HomeMy WebLinkAbout52-HC
DATE: December 10,
2007
TO: Historic Landmark Commission
FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Request for an HC-L (Historic-Cultural Landmark Preservation
Designation) at 1315 Calder.
FILE: 52-HC
STAFF REPORT
The Planning Manager recommends approval.
Gregory Riley has applied for an HC-L (Historic-Cultural Landmark
Preservation Designation) for his house at 1315 Calder. Mr. Riley
recently purchased this property. He states that the property is to be
restored to exacting historical standards with an eye toward A adaptive
re-use @.
The 3,887 sq. ft. house was completed in 1895 by capitalist Iradell
Drew Polk. Mr. Polk was an early Beaumont booster with interests in
fledgling businesses that would become some of the areas most
important. These businesses included real estate, timber, oil and
public utilities. Mr. Polk was a confidant of Patillo Higgins and a
neighbor and friend of W.P.H. McFaddin. The original W.P.H.
McFaddin home was directly across from the subject property. Itasca
A Tassie @ Polk and Mamie McFaddin were lifelong friends.
The house is an eclectic mix of Victorian and Beaux-Arts colonial.
The house is one of the oldest remaining structures on Calder.
Mr. Riley states that the house was remodeled in 1928 and was
owned by the Polk family until approximately 1970. Most of the
original architectural details intact including four masonry fireplaces.
The house includes a formal parlor, library, five bedrooms and four
bathrooms. The landscape was designed by the noted landscaper
Ralph Edward Gunn. The Gunn landscaping is in a traditional
southern style. Mr. Riley states that most of the original plantings
will be reused in a modern interpretation of the Gunn theme.
The house will be restored to the 1928 iteration. The 1928 remodel
shows many similarities to the Beaux-Arts colonial McFaddin/Ward
House. Similar elements include the wrap-around porch with
Corinthian columns, upstairs veranda with railings and rooftop widows
walk. Much of the exterior millwork is also very similar to
McFaddin/Ward.
Exhibits are attached.