Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout40-HCDATE: November 15, 1999 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 house located at 1695 Milarn, FILE: 40-HC NOTE: On November 8, 1999, the Historic Landmark Commission voted to recommend approval of the HC-L, Historic -Cultural Landmark Preservation Designation. STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends approval of this request for an historic designation. In October, 1999, the City of Beaumont Historic Landmark Commission asked the Planning Manager to initiate the process for a historic designation on 1695 Milam. On the property is the main house, a carriage house and a second out -building. A third out- building identified in the 1991 SPARE survey has since been demolished. The house 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 Historic Landmark, or entry, or proposed entry into the National Register of Historic Places; The structure does not presently have recognition as a National Historic Landmark, Texas Historic Landmark, nor registration into the National Register of Historic Places. No such designations are proposed. b. Existence of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen, or of the social, economic or political heritage of the City; The house represents an outstanding example of a Queen Anne house. It is the largest such house in Beaumont. It is also one of the few extant high style Queen Anne's, C. Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced the growth or development of the City; A search of the records at the Jefferson County Court House show that no mechanic's lien exists for the house. Without this it is difficult to determine who built the house. No information is available on who the architect was. 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 house has many features which represent significant architectural innovation. It is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne architectural style popularized in the 1880's and 1890's. A more specific description follows: Two -and -one-half story house, complex roof line with gables and hipped forms, asphalt shingles, two interior corbeled brick chimneys, copper roof cresting, finials, conical tower beginning from first floor extending above roof line, wood shingles around tower, eight windows around tower, wood siding, wraparound second story and first story porches on three sides of house, dentils, round wood columns, spindle balustrade around second story porch, round wood columns with concrete posts and balustrade along first story porch, northeast and southwest facing entrances onto porch with triangular pediment with decorative pattern in gable, northeast entrance has large roof gable directly above it and second story porch, decorative wood shingles and tripart vent in large gable, southwest facade has large roof gable to side of porch entrance, tri-part vent and decorative wood shingles in gable, asymmetrically placed 1/1 sash windows on first and second story, two second -story doors with transoms, main first -story door with side lights and transom, concrete pier foundation. e. Relationship to other buildings, structures, or places which are eligible for preservation as historic places; This structure as are other buildings which are eligible for preservation in the City is uniquely tied to the Spindletop oil boom occurring at the turn of the century, f. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of the City, County, State or Nation; The structure exemplifies the wealth and status or prominent Beaumonters who were instrumental in the Spindletop, Oil Boom. T.H. Bass, a prominent oil speculator, was the original owner of the house. 9. Location as the site of a significant historical event; The house is not known to be the site of any significant historical event. h. Listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; The house is listed in the S.P.A.R.E. Survey. i. Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the City, County, State or Nation; The house was built in approximately 1904 by T.H. Bass, a successful oil speculator. It's original location was at the comcr of Franklin and Ave. C. Mr. Bass sold the house to Lipscomb Norvell V., a prominent businessman in the city. During the time that the Norvell's owned the house, it was moved to its present location. In 1937 Ms. Norvell sold the house to Rosario Maceo, one of the founders of The Texas Coffee Company. All three men contributed to the development of the City. 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 few remaining grand houses that were built in the Avenues neighborhood in the late 1800's and early 1900's. This house is still largely intact and with a proper renovation could again become a real asset to the community. An inspection of the house shows that it is in remarkably good condition, considering the lack of care given to the house in the last ten years or more. The house is currently undergoing renovation. The current owner has stated that it is her desire to renovate the house to its original condition as much as possible. The owner has been informed that if the historic designation is placed on the property, any work done to the exterior of the buildings after that will require Historic Landmark Commission approval. Exhibits are attached. Notices mailed to property owners-15— Responses in Favor . Responses in Opposition I NE119001111 !1[11 !11 1111210WEQ01 Lots 31, 32 and 33, Block 3, Blanchette 1st Addition, City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, containing 0.26 acres,, more or less. ,r • rN t b ' =t / h OA N tl t1 41 �,.it ' ,• M 10 to .14 M r✓ ' t�, : ,� r � Yore• � i t wu rN.Uri SE 5-4 M , Site 1431 • w 1695 Milan Street yy l y k A IM1772-9. JEF I. cty JIFFERSONMgNj city/Rural ounBgE91 1. Nam Lipp NoEvett House j Address 1 1695 file lam 5. USGS Quad No. 3094-111--_ Site No. _1431* 6. Data: Factual. 