HomeMy WebLinkAbout50-HC
DATE: November 5,
2007
TO: Historic Landmark Commission
FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Request for an HC (Historic-Cultural Landmark Preservation
Overlay) District
FILE: 50-HC
STAFF REPORT
The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request.
George and Sandra Bullington have requested an HC (Historic-Cultural
Landmark Preservation Overlay) District for their home at 1822
Broadway. The Bullingtons will also be applying for an historical
designation through the State of Texas.
O.H. Pennock Jr. was the original owner of the home. Mr. Pennock
contributed greatly to the economic growth of Beaumont. He was an
accomplished businessman with interests in finance, real estate and
insurance. He was the primary developer of the O.H. Pennock and
Sam Potts Addition and played a role in developing many other
subdivisions within the city.
The home was one of the first Arts and Crafts and Neo-Classical (also
referred to as the A National Phase @) bungalow style homes built in
Beaumont. The most distinguishing architectural element on this
home that is unusual for the City of Beaumont are the A Corinthian
Capitals @ on each of the columns on the wrap-around front porch.
The Bullingtons state that the original curved bay window in the front
parlor is unique as to its size and shape and that is has withstood the
weather and shifting of the home for 97 years. This piece of glass
contains the bubbles and waves of glass made by hand during the time
period. It was curved to fit the architect=s design for the home.
The architect and builder of this home was H.C. Banker & Company.
Construction of the home was started in 1910.. The home was built
on pier and beam five feet above the original lay of the land so that it
would not flood.. The decorative cut eave supports attached to the
four foot overhangs on both the first and second floors are strictly
decorative but quite unique to homes in Beaumont. A special feature
to the home=s covered wrap-around porch has a 24 inch wide door to
the master bedroom. That door was used as the entrance door to
the A Half Way House Coffee House @ during 1966 and 1967.
When the structure was the Half Way House Coffee House, a number
of entertainers such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Johnny Winter and Janis
Joplin performed there before going on to bigger things on the
national level.
During the 1970's and 1980's, the home was used as apartments.
In 1998, the Bullingtons began an extensive renovation which
included tearing out the apartments. All of the original walls that
had horsehair plaster walls were repaired. The home still has the
original interior columns with the unique Arts and Craft style. A pair
of unique showcases on each side of the fireplace have the same leaded
diamond shaped glass doors that are in the windows above the
showcases. The house also includes many of the original features such
as floor furnaces, electrical push button light switches, sink and claw
foot tubs. In addition to the main house, the original carriage house
still stands. The Bullingtons hope to eventually restore the carriage
house.
The Bullington=s home is listed in the 1977 and 1989 SPARE
Beaumont surveys. In addition, the house is one of several in a
cluster of historically significant houses and is a contributing structure
to the Oaks Historic District.
Exhibits are attached.