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HomeMy WebLinkAbout35-HCJ6 DATE: November 20, 1995 TO: Planning Commission and City Council FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Director SUBJECT: Consider an application for an HC-L (Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation) for the 'TL. Eisen" house located at 2301 Long in the Oaks Historic District, zoned RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling). FILE: 35-HC STAFF REPORT The Planning Director recommends approval of this request. The application meets eight of the ten criteria required for possible approval as per Sec. 30-39. The property owners have submitted this request for the consideration the Historic Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission and City Council. The house was home to J.L. Eisen, President of Sampson Steel Co., an early twentieth century Beaumont company still in operation. The house, built in 1937-38, was designed by the prominent Beaumont architectural firm of Stone and Pitts. The New Orleans or Monterrey style home is one of the major contributing structures in the Oaks Historic District. This request was considered by the Historic Landmark Commission on November 13, 1995 and was approved 7:0. Exhibits are attached. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Notices Mailed to Property Owners: 16 Responses in Favor: Responses in Opposition: LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR ORDINANCE PURPOSES Being all of Lots 1 and 2 and East 1/2 of 3, Block 17, Averill Addition, containing 0.40 acres more or less. GENERAL INFORMATION/PUBLIC UTILITIES APPLICANT: Mike and June O'Rear PROPERTY OWNER: Same LOCATION: 2301 Long Avenue LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lots 1, 2 and East 1/2 of 3, Block 17, Averill Addition EXISTING ZONING: RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) PROPERTY SIZE: .40 acres, more or less EXISTING LAND USES: Single Family Residence FLOOD HAZARD ZONE: "C" (Minimal) SURROUNDING LAND USES: SURROUNDING ZONING: NORTH: Residential RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) EAST: Vacant/Residential RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling - Highest Density) SOUTH: Residential RS WEST: Residential RS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Conservation and Revitalization - OTHER PHYSICAL FEATURES: House constructed 1937-38. STREETS: Long Avenue is a 60' residential right-of- way with a 30' wide pavement. Seventh St. is a 60' collector right-of-way with a 30' wide pavement. DRAINAGE: There is a 36" storm sewer in Long and a 15" storm sewer in Seventh. WATER: An 8" water line is in Long and a 6" water line is in Seventh. GENERAL INFORMATIONIPUBLIC UTILITIES continued SANITARY SEWER SERVICE: FIRE PROTECTION: ADM UACY OF SERVICE: ANALYSIS There is a 36" sanitary sewer line in Long and an 8" sanitary sewer line in Seventh. Fire protection is provided by Station #7, 1700 McFaddin Avenue. Services and utilities are adequate. 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; 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; i. Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the City, County, State or Nation; and ANALYSTS continued 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 home at 2301 Long Avenue meets and complies with eight of the ten listed criteria. Criteria b. New Orleans or Monterrey style, c. 1937-38. Criteria c. This home was designed by the architectural firm of Stone and Pitts. This firm was formed through a partnership between Fred Stone and L.W. Pitts in 1934. Before the partnership, Mr. Stone designed the Jefferson County Courthouse and the Jack Brooks Federal Building and post office. The firm of Stone and Pitts designed the Jefferson County Annex in Port Arthur; the addition to the downtown YMCA; the annex office of Mobil Company, Beaumont; and the downtown White House Department Store. Criteria d. The New Orleans or Monterrey styled house has an abundance of "grape and ivy" pattern heavy wrought iron on three balconies, the side entrance and on the back of the house. The interior includes a circular stairway with the original gilded metal railings and heavy crown molding in many of the rooms. This home is built upon a reinforced concrete slab which is unusual for a residential structure built in the late thirties. Criteria e. This structure is located in the Oaks Historic District where a number of Stone and Pitts designed homes are located. This house is one of the major contributing structures in the Oaks Historic District. Criteria f. The major public and private buildings designed by Stone and Pitts have had a major impact upon the cultural, social and economic life of the City. Criteria h. The house is listed in the 1991 S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont survey, Site No. 1683. Criteria i. Mr. J.L. Eisen, the president of Sampson Steel Co., built this home for his family. Mr. B. Sampson, founder of the Sampson Steel Co., was the father of Mr. Eisen's wife and lived with his daughter in this house. The Eisen family eventually sold this residence to Mr. Walter Casey and his wife Loretta Broussard Casey. Mr. Casey was the owner of the Crosby Hotel and Mrs. Casey was the daughter of the old line Broussard family. Criteria j. The house at 2301 Long is located within the Oaks Historic District and is valuable to that neighborhood.