1901 Est. 7. Architect/Builder Contractor 3. Owner W.W. Bearden 1 8. Style/Type Queen Anne Address 2005 Potomac, Houston 77257-2923 9. original Use — DOMESTIC -Single Dwelling-- 4. Block/Lot - BLancfiette !--lots 31-32 Block 3 SE 5.4 Present Use DgMESTIC-Muttinte Dwelling 10. Descriptioni Two -and -one-half story house, complex roof line with gables and hipped forms, asphalt shingles, 2 interior corbelled brick chimneys, copper roof creating, finials, conical tower beginning from first floor extending above roof line, wood shingles around tower, 8 windows with no panes around tower, wood siding, wraparound second story and first story porches around 3 sides of house, dentiLs, round wood columns, spindle balustrade around second story porch, round wood columns with concrete posts and balustrade along first story porch, northeast and southwest facing entrances onto porch with triangular pediment with decorative pattern in gable, northeast entrance has large roof gable directly above It and second story porch, decorative wood shingles and tripart vent in large gable, southwest facade has Large roof gable to side of porch entrance, tri-part vent and decorative wood shingles in gable, asymmetrically placed 1/1 sash windows on first and second story, 2 second -story doors with transoms, main first - story door with side Lights and transom, concrete pier foundation. 11. Present Condition Faicr. House has suffered from neglect and too many tenants. 12. Significance: High historical and architecture( significance. Architecturally it is an outstanding Queen Anne house and undoubtLy the largest example in Beaumont. It is also one of the few extant highstyLe Queen Annes. The original owner was T.H. Bass, an oil speculator, who sold It to Lipscomb Narvett, a prominent Lawyer. It was sold out of the family. c. 1930. *May be eligible for National Register - Needs immediate preservation attention See site #1506 and #1507 for outbuildings. Relationship to Site: Original _ Moved x Date c. 1930 (Describe Original Site) —Faced Franklin Bibliography 15. informant 16. Recorder Leslie SharD Date 06-13-91 PHOTO DATA Black and White 35 m negative YEAR DRUR ROLL FRME ROLL FRME 91 1 j 09 120 to 09 1 23 VIEW: N.W. Facade RECORDED BY: Leslie Sham DATE: W-13.911 FF4 Lei I . MZLI 1. County JIFFERSOR,- 5. USGS Quad No. 3094-111 City/Rural —JEAUKONT EE 6. Date: Factual Site No. 1507* Name Ga ro Est- 1225 i Address =1695qe Hilam 7. Archit"t/Oultder Contractor 3. owner W.W. Bearden 8. Style/Type Address 2005 Potomac, Houston 7057-2923 — 4., Black/Lot Blanchette Lots 31-32 Stock 9. Original Use DOMESTIC -Secondary Structure 3 SE 5-4 Present Use, VACANT 10. Description: Front gable garage with pyramid roof cupola, asphalt shingle, board and batten, 2 automobile bays with wood doors. 11. Present Condition Fair... Bui(dini appeaEs to be structurally sound but, needs.gork. 12. Significance: Architecturally interesting and an example of a garage built for an upper class family. *'See Site numbers 1231 and 1506. 13. Relationship to Site: Original _ Moved' _ Date (Describe original Site) 14. Bibtiogrephy 15. informant 16. Recorder Leslie Sharp Date 06-13-91 PHOTO DATA 'Black and white 35 mm negative YEAR DRIER ROLL FRIG ROLL FRME 91 L 19 1. 23 to VIEW: West Facade RECORDED BY: Leslie Sharp DATE: 06-13-91' A Brief History of 1695 Milam: This house was built in 1904. When built, it had six bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms. The original owner was T.H. Bass, an oil speculator. Its original location was the block bounded by Franklin, Avenue C, Milam and Avenue D. The house itself was worth approximately $50,000 then. There is no Mechanic's Lien recorded at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Therefore, it is believed that Mr. Bass paid cash for it. The Bass family did not remain in Beaumont long. By 1909, they had moved to San Antonio. In 1907, Lipscomb Norvell, V and his wife, Claudia Wilbarge Norvell, bought the house and moved in with their three children, Lipscomb VI, Margaret, and Harvey. After moving into the house Lipscomb V sold his grocery business to John W. "Bet -A -Million" Gates and began what eventually was to become Norvell-Wilder Supply. Mrs. Norvell established the route of El Camino Real, the old San Antonio Road or the King's Highway and received statewide recognition. It was during the Norvell's tenure in the house that it was moved to its present location by J.R. Plake Moving Company. According to Lipscomb Norvell V1, this took place around 1930. Apparently, the movers used 12 foot -long longs under the house and rolled it around the block to its new location. Lipscomb V died in 1925. In 1937 Mrs. Norvell sold the house to Rosario Maceo, President of The Texas Coffee Company. The Maceo's lived there until 1947 with their four daughters, Concetta (Mrs. Jake Tortorice), Selvina (Mrs. Sam C. Parigi), Olivia, (Mrs. Frank Messina) and Theresa, (Mrs. J.C. Giglio). The family lived there until 1942. During this time World War II was going on. According to Mrs. Tortorice the family could not get enough help to keep it clean. Eventually, in 1947, the home was bought by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Barbee. Mrs. Barbee was a lover and collector of antiques. They kept the house immaculate. They lived there into the mid 1960's. Subsequent owners renovated the house and made it into apartments. As late as 1991 Polk's City Directory for Beaumont records at least one person living there. After this time the structure has appeared to be vacant. +li �Y5'{�;�"•:.i�..