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Home My WebLink About36-HCP2 DATE: April 8, 1996 TO: Historic Landmark Commission FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, PIanning Director SUBJECT: Request for an HC-L (Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation) for the "Fertitta Building" located at 615-635 Park, zoned CBD (Central Business District) FR E: 36-HC STAFF REPORT The Planning Director recommends approval of this request. The application meets seven of the ten criteria required for possible approval as per Sec. 30-39. The Fertitta Building is a late example of a vernacular adaptation of the Art Moderne style. The Fertitta family has been in Beaumont for several generations and has contributed to both the economic and social spheres of the city. The Fertitta family founded the Texas Coffee Company, a major employer in the city. The applicant is working on plans with the Texas Historical Commission to renovate this building and the rest of the block -front on Park. This renovation will improve one of the more dilapidated blocks in downtown. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Notices Mailed to Property Owners: Responses in Favor: Responses in Opposition: LEGAL DESCRII'TI AN FOR ORDINANCE pURpOSES Being all of Lot 322, Block 50, Beaumont Townsite Subdivision, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, containing 0.166 acres of land, more or less. GENERAL INFORMATION UBLIC UTII.ITIES APPLICANT: Gulf Sierra Enterprises, Inc. PROPERTY OWNER: Same LOCATION: 615-635 Park LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 322, Block 50, Beaumont Townsite Subdivision EXISTING ZONING: CBD (Central Business District) PROPERTY SIZE: 0.166 acres, more or less EXISTING LAND USES: Vacant commercial FLOOD HAZARD ZONE: SURROUNDING LAND USES: NORTH: Commercial EAST: Commercial is SOUTH: Commercial WEST: Commercial COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: OTHER PHYSICAL FEATURES: ANALYSIS "C" (Minimal) SURROUNDING ZONING: CBD (Central Business District) :" CBD CBD Central Business District Building constructed in c. 1940 The Historic Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission and the City Council shall consider, but not be limited to, one or more of the following criteria in establishing an HC-L, Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation: 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. Existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or of the social, economic, or political heritage of the City; 1 C. Identification as the work of a designer, architect, or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City; 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; e. Relationship to other buildings, structures, or places which are eligible for preservation as historic places; f. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic, or historical heritage of the City, County, State or Nation; g. Location as the site of a significant historical event; h. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the City, County, State or Nation; and j. A building, structure, or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to a neighborhood or community. Staff is of the opinion that the building at 336 Park Street meets and complies with seven of the ten listed criteria. b. Late example of vernacular adaptation of Art Moderne style d. The Fertitta Building is an excellent example of the Art Moderne style with significant architectural features still intact. Glazed tile pilasters and original storefronts remain and will be restored. e. This building is located on the edge of the downtown National Register District. The renovation of this building will have an overall positive effect on the vitality of the central business district. The more vital the downtown, the more likely other buildings actually in the National Register District will be saved. £ The Fertitta Building represents -the economic contribution that the Fertitta family made to Beaumont. The family immigrated from Sicily and once in Beaumont started a number of commercial enterprises. h. The Fertitta Building is listed in S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont. l i. The Fertitta family has contributed to the success of Beaumont for several generations. An outstanding contributing influence in both the economic and 1 social spheres, the Fertitta family started a number of grocery stores, retail boutiques and nightclubs. A major contribution to the economy was the creation of the Texas Coffee Company. The family and several of its enterprises have supported various charities and cultural activities in the city. j. Due to the building's proximity to Beaumont's National Register District, its renovation will contribute to the past, present and future preservation efforts in downtown. C,Y1f YCrra TRLTrl,�Cf; h7C. 1915 Liivns Way, Amaiwonl, Texas 77799 of/ice. 999 AW 4'70 Iax- 499--4W 4749 March 22, 1996 The Planning Commission and City Council, City of Beaumont, Texas City Hall, 801 Main Street Beaumont, Texas 77701 Re: Historical -Cultural Designation for The Fertitta Building at 615-635 Park Street Dear Planning Commission and City Council Members. I, Gregory M. Saleme, am respectfully requesting a historical -cultural designation for the Fertitta Building at 615-635 Park Street. Following the recommended criteria guidelines are supporting reasons for this request. 