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HomeMy WebLinkAbout41-HCP1 DATE: March 12, 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 house located at 325 N. 7th. FILE: 41-HC STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request for an historic designation. In February, 2001, the City of Beaumont Historic Landmark Commission asked the Planning Manager to initiate the process for historic designation on 325 N. 7th. The main house is the only structure on the property. The house 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 Historic Landmark, or entry, or proposed entry into the National Register of Historic Places; The structure does not have present recognition as a National Historic Landmark, Texas Historic Landmark, nor registration into the National Register of Historic Places. No such designations are proposed. b. Existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or of the social, economic or political heritage of the City; The house represents an excellent example of Queen Ann architecture. It is one of the largest surviving Queen Anus in Beaumont, and is one of the oldest houses in the Historic district. It was built as a direct consequence of Spindletop. C. Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City; There does not appear to have been any prominent architect or builder on the project. 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 house has many features that represent significant architectural innovation. It is an excellent example of the Queen Ann architectural style popularized in the 1880's and 1890's. A more specific description follows: This two-story house has a complex roof line with gables and hipped forms, and asphalt shingles with a flat metal cap. One pediment contains a one -over -one Palladian window and variegated shingles. A central hipped dormer has paired one -over -one sash windows, and a corner hipped dormer has a rounded front containing three one - over -one sash windows. The wraparound, hipped roof porch contains a corner gazebo with conical,wood shingle roof. The central shed roof has entablature and dentils, There is a vernacular balustrade and central wooden steps. Centrally found between four assymmetrically spaced one -over -one sash windows is the carved wood and glass door. The house is on a concrete pier foundation. e. Relationship to other buildings, structures, or places that are eligible for preservation as historic places; This structure is uniquely tied to the Spindletop oil boom that occurred at the turn of the century. It is in a local historic district. f. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of the City, County, State, or Nation; The structure exemplifies the wealth and status of prominent Beaumonters who strongly influenced the Spindletop Oil Boom. g. Location as the site of a significant historical event; The house is not known to be the site of any significant historical event. h. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; The house 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; James F. Weed built the house in approximately 1903. Mr. Weed came to Beaumont as the chief engineer for a rail line operating out of Beaumont in 1898. Before coming to Beaumont, he became the first State Surveyor for the State of Texas. At the turn of the century, he was identified with the development of the Spindletop oil field. He went on to become consulting engineer for the navigational district until 1918, and was largely responsible for Beaumont becoming a deep water port. The first hard surface roads in Southeast Texas have also been assigned to his credit. j. A building, structure, or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to a neighborhood or community; This house is one of the oldest and largest homes on a major access road that runs right through the middle of the Oaks Historic District, making it one of the most visible architecturally significant structures in the city. When properly restored it could even come to symbolize that district. An inspection of the house was not possible due to unavailability. The house is currently in need of renovation. The current owner has stated that it is his desire to renovate the house to its original condition as much as possible. The owner has been informed that if the historic designation is placed on the property, no fiirther deterioration of the house would be allowed. LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR ORDINANCE PURPOSES Being Lots 27, 28, and the East 22.33 feet of Lot 26, Block 23, Averill Addition, City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas.