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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCA-125Pi DATE: September 11, 1995 TO: Historic Landmark Commission FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Director SUBJECT: A request by the Beaumont Heritage Center for (a) a Certificate of Demolition to remove several buildings and structures and (b) a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations and additions to several buildings and structures, construction of a new parking lot and construction of new open air pavilion FILE: CA-125(a)(b) STAFF REPORT The Planning Director recommends approval of this request. The Beaumont Heritage Center (BHC) wishes to make a number of improvements at the John J. French Museum. These improvements include the demolition of the current administrative office buildings, an existing carport and various sidewalks and driveways and the relocation of a small exhibit building at the John J. French museum site at 2985 French Road. At the David French House at 3025 French, an existing concrete slab and a small wood building are to be removed. These demolitions are for the purpose of moving the administrative functions of the museum to the David French property and making the John Jay French site a more authentic 1850-period visual experience. The current administrative offices are located in two non -historic frame structures built as residential structures in the 1940's or 1950's. The existing carport is constructed of metal poles and a pitched roof on a concrete slab. A 470 square foot frame building that is presently used for small exhibits will be renovated for storage of the museum's historical artifacts and moved to the David French site. New construction will include a 425 square foot addition on the rear of the David French House. BHC also proposes to build a 25 foot x 45 foot education pavilion at the northwest corner of the subject property. The open air pavilion will consist of a concrete slab and a roof (constructed to be compatible with the David French House) supported by wooden poles. .A small storage area and an ADA-specified restroom will be located at one end of the pavilion. In addition, a 34 space asphalt parking lot is to be constructed on the north side of the David French site. An eight foot high cypress privacy fence will be built around the perimeter of the subject property on the north, west, south and southeast sides. This fence will be screened with natural plantings. Finally, one eighteen square foot identification sign will be located at the French Road entrance of both properties as well as several direction signs, less than eight square feet in area will be built. Exhibits attached. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Notices Mailed to Property Owners: 40 Responses in Favor: Responses in Opposition: E APPLICANT: Beaumont Heritage Center PROPERTY OWNER: Same STATUS OF APPLICANT: X Owner _Prospective Buyer Tenant Other LOCATION: 2985 and 3025 French Road LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Tracts 159, 202, 204, 204a, 205, 205a and 42e, Plat D15, A. Williams Survey, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas EXISTING ZONING: RS Single Family Dwelling District with HCL Historical Overlay and Specific Use Permit for a museum PROPERTY SIZE: EXISTING LAND USES: SURROUNDING LAND USES NORTH: Apartments EAST: Elderly Housing/ Residential SOUTH: Residential WEST: Residential COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: 4.02 acres Museum SURROUNDING ZONING: RM-H GC -MD RS RS Stable Area