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; - Not applicable. B. Existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or of the social, economic, or political heritage of the City; - The Fertitta Building represents a late example of a vernacular adaptation of the Art Moderne style located on the edge of the Central Business District 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 which represent a significant architectural innovation or an outstanding example of a particular historical, architectural or other cultural style or period; - The Fertitta Building in Beaumont's Central Business District is an excellent example of a late vernacular adaptation of the Art Modern style. In fair condition, the significant architectural features are still intact. Glazed tile pilasters and original storefronts remain and will be restored by the applicant. E. Relationshipether buildings, structures or places w_N ' h are eligible for preservation as historic places, - It is located on the edge of Beaumont's National Register District. Obviously, the futures of such buildings affect the image of our National Register District and its possible expansion. The Fertitta Building is adjacent to the most concentrated employment center in downtown. The Petroleum Building occupies over 600 employees, and the Texas Commerce Building, which is connected to the Petroleum, has close to 300. Improvements made to such a highly visible corner amidst the pulse of downtown economic activity will inspire future development of such surrounding properties as the Dallas Williams Building and the San Augustine Building. F. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of the City, County, State, or Nation; - Beaumont represents tremendous cultural diversity. The influence of our Italian heritage is present in the very name of this structure, after the Fertitta family, Sicilian immigrants who came to Beaumont and ignited several businesses, including grocery stores, retail boutiques, and nightclubs.. G. Location as the site of a significant historical event; - Not applicable. H. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; - The Fertitta Building is located in S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont. 1. Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the City, County, State, or Nation; - The Fertitta family has contributed to the success of Beaumont for several generations. An outstanding contributing influence in both the economic and social spheres, the Fertitta pioneers enlivened Beaumont with grocery stores, retail boutiques, and nightclubs. A major contribution to the economy was the creation of the Texas Coffee Company. Specializing in coffee and spices, this business has donated to several local charities. Culturally, the family has supported the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, also located in downtown Beaumont. J. A building, structure or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to a neighborhood or community; - Because of the Fertitta Building's proximity to Beaumont's National Register District, its value cannot be underestimated. Representing the spirit of the pioneering Fertitta family, this building can once again add spice to downtown. Its easy access to freeways and other major traffic arteries provide an excellent link of the present to the past. Economically, it will generate new businesses, increasing the employment center downtown. Aesthetically and socially, the improvements to this corner will herald the success of Beaumont past and make the future a more positive environment for commerce, trade, and tourism. It is obvious that the Fertitta Building is of historic significance in its location, architecture, and heritage. By restoring this structure to its original condition, it will create a link to the successful past of downtown Beaumont, and provide a continuum into the prospective economic, social, an,' .p ltural diversity of the twenty-first ce, ry. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. GMS/pa Nor FILE 367HC: A request for a HC-L (Historic -Cultural Landmark NORTS ,y Preservation Designation) on property located at 615-635 Park. APPLICANT: Gulf Sierra Enterprises, Inc. gCAI,g } i/200 a ♦• / 7 i eft �• OP .• 40 / 1FP •♦ �• . _ ° �_ SE 3-5 SITE 039 + •°? \ Fertitta ildin e° 4P d„ e0 _ • f d• f as \ � .• i b 4 1 � ` Opp,;� # BEAUMONT, TEXAS HISTORIC SITES INVENTORY FORM - BEAUMONT HISTORICAL LANDMARK COMMISSION JEF 1. County JFFFERSOR City/Rural BEAT J. USGS Quad No. 3094-111 Site No. 039 _ 11MONgMT Name Fertitta Bui Ino 6. Date: Factual Est. c. 1940 1 Address 615.63 Park 7. Architect/Builder -- Contract 3. owner Dowlen Pr o rt s Address P 0. B x 131 Beaumont D4-8 11 4. Block/Lot Beaumont Lot 322 Block 50 S -5 10. Description: or 8. Style/Type _ Vernacular Art Modern 9. Original Use COMMERCE AND TRADE/Specialty Store Present Use COMMERCE AND TRADE/Soecialty Store One-story vernacular Art Modern commercial block. Glazed tile pilasters between plate glass display windows, display window transoms (boarded). Offset wood and glass door with one -tight transom. Aluminum awning beneath streamlined plaster -covered parapet. "Fertitta Building" in metal Art Modern letters above parapet. 11. Present Condition Fair. The buitdina receives-onlyreceives-onLy minor maintenance, Deterioration is evident on the facade. 12. Significance: The building is a late example of a vernacular adaptation of the Art Modern style. 13. Relationship to Site: Original Moved '•. Bibliography 1 I Date (Describe Original Site) 15. informant 16. Recorder D. Bush Date 6-1-89 PHOTO DATA Black and White 35 mm negative YEAR DRWR ROLL FRIE ROLL FRNE 89 1 1 02 13 to " VIEW: RECORDED BY: D. Bush DATE: