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HomeMy WebLinkAbout47-HC J 9 DATE: May 23, 2005 TO: Planning Commission and City Council FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager SUBJECT: Request for approval of an HC-L (Historic Cultural-Landmark Preservation Designation) FILE: 47-HC NOTE: On May 16, 2005, the Historic Landmark Commission voted to recommend approval of this request. STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request. Mark Bergeron, the property owner, is requesting an HC-L (Historic Cultural-Landmark Preservation Designation) for the property located at 1435 Broadway. In March, 2005, the City Council approved an ordinance whereby structures that have been tagged as a dangerous structure but have historical significance are provided a time frame for their repair J 9 and/or rehabilitation. This ordinance stipulates that the structure must meet one of the following criteria: a) Existing or proposed recognition as a National Historic Landmark or Texas Historic Landmark, or entry, or proposed entry into the National Register of Historic Places. b) Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City. c) Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represents a significant architectural innovation or an outstanding example of a particular historical, architectural or other cultural style or period. Determining if a structure meets Criteria (b) or (c) falls to the Historic Landmark Commission. If the property owner of the tagged structure meets one or more of these criteria, he or she will be provided one year to substantially complete repairs, as currently defined by the City, and one additional year to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. If either one of these time frames is not met, the structure may be razed. The City of Beaumont issued a demolition order in January, 1992. The owner, at that time, was Lee Peveto. In July, 1992, the house was sold to Mark Bergeron. A work program was entered into in December, 1992. According to the file, Mr. Bergeron has entered into a number of work programs over the years to renovate this structure. Mr. Bergeron has now applied for an HC-L (Historic Cultural- Landmark Preservation Designation) to hopefully provide him with additional time to restore the structure. The structure was built in 1903 and represents a residence of a middle class family from the Spindletop Oil Boom period. The property was purchased from J. Frank Keith by Dan Sheeks, who built the house. The house remained in the Sheeks family for 54 years before being sold to Mr. and Mrs. Gordie Meaux. The house is of the Colonial Revival style. Mr. Bergeron states that one unique feature of the house is the novelty siding which represents innovative millwork and which he has not seen on any home of similar age in Beaumont. The house represents materials and craftsmanship from the start of the 1900's. The wrap-around porches have classical columns, dentil trim on the entablature above the columns, and fish scale pediments above the porch entrances which are typical of the period. Mr. Bergeron states that there are several historic houses located in the blocks surrounding 1435 Broadway. The subject property is directly behind the Mildred Building. The house is listed in both the 1977 and 1989 SPARE Beaumont surveys. SPARE evaluated the structure as having local historic significance and of fair architectural style. Exhibits are attached.