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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-12-99 HLC Minutes'- *1VIINUTES* HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION . April 12, 1999 City Countil Chambers - 3:30 p.m. The April 12,190, Historic Landmark Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy Richardson. Commission members present: Chairman Tracy Richardson Vice -Chairman Michael O'Rear Commissioner Dale Hallmark Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Leonie Bodin Commissioner Jamie Credle Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioner Philip Long Commission members absent: Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Cathy Belt Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Shaheen Farah Councilmembers present: Councilmember Andrew Cokinos Councilmember Lulu Smith Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Secretary; Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary; Cheryl Robinson, Senior Planner and Adina Abshire, Planning Technician APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairman Richardson asked for approval of the minutes of the March 8, 1999, meeting. With no corrections or changes, the minutes were accepted as mailed out. PUBLIC HEARING 1) 38-HC: Request for a Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation District Designation. Location: 694 Forrest Applicant: Paul Chargois The property owner, Paul Chargois submitted this request for consideration by the Historic Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission and City Council. The application met eight of the ten criteria required for approval as per Sec. 30-39. The house was home to Holmes Duke, a prominent local businessman and city official. In the early 1900's, Mr. Duke was the proprietor of the Ogden and Duke Hotels and Duke's Restaurant. The house was built in 1899 and is an example of early 20th Century vernacular architecture with detailing resembling the Queen Anne style. It was constructed as a typical middle class house in what was to become a fashionable suburban neighborhood in Beaumont at the turn of the century. This home is one of the few representatives of Victorian residential architecture left in Beaumont and one of the few houses surviving from the pre-Spindletop era. The property is a recorded Texas Landmark and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Condition A). The property has been listed in SPARE in both 1977 and 1989. In 1977, the property received a rating of 80 indicating a high preservation priority. Mr. Richardson stated that Mr. Chargois was in the audience. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions of Mr. Richardson or Mr. Chargois. There being none, Chairman Richardson closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner O'Rear to approve 38-HC and seconded by Commissioner Long. The motion was approved 8:0. 2) CA-369: Request for a certificate of appropriateness to make renovations to the exterior of a commercial building. 'Location: 694 Forrest Applicant: Paul Chargois Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. Mr. Paul Chargois, property owner, wishes to make exterior renovations to the structure at 694 Forrest. In March, Mr. Chargois received $52,000 from the Historic Preservation Loan Program to help finance these renovations. Mr. Chargois is also asking for an HCL, Local Historic, Designation. The property is currently on the National Register and also has a State of Texas Historic designation. Mr. Richardson stated that Mr. Chargois was available for questioning. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions for either Mr. Richardson or Mr.'Chargois. There being no questions, Chairman Richardson closed the public -hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner Broussard made a motion to approve CA-369 as requested and Commissioner Credle seconded the motion. Motion to approve CA-369 was approved 8:0. 3) 39-HC. Request for a Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation District Designation. Location: 2390 Cartwright Applicant: Alyxandria Sprott Mr. Richardson presented the staff report. The request was submitted by Brenda Garrison, a registered nurse, for Alyxandria Sprott, granddaughter of Dr. Maxie C. Sprott, Sr., for consideration by the Historic Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission and City Council. The application met four of the ten criteria required for approval as per Sec. 30-39. The clinic was founded in 1944 and continued in general use until the late 1950's. 1t is still used today by Dr. Maxie Sprott, Sr., as a neighborhood clinic and office. Chairman Richardson stated that he was happy to see a Historic Landmark Designation request for this structure. He then asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Dr. Maxie Sprott, 5195 Linda Lane, spoke on behalf of the Sprott family requesting a review of the application to designate the hospital as a historic landmark. He spoke of his father who always strived to meet the health care needs of Beaumont's black citizens and others who were not able to pay for medical care. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner Credle made a motion to approve 39-HC as requested and Commissioner O'Rear seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. 