structurally independent — could be removed without adversely impacting existing structures to remain. Staff Analysis and Recommendation: The subject properties have undergone architectural changes and modifications from their relative period of significance. Additionally, the structural engineering report demonstrated life and safety issues. Staff recommends approval of all the Certificates of Appropriateness for Demolition. Discussion by Commissioners: The Landmark Commission does not have the authority to save these buildings; they can only `stay.' These structures have been modified several times and no longer hold their character. Chairman Mendez opened the Public Hearing. Philip Ramirez approached the Commission and stated: "My name is Philip Ramirez and I live at 3751 South Alameda Street. I am a co -applicant with Devon Bhatka. We bought the properties with a vision to do something grander than what is there today. These buildings have been heavily modified, the original photos are not what they are today. We are looking at downtown retail to revitalize the downtown area. The depth of the buildings become problematic; there is no viable use for all that space. We are committed to this project. This project will happen. It will include retail and outside dining. The hotel will bring more people downtown. This will drive the redevelopment of downtown. We will also have a rooftop bar. We appreciate your consideration. Thank you for your time." Alyssa Barrera Mason, Executive Director of the Downtown Management District, approached the Commission and stated: "My name is Alyssa Mason and I wanted to make a few comments to make sure you knew our support for this project. We have been working with Philip and Devon on this project. They are taking ownership in this investment. At DMD we support the Development. The hotel use is a good way to elevate the downtown area." Richard Lomax approached the Commission and stated: "I'm Richard Lomax, we operate restaurants across the street from this property and I wanted to encourage you all not to stay this property. We care about the buildings we operate in, and this is the best chance to renovate this area and we appreciate your support." Patty Allen approached the Commission and stated: "I really am grateful to have this opportunity to be able to talk about the property I own at 323 N. Chaparral and wanted to make sure that my building is not going to be torn down and the building I am in is protected. I've worked with Devon and Philip and Alyssa, and I like the historical look of downtown." Commissioner Landreth asked Mr. Ramirez to expand on the retail business of this redevelopment. Mr. Ramirez stated they have 8500 feet of retail space, but we don't have specific plans, but he does understand there may be a micro -grocery planned. He agrees with the basic grocery need. Hearing no more Public Comment, Chairman Mendez closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Brown made a motion to approve all of the COAD's. Commissioners discussed how San Antonio has historical buildings and were able to rehabilitate the buildings while keeping some of the historical factors in place. There is no character left to the buildings, but the buildings are unsafe and beyond repair. A few things may be saved, but some cannot be saved. There is not much left historically. The other surrounding businesses should not be impacted during the demolition. If some of the original brick material could be used, that would be preferable. Property owners in the downtown area are in support of the development. The majority of the demolition should be coming in from the back side of the property. They will use the empty parking lot for debris. Chaparral is the main street of downtown. The Menger Hotel has displays of the historical area in San Antonio. We could carry on this heritage and promote up front. Devon Bhatka approached the Commission and stated they are in the process of working with their interior decorating team to make this happen. Commissioner Wilson seconded. The Roll Call Vote: Chairman Mendez, Vice Chair Williams, Commissioners Brown, Forrester, Landreth, Mumme, Pruitt, Riggle, Wanzer, and Wilson: All Aye. Nay: 0. The motion passed. vi. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: A. Outreach to neighborhoods regarding landmark and district designations Presentations to Realtors, Architects, and Engineers Professional Organizations B. Nominees for the 2023 Annual Preservation Awards (PowerPoint Presentation) Assistant Director Nina Nixon -Mendez stated: "This is a standing item that we have on our agenda regarding outreach presentations to realtors, architects, engineers, and professional organizations. I was given additional contacts for the Realtors Association, and I have called and left messages with no response. Our new Historic Preservation Officer will be starting next week. We can get him working on this outreach." Nominations for the 2023 Annual Preservation Awards - Build ings/Properties wards: Buildings/Properties nominated must be 50 years or older and show the use of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: Nueces Lofts, 317 People St., The Chamberlain, 807 N. Upper Broadway St., Prices Chef, 1800 S. Alameda St., and Caller Times Building, 820 North Lower Broadway. Architects/Organizations nominated must demonstrate innovation in preservation mechanisms or be working towards a lasting impact regarding preservation projects within the city. (None). History Books nominated must be a historical monograph (past or present) that communicates the history of Corpus Christi: Jim Moloney, Murphy Givens (posthumously) and Nueces Press. Education Award recipients may be individuals or organizations that promote educating the public on the history of Corpus Christi, the preservation of community resources, or the need for historic preservation in general. Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours, KRIS 6 and Robert Parks, history columnist for their Coastal Bend History segments. Discussion by Commissioners included Givens, putting him in as a nomination for education, posthumously, for what he has contributed towards education. Much of Jim Moloney's books include Murphy Givens. The original nomination includes both Jim Moloney, Murphy Givens, and Nueces Press. The Caller Times Building may be recognized via a Resolution at a later date. The awards ceremony will be held May 25 during the regular meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Forrester to approve three of the nominations for Buildings and Properties: Nueces Lofts, 317 People St., The Chamberlain, 807 N. Upper Broadway St., and Prices Chef, 1800 S. Alameda St. Commissioner Pruitt seconded. The Vote: All Aye. The motion passed. A motion was made by Vice Chair Williams to approve Murphy Givens to Education and Jim Moloney and Nueces Press for History Books. Commissioner Wanzer seconded. The Vote: All Aye. The motion passed. A motion was made by Commissioner Pruitt to approve Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours, KRIS 6 and Robert Parks, history columnist for their Coastal Bend History segments, and Murphy Givens for Education. Commissioner Brown seconded. The Vote: All Aye. The motion passed. vii. HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER REPORT: Nina Nixon -Mendez Preservation Month activities: City Proclamation on May 9, Preservation Month Calendar- -please plan to attend if possible at approximately 10:30 in the lobby of City Hall. • Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony: May 25: -Link sent to LMC. Historic Preservation Photo Contest: Deadline May 1. -we are getting entries. American Planning Association, Texas Chapter, Conference in Corpus Christi: November 8-10, Historic Preservation Mobile Workshop. -working out the details for a presentation. -executed a contract with the Texas Historical Commission for the Historic Resource Survey for the upper West side. Welcome Commissioner Gordon Landreth to the Landmark Commission. vill. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Discussion was held about revitalization of the Hillcrest area; we do not have any landmarks in that area. The Parks and Planning Department are engaged in the mitigation requirements to redevelop several parks. The Littles Martin Home does qualify for CDGB funding, and the Parks Department will submit an application to the Neighborhood Services Department/Housing and Urban Development. ix. ADJOURNMENT: These being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45. pm. i. Chairman - 1