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HomeMy WebLinkAbout40-HCDATE: November 8, 1999 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 1695 Milam. FILE: 40-HC STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request for an historic designation. In October, 1999, the City of Beaumont Historic Landmark Commission asked the Planning Manager to initiate the process for a historic designation on 1695 Milam. On the property is the main house, a carriage house and a second out -building. A third out- building identified in the 1991 SPARE survey has since been demolished. 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 presently have 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 outstanding example of a Queen Anne house. It is the largest such house in Beaumont. It is also one of the few extant high style Queen Anne's. C. Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City; A search of the records at the Jefferson County Court House show that no mechanic's lien exists for the house. Without this it is difficult to determine who built the house. No information is available on who the architect was. d. Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation or an outstanding example of a particular historical, architectural or other cultural style or period; The house has many features which represent significant architectural innovation. It is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne architectural style popularized in the 1880's and 1890's. A more specific description follows: Two -and -one-half story house, complex roof line with gables and hipped forms, asphalt shingles, two interior corbeled brick chimneys, copper roof cresting, finials, conical tower beginning from first floor extending above roof line, wood shingles around tower, eight windows around tower, wood siding, wraparound second story and first story porches on three sides of house, dentils, round wood columns, spindle balustrade around second story porch, round wood columns with concrete posts and balustrade along first story porch, northeast and southwest facing entrances onto porch with triangular pediment with decorative pattern in gable, northeast entrance has large roof gable directly above it and second story porch, decorative wood shingles and tripart vent in large gable, southwest facade has large roof gable to side of porch entrance, tri-part vent and decorative wood shingles in gable, asymmetrically placed 1/1 sash windows on first and second story, two second -story doors with transoms, main first -story door with side lights and transom, concrete pier foundation. e. Relationship to other buildings, structures, or places which are eligible for preservation as historic places; This structure as are other buildings which are eligible for preservation in the City is uniquely tied to the Spindletop oil boom occurring at the turn of the century. 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 or prominent Beaumonters who were instrumental in the Spindletop Oil Boom. T.H. Bass, a prominent oil speculator, was the original owner of the house. g. Location as the site of a significant historical event; The house is not known to be the site of any significant historical event. It. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; The house is listed in the S.P.A.R.E. Survey. L Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the City, County, State or Nation; The house was built in approximately 1904 by T.H. Bass, a successful oil speculator. It's original location was at the corner of Franklin and Ave. C. Mr. Bass sold the house to Lipscomb Norvell V., a prominent businessman in the city. During the time that the Norvell's owned the house, it was moved to its present location. In 1937 Ms. Norvell sold the house to Rosario Maceo, one of the founders of The Texas Coffee Company. All three men contributed to the development of the City. j. 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 few remaining grand houses that were built in the Avenues neighborhood in the late 1800's and early 1900's. This house is still largely intact and with a proper renovation could again become a real asset to the community. An inspection of the house shows that it is in remarkably good condition, considering the lack of care given to the house in the last ten years or more. The house is currently undergoing renovation. The current owner has stated that it is her 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, any work done to the exterior of the buildings after that will require Historic Landmark Commission approval. Being Lots 31-33, Block 3, Blanchette 1st Addition, City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Exhibits are attached. z .o A SE 5-4 Site 1431. 1 695 Milam Street II w i rr r i` k{ � q r � � �t - If 0