4) CA-359: Request for approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations to the exterior of a commercial building. Location: 695 Park Street Applicant: Ms. Rosa Guidry Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report, Ms. Rosa Guidry, Director of the Multi -Culture Center of Southeast Texas, is requesting a certificate of appropriateness to make exterior renovations to 695 Park Street The building is currently red brick with green trim. Ms. Guidry would like to paint the trim a tan color. This building received an HCL, Local Historic, Designation in 1996. Then, the property owner was going to renovate this building and the Fertitta Building. That property owner has since gone bankrupt. The Multi -Culture Center would like to give the building a temporary face lift by securing loose boards, covering open areas and painting the lower portion of the building one color. A temporary certificate of appropriateness was issued for the purpose of securing the windows and painting the trim around the windows, however all the painting has been done. Mr. Richardson stated that Ms. Guidry was in the audience to answer questions. Chairman Richardson asked for questions or comments. Ms. Guidry addressed the Commission. She stated the building had been leased as is and no structural changes will be made to the building. She also stated that because the boards were warped and there was tin on the windows, the Multi -Culture Center staff was trying to make the area as safe and appealing as possible by putting up the panels and painting. She added that they would also like to place potted shrubery along the front sidewalk for added camouflage and curb appeal. Chairman Richardson asked how much more work was to be done before completion. Ms. Guidry replied they would replace the window that was broken with paneling temporarily. Mr. Gary Spivey, Centurion Capital, San Augustine Development, spoke to the Commission. He slated that they will be giving the building a complete Facelift with awnings, but it is a matter of time and finance. He also assured the committee his company would adhere to the original plans submitted to the Texas Historic Commission. Commissioner Broussard wanted to know if the panels would be replaced with any other type of material. Mr. Spivey replied that the panels were an improvement over what had originally covered the open spaces. With.no further discussion, Chairman Richardson closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve CA-359 and Commissioner Shelton seconded the motion. The motion was approved 80. REGUIAR MEETING 5) CA-360: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to make renovations to a single family house. Location: 1822 Broadway Applicant: George Bullington Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. Mr. and Mrs. George Bullington, property owners, wish to build a sun room, add porch railing to the rootline for a "veranda look" and add steps to the side of the wrap -around porch to match the existing steps and paint the house and trim. The house is located at 1822 Broadway. The sun room will be on the rearof the house and will match the house in materials and roof construction. For loan puiposes, staff did give the Bullington's temporary approval of the sun porch subject to the condition that if the Historic Landmark Commission denies the request any work done must be removed. Mr. Richardson distributed original paint samples that are to be used on the house. Slides were presented of the home. Mr. Richardson stated that Mr. and Mrs. Bullington were in the audience. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions of Mr. Richardson or Mr. and Mrs, Bullington. Mr. Bullington addressed the Commission. He explained that the blue color in question would be used for highlighting the boards around the windows. Cranberry will be the primary trim color with blue as an accent. The sun room will be on the backside of the house and will house a hot tub. It will have glass windows that will encircle it and will match the other windows. The siding will be continued to the sun room. They would also like to install a railing around the front porch and above the front porch on the veranda area. The 42" height of the railing would adhere to the building code, but would not be historically correct. Mr. Richardson was asked to check on the required height of the railing. Chairman Richardson asked for a motion to approve. Commissioner Hallmark made a motion to accept CA-360 as submitted and Commissioner Long seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0. 6} CA-366: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a chain link fence. Location: 2245 South Applicant: W. and Mrs. Juan Perez Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. 4 Mr. and Mrs. Juan Perez, the property owners, wish to construct a chain Iink fence in the front yard of their home at 2245 South. Mrs. Perez stated that the fence was needed to prevent people from cutting tlu•ough their yard. There is also a halfway house next door that is a concern of the Perez's. Mr. Richardson stated that the property owners were in the audience. Mrs. Perez addressed the Commission. Commissioner Broussard asked Mrs. Perez what height fence she was considering putting in and she replied that it would be the same height as a similar fence in the district which was 5'. Commissioner O'Rear stated that a chain link fence in the front yard gives an atmosphere of defensiveness which is almost abhorrent to what is trying to be done in the neighborhood. Mrs. Perez stated her main concern was the haftay house next door and the safety of her three-year old son. Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner Shelton made a motion to deny approval of CA-366 and Commissioner O'Rear seconded the motion. Motion to deny carried 5: (Shelton, O'Rear, Hallmark, Bodin, Long):2 Credle, Broussard): I (Richardson). 7) CA-368: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish a house. Location: 2490 Rusk Applicant: David Oliver, Clean Community Department Mr. Steve Richardson presented the stall report The Clean Community Department found the structure at 2490 Rusk to be in violation of the City of Beaumont Code of Ordinances concerning dangerous structures. The structure was tagged as substandard in May, 1996. At that time, a work program was initialed. However, no work has been done to bring the structure into compliance. The structure is valued at $18,890 and the estimated cost of repairs will exceed Fifty percent of the value of the structure. The structure is not listed in SPARE Beaumont. Pam Loiacano, Clean Community Division, was in the audience to answer questions. Commissioner Hallmark asked if the chain wall was snapped down the east side of the house. Ms. Loiacano stated that she could not get on the property to inspect because of a big dog being on the property. She noted there was extensive termite and wall damage. A work order issued in 1996 expired in March of 1997, which included an extension. Ms. Loiacano stated that she would ask for a raze order when the case comes before City Council. