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HomeMy WebLinkAbout42-HCDATE: October 8, 2001 TO: Historic Landmark Commission FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager SUBJECT: Request for approval of an HC-L, Historical Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation, for the building located at 461-469 Bowie. FILE: 42-HC STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request. The owner of the "Coale Building" is requesting a City of Beaumont Historical Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation. The building is also under consideration for an historical preservation loan. Current plans for the building include a restaurant and jazz club on the first and second floors. The building was evaluated using the City of Beaumont's criteria for an historical -cultural designation and the results are as follows: a. Existing or proposed recognition as a National Historic Landmark, or Texas Historical Landmark, or entry, or proposed entry into the National Register of Historic Places; The structure is part of the Downtown National Register District. Renovation of this structure will qualify it as a contributing building to that district. b. Existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or of the social, economic or political heritage of the City; The Coale Building played a significant role in the social and political life of the City of Beaumont. During the late 1950's and early 1960's, the Bowie or the Domino Club, as it was also called, was housed in the Coale Building. The Bowie Club was known for its illegal gaming operation activities. Many people in the Golden Triangle would come to "play the game" and others would do illegal gambling on "the game". On December 3, 1961, at 1:30 p.m., the Bowie Club became one of a highly selected group of downtown Beaumont establishments raided by the James Commission. The club is listed many times in the permanent records of the General Investigating Committee Report to the House of Representatives of the 57`h Legislature of Texas, a publication on display at the Tyrrell Library in downtown Beaumont. C. Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City; Not applicable d. Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship that represents a significant architectural innovation or an outstanding example of a particular historical, architectural or other cultural style or period; The Coale Building's elements of architectural design date back to the early 20`h Century. The exterior of the building is being preserved where possible to illustrate the attention given to the craftsmanship design used in the brick masonry and designed in the windows and panes. e. Relationship to other buildings, structures or places that are eligible for preservation as historic places; The Coale Building was constructed in 1914. It is one of the oldest buildings still standing in the City of Beaumont. It is within walking distance of other current Historical -Cultural designated buildings and venues with similar elements of architectural design and style such as Crockett Street and the infamous Dixie Hotel. f. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of the City, County, State or Nation; See "b". g. Location as the site of a significant historical event; See "b". h. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; The building is listed in the S.P.A.R.E. Survey. i. Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the City, County, State or Nation; In 1960, the Honorable Representative Tom James of Dallas was designated the Vice Chairman of the General Legislative Investigating Committee of the House of Representatives on Law Enforcement in Jefferson County. Vice Chairman James instructed an investigation by the Department of Public Safety into allegations of serious problems of law enforcement centering on organized vice operations in the State of Texas. The result of the investigation is now known as the James Commission. A building, structure or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to a neighborhood or community; This building is one of a growing number of older buildings in the downtown area being renovated and occupied with new uses. Exhibits are attached.