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DATE: October 15, 2001
TO: Planning Commission and City Council
FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Request for approval of an HC-L, Historical Cultural Landmark Preservation
Designation, for the building located at 461-469 Bowie.
FILE: 42-HC
The Planning Manager recommends approval ofthis request for a Historical Cultural Landmark
Preservation Designation.
The owner of the "Coale Building" is requesting a City of Beaumont Historical Cultural
Landmark Preservation Designation.
Current plans for the building include a restaurant and jazz club on the first and second floors.
The building was evaluated using the City of Beaumont's criteria for an historical -cultural
designation and the results are as follows:
a. Existing or proposed recognition as a National Historic Landmark, or Texas
Historical Landmark, or entry, or proposed entry into the National Register of
Historic Places;
The structure is part of the Downtown National Register District. Renovation of this
structure will qualify it as a contributing building to that district.
b. Existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen,
or of the social, economic or political heritage of the City;
The Coale Building played a significant role in the social and political life of the City
of Beaumont. During the late 1950's and early 1960's, the Bowie or the Domino Club,
as it was also called, was housed in the Coale Building. The Bowie Club was known
for its illegal gaming operation activities. Many people in the Golden Triangle would
come to "play the game" and others would do illegal gambling on "the game". On
December 3, 1961, at 1:30 p.m., the Bowie Club became one of a highly selected group
of downtown Beaumont establishments raided by the James Commission. The club is
listed many times in the permanent records of the General Investigating Committee
Report to the House of Representatives of the 57"' Legislature of Texas, a publication
on display at the Tyrrell Library in downtown Beaumont.
STAFF REPORT continued
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 that represents a significant architectural innovation or an
outstanding example of a particular historical, architectural or other cultural
style or period;
The Coale Building's elements of architectural design date back to the early 20"'
Century. The exterior of the building is being preserved where possible to illustrate the
attention given to the craftsmanship design used in the brick masonry and designed in
the windows and panes.
C. Relationship to other buildings, structures or places that are eligible for
preservation as historic places;
The Coale Building was constructed in 1914. It is one of the oldest buildings still
standing in the City of Beaumont. It is within walking distance of other current
Historical -Cultural designated buildings and venues with similar elements of
architectural design and style such as Crockett Street and the infamous Dixie Hotel.
f, Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of
the City, County, State or Nation;
See "b",
9. Location as the site of a significant historical event;
See "b".
h. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey;
The building is listed in the S.P.A.R.E. Survey.
Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the
culture or development of the City, County, State or Nation;
In 1960, the Honorable Representative Tom James of Dallas was designated the Vice
Chairman of the General Legislative Investigating Committee of the House of
Representatives on Law Enforcement in Jefferson County. Vice Chairman James
instructed an investigation by the Department of Public Safety into allegations of
serious problems of law enforcement centering on organized vice operations in the
State of Texas. The result of the investigation is now known as the James Commission,
STAFF REPORT continued
j. A building, structure or place that because of its location has become of historic
or cultural value to a neighborhood or community;
This building is one of a growing number of older buildings in the downtown area
being renovated and occupied with new uses.
This request was considered by the Historic Landmark Commission on October 8, 2001 and
was approved unanimously.
Exhibits are attached.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
Notices mailed to property owners 19
Responses in Favor . Responses in Opposition
LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR ORDINANCES PURPOSES
Being Lots 334 and 335, Block 51, Beaumont Addition, City of Beaumont, Jefferson County,
Texas, containing 0.33 acres, more or less.
File 42-HC: Request for approval of an HC-L, Historical Cultural Landmark NORTH
Preservation Designation, for a building located at 461-469 Bowie.
Applicant: Karen Ingwersen A
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1. County JEFFERSON 5. USGS Quad No. 3094-111 Site No, 155
City/Rural BEAUMONT BMT
6. Date: Factual Est. c. 1900
Name Coate Building
Address 461-467 Bowie 7. Architect/Builder
Contractor
3. Owner Doiron, Woodrow 8. Style/Type ' Two pprt commercial block
Address P.O. Box 2469, Beaumont 77704-2469
9. Original Use COMMERCE AND TRADE/Business
4. Black/Lot Beaumont Lot 335 Block 51 SE 2-5 Present Use . COMMERCE AND TRADE Business _
10. Description:
Two-story two part commercial block. Three second story bays covered with concrete aggregate panels. First story
contains three storefronts with plate glass display windows, aluminum and glass doors, and aluminum awning. From
the front facade it is impossible to date the building or to determine what, if any, architectural details survive,
however the rear facade suggests a turn of the century construction date. The rear facade has nine symmetrically
spaced six -over -six double hung sash with stone silts and lintels on the first story.
11. Present Condition Good. The buitcling-is-in good repair, although unsyMthetic alterations have almost destroyed its
architectural integrity.
12. Significance:
The building is typical of turn of the century commercial structures in Beaumont's central business district which
were Later modernized to compete with suburban businesses.
Relationship to Site: original Moved Date (Describe original Site)
14, Bibliography 15. informant
16. Recorder D. Bush Date 06-22-8y
PHOTO DATA
Black and White 35 mm negative
YEAR DRWR ROLL FRNE ROLL FR14E
89 1 1 05 1 25 to 05 1 27
VIEW:
RECORDED BY: D. Bush
DATE: