HomeMy WebLinkAbout56-HC
DATE: September 9, 2013
TO: Historic Landmark Commission
FROM: Adina Ward, Planner II
SUBJECT: Request for an HC-L (Historic-Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation) at
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195 N 7 Street.
FILE: 56-HC
STAFF REPORT
Staff recommends approval of this request.
Revon & Marty Craig have applied for an HC-L (Historic-Cultural Landmark
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Preservation Designation for their home at 195 N. 7 Street.
W. D. Orgain was the original owner of the home. His father, Will E. Orgain, opened a
Beaumont law office in 1907 to handle litigation arising from the Spindletop oil boom.
Major T. Bell joined the firm in 1933 and the firm has carried their names since 1945.
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Orgain, Bell & Tucker celebrated its 100 year in 2007 and remains one of the most
respected firms in the nation. W. D. Orgain was a lawyer representing the Yount-Lee
Company during the Spindletop years, winning every case against the Federal Crude Oil
Company. As attorney of record for Gulf Oil, he served brilliantly in cases with Rio
Bravo, setting precedent and establishing right-of-way laws that still stand today.
Mr. Orgain held many highly regarded positions during his life, including but not limited
to chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University, State Democratic
Committeeman from District 4, member of the Judicial Council of Texas, President of the
Jefferson County Bar Associates & appointed to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee
on rules of Civil Procedure.
The home was designed by Augustin Babin and partner S. T. Beck of Babin & Beck
Architects. Mr. Babin anong with colleague Fred Stone would later design the Art-Deco
Jefferson County Courthouse, a recorded Texas Historic Landmark listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. In 1933 Babin and colleague Neff were the architects for the
Kyle Block, also listed on the national Register of Historic Places and recently restored.
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The Orgain’s home at 195 N. 7 Street was completed in 1913 and considered unusual at
a time when Victorian style homes were most popular. The large Craftsman was
considered quite “avant-garde” and the talk of Beaumont when constructed.
In 1926 the screened porch was enclosed and was used as a breakfast room. With a
colorful tile floor and numerous windows it would bring to mind a solarium, a coveted
feature at that time. Other alterations include removing the south facing, dining room, bay
window to add a large sun porch, a marble fireplace mantle/surround designed by
Architect Douglas E. Steinman, heating and air conditioning installed by the United Gas
Corporation in 1950 and an elevator for access to the second floor.
The Craig’s home is listed in the 1990 SPARE Beaumont Survey and is a contributing
structure to the Oaks Historic District.
Exhibits are attached.