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HomeMy WebLinkAbout44-HCDATE: June 17,2002 TO: Planning Commission and City Council FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager SUBJECT: Request for approval of an HC-L (Historic Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation). F11,E: 44-HC STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends approval of an HC-L Designation for the site only. Willie G. Carriere, the property owner, has requested an HC-L Designation for the property located at 1021 Bonham. On the property sits a vacant building identified as "Mae's Place". According to Mr. Carriere, 1021 Bonham was one of the first Black owned and operated businesses in the City of Beaumont. Mr. Carriere states that the City Directory, dating back to 1935, shows a James Miner as the owner of a barbecue restaurant for black customers only at this location. Since that date, eight black owned restaurants have been located at this location. Mr. Carriere says that a building has been at 1021 Bonham since 1889. This location has been in the City Directory since 1928. This property is located in what was called the "Red Light District". Other buildings that were part of this district and still remain include the Stedman Building, the train depot and the warehouse on Crockett. According to Mr. Carriere, there has been a restaurant and tavern located at 1021 Bonham for the last 75 years. Mr. Carriere states that this site reminds many of the history of how the Black community began in Beaumont. Mr. Carriere states that Herbert Oxford and his wife, Sadie, owned a local lumber yard and a number ofproperties. These enterprises provided many opportunities for the African -American community, This property was owned by Mrs. Oxford and she leased it to various Blacks who used the property for restaurants. In 1961, Willie and Verdie Mae Carrierre began renovation of the property. In 1981, the Carriere's purchased the property from Mrs. Oxford. The restaurant served the Black community and the downtown area. On June 10, 2002, the Historic Landmark Commission voted to recommend approval of all HC- L Designation for the site only. Exhibits are attached. 1021 Bonham Beaumont Texas 77701 Phone (409) 833-75;A Email address stillwilliCavonet. net March 26, 2002 Beaumont Historical Landmark Commission 114 9 Pearl Beaumont, Texas 77701 Dear Sirs, Our Guidelines for Historical marker's preliminary review has uncovered the following criteria: 1. At this time no Existing or proposed recognition as a National Historical Landmark, or Texas Historic landmark, or entry, or proposed entry into the National Register of Historical Places were found, 2. The existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or of the social, economic or political heritage of the City; 1021 Bonham was found to be one of the first Black owned and operated business in the City of Beaumont. Findings were located within the City Directory dating back to 1935 with James Miner owner of a Barbecue Restaurant for black customers only. Since that date eight black owned restaurants have been located at 1021 Bonham. The most resent being Mae's Place since 1961, bringing to the community the cultural diversity for dining and diversion, 3. Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City, VanWarner was the land developer. 4. Relationship to other buildings, structures or places which are eligible for preservation as historic places; The building at 1021 Bonham has been at that location dating back to 1889. This location has been in the City Directory since 1928. The site 1021 Bonham is located in the heart of the old Red Light District. Other older buildings include Steadman, Old Train Depo and Warehouse on Crocket Street, which are currently being remolded within the Crocket Street and Main Street Projects. All of the listed sites are still standing and Mae's Place 1021 Bonham is the last structure and location of notary for that neighborhood. The site 1021 Bonham site is 50ft. front and 140ft, back, which is still in its original condition. The original concert slab and some of the original lumber still stand. S. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social or historical heritage of the City, County, State or Nation; For the last 75 years there has been a Restaurant and Tavern located at 1021 Bonham, There were 8 noted business within the City Directory. Hundreds if not thousands of black people have visited the 1021 Bonham site, now know as Mae's Place. Prior to 1961 10 21 Bonham site was the location of a well known Cafe and Tavern called the Bucket Cafe'. Many come back to this site to remember the history of how the black community began in Beaumont. 6. Location as the site of a significant historical event; The 1021 Bonham site is within the boundaries of the Main Street Project as well as the Crockett Street enhancement. 7, Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture .or development of the City, County, State or Nation; Herbert Oxford and wife Sadie owned a local lumber yard, he also built and purchased several homes and land, which contributed many opportunities for the underprivileged and the Black families in Beaumont. This service provided the chance for the Black culture to become part of the community development. As the property was owned by Mrs. Oxford she did lease to various Blacks, which used the property for local restaurants. During the year of 1961 Verdie Mae and Willie Canieffe began to renovate the property, which brought to the downtown area a Cafe and Tavern for local participants. The Carrierre's later did so well with the business were able to purchase it from Herbert Oxford in 1981. The Cafe and Tavern continued to provide a dinning and diversion atmosphere for the local community of all cultures. 8. A building, structure or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to a neighborhood or community; As previously stated the 10 21 Bonham site has been one of the first noted locations of the Black history for Beaumont. The cultural value is important to restore and bring back to the community a part of Black history. At this time I would like to submit this proposal to the committee for consideration of making the 1021 Bonham site a historical landmark for Beaumont Black history. You will find enclosed several documents that were obtained from various historical sources such as the Tyrrell Historical Library, Jefferson County Court House, County Tax office, with further research within the old jail located on the top floor of the Court House. The Beaumont Library was also used to obtain research. Picture included will show how the previous history has been taken a step further into the future and continues to provide the community with affordable housing and businesses for not only the black community but others in the Beaumont and surrounding areas. Sincerely, Willie G. Carrierre v, 0 Tra a qi�, 0 -711 RLSTMY Of 1021 8WHAM (All noted within the City Directory, (c) notes Black Owned) 1935 James Miner (c) Restaurant 1938 Hardy Boswell's (c) Bar - B - Q Meats 1940 Joseph Broussard (c) Restaurant 1943 Carlton R. Nevels (c) Restaurant 1945 Friendly (c) Bar-B-Q Pit 1952 James L. Williams (c) Dreamland Cafe 1958 Bob's Cafe (c) 1959 Bucket Cafe Restaurant/Tavern 1961 Mae's Place Restaurant/Tavern Prior to 1935 Beaumont City Directory notes property to be valid. However at times it was noted to be vacant. Thus placing the property history is to be dated back to 1916. k f , t i r" N VI � F At 1Y r'd•F' �M YM r..�. ""r4 �. "} f r �5I 02 IWA a LL S t ! 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Location: 1021 Bonham Applicant: Willie G. Carrierre, Ow 11.1 60 tk eo 41 0 4b 1P x has SCALE V=200' 'A