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve CA-368 and was seconded by Commissioner Broussard. The motion was approved 8:0. 8) CA-370: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint the trim on a house. Location: 1880 Harrison Applicant: Anthony Maxey 5 Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. Mr. Anthony Maxey, the tenant, is requesting a certificate of appropriateness to paint the trim pink on the house at 1880 Harrison. Mr. Maxey had begun painting when staff nclifted him that the color that he was using must be reviewed and approved by the Historic Landmark Commission. The structure is included in SPARE Beaumont. It was build c.1925 and is of the Colonial Revival style. Mr. and Mrs. Maxey were in. the audience to answer questions. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions of Mr. Richardson or Mr. and Mrs. Maxey. Mrs. Maxey spoke to the Commission. Commissioner Hallmark asked Mrs. Maxey why she chose the particular shade of pink in question and she replied the paint was given to them. Commissioner O'Rear stated that the Planning Division office had samples of paint from which. to choose: Chairman Richardson then asked if the CA were not approved, what would be the next step. Mr. Richardson replied that they had two options; appeal to City Council or paint the trim the color that the Commission recommended. Mrs. Maxey stated that she was not aware of the paint ordinance. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve CA-370 and Commissioner Credle seconded the motion. The motion to approved failed 4 (Broussard, Bodin, Shelton, Hallmark): 2 (O'Rear and Credle): 2 (Long, Richardson)). It was discussed and agreed upon that two Commission members, along with staff, could meet with Mrs. Maxey and approve another color. 9) CA-372: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint the trim on a commercial building. Location: 2306 Hazel Applicant: Brad Nelson Steve Richardson presented the staff report. Brad Nelson, the property owner, is remodeling 2306 Hazel for use as an eating establishment. The trim on the building has been painted purple and green. Mr. Nelson was informed by staff that the paint colors he had used would require Historic Landmark Commission approval. The green matches the green that is original to the house on the rear of the property. Mr. Richardson stated that Mr. Nelson was in the audience to answer questions. Mr. Brad Nelson, 2255 Harrison, spoke to the Commission regarding the trim. He also explained that because the former sign was so big, he removed a bracket and painted the space. There being no other questions or comments, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion. A 0 motion to approve CA-372 was made by Commissioner Long and was seconded by Commissioner Broussard. The motion -was approved 8:0. 10) CA-374: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish a house. Location: 1810 Calder Applicant: Gregg & Jeff Green and City of Beaumont Clean Community Department Mr. Steve Richardson presented the staff report. Gregg and Jeff Green, the property owners, and the Clean Community Department have requested.a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of a single family structure at 1810 Calder. The Clean Community Department has found the structure to be in violation of the City of Beaumont Code of Ordinances pertaining to dangerous structures. The property owners have been contacted and do not wish to repair the structure because it would be too costly to renovate. The house also has extensive termite damage. The structure is valued at $13,560. The estimated cost of repairs will exceed fifty percent of the value of the structure. The properly is listed in SPARE Beaumont. The structure was constructed c. 1910 and is of the 'Craftsman style. It is an example of upper class housing built on Calder after the first Spindletop boom. In 1995, the Greens requested that the house be demolished and/or that this property be removed from the Oaks Historic district. The Historic Landmark Commission denied both requests. The City Council also denied the request to take the property out of the Historic District. If this house is demolished, it is recommended that this property be deleted from the Oaks Historic District. Mr. Richardson stated that David Oliver, Clean Community Division, was in the audience to answer questions. The Greens were not available for questions or comments. Discussion involved the condition of the house and reasons for deterioration of the structure. There have also been complaints from citizens regarding animals and transients being in the structure. Chairman Richardson asked for a motion on CA-374. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to table the proposal with the condition that the owners secure the building in and asked that the Commission be allowed to inspect the house. Commissioner Shelton seconded the motion. Mr. Richardson will make arrangements for members to inspect the building. Chairman Richardson suggested having a workshop to discuss historic designations and how to handle requests such as this one. The motion was approved 8:0. 11) Revolving Loan Fund (Financial Report) Steve Richardson reported that there is approximately $21,000 available in the loan fund. 12) Chairman's Report Steve Richardson reported that Beaumont Spindletop sub-commilteess will be formed. Chairman Richardson stated that a meeting will be held at Beaumont Main Street to discuss the Preservation Awards. Commissioner Credle invited everyone to the McFaddin Ward House for a free family event on Sunday, April 18, 1999. ADJOURN With no Rusher business, the meeting was adjourned.