+lr'r.�r-�,�t��1112u.�+.,,5,!'��fT.Ws,,,'1�.��',irk*.-'..•'+rr.....�..-.....-..r ..r .- � .. .. u- i ]PAGE TWENn-011M I VIt s of Fat*r'.vrtnc,ess,, Home features distinctive details Editor's note: This is the fifth in a serics of articles about Beaumont's,old homes illustrated with paintings and drawings by Bob ONeill,- Lamar University -associate professor of art. Some so homes are being researched by members of the Beaumont fleritage Society. Anyone with information on Beaumont's old homes or their owners may contact Carol Nelson at the Vrench Trading Post. By CAROLF L14HLINGER A lqrge stained glass win. d ounded lower, marble ba__ Jonis and 15-fait ceilings, all hell) tip create awe on en* ,ering the old 'home at logs Milan). The 71-year-old house has a story to tell, 111 1904, T.H. Bass, an oil speculator, and his wife Helen built the giant hou,:e, on the block bounded by Franklin, Avenue C, Milani and Avenue D. The house itself was worth approximately $50,000 then, (That would work out to over. $300,000 today.) In 1907, Lipscomb Norvell V, and his wife, Claudia Wilbarge Norvell. bought the house and moved in with their three children, Lip, Harvey and Margaret, Lip Norvell VI. of 2595 (1, ladys in Beaumont, remembers the, first time he saw the house. "I was in fourth grade at Millard School and the old colored nian picked me up tin our horse, At the tinic, we lived in, an aid bungalow on Orleans Street, but instead of going hoine, we went to this house. When I was told it was (in, lioine, I was scared of I 1,Is so big, I wanted to go baL ., jaillic." The place looked huge to it fourth grader, with its 104101'so The Norvell home at 1695 Mdam was sketched by Bob O'Neill carriage house, cow barn chicken barn, wash house double water tank and the six" bedrouni, two-story house. The front door opened into an enormous entry hall, as large as any modern den or living room. To the right was the formal sitting room, with the first floor of the tower in one corner. The walls. were paneled ;a about four feet high, in walnut, the rest covered in gold brocade fabric. Heavy brocade curtains hung at the windows. The room, called the "gold room," was furnished in gold leaf furniture, Upstairs were the six bedrooms, and three and a half baths, Most of the bedrounis some with French windows opened onto the balcony which ri"inied three-quarters of the house. Scattered throughout ihe house were six coal.' burning fireplaces, with elegant marble tile work, ' Mtost. exquisite of all the details of the house is the cathedrig stained glass win- dow (in the stair landing. ,rhe house, which originally stood at 1628 Franklin, was ii-oved in 1930 to its present site. According to Norvell, the wavers used 12 foot -long logs under the house and rolled 11 around the block to its nelk. address, The Norvells, who lived in the house until 1937, were an interesting landly. The senior Norvell was secretary -treasurer of Heisig. Norvell Inc. and secretary - treasurer of Lone Acre Oil Co, of which Lip Norvell is now president. While the family lived in this house, Norvell sold his grocery business to John W. Gates and began Norvell-Wilder Hardware, the forerunner of Norvell-Wilder Supply, Lip Norvell remembers his introduction to the world of oil, "'My father came by to pick me up at Sunda), School. I remember I had a Little Lord Fauntleroy suit, the white kind with the white shorts. Well, lie took me out to the pill fields and was explaining things to rue, when a gasket blew and got nald all over ine. My father Said, 'Your mother's going to be furious!"' Eunice Barbee, The Barbees wore antique collectors and filled n the house with massive furniture and beautiful piece.s of silver and glass, The Barbees lived (here until -he inid-1960s. The present owners, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Bearden Jr., have renovated the house and nIjd,e It into apartments. . . The six apartulents ha it. been created wiihout dislur- bilig much (if the original elegance of the hoint" The marble buthroom is still in tact and the general feel of the main rooms' remains. In 1925, Lip Norvell V died, and 12 years later, Mrs. Norvell sold the )ionic to Rosario Maceo, president of ,he Texas Coffee Co. The Maccos, of 2495 Harrison, lived there until IN7 with their four daughters: Concetta iMrs. Jake Tor. torice). Selvina (Mrs. Sam C. PariO). Olivia 1NIrs. Frank Messina and Theresa (Mrs, .I.C. Giglio), all of Beaumont. Maceo, remembers having his daughters' friends over for dancing two or three nights per week. Mrs, W.C. Talkinglon, who grew up in that area and is a friend of Mrs. Giglio. remembers Rosario Macco's record collection, -It was fabulous and he used to loan records, to us," she said, When World War JI began, the Maccos sold the house, "We just couldn't get enough help tci keep it clean," Mrs. Tortorice said, After the Maccos left the house in 1942, there were several owners, including one who turned it into a boarding house. Eventually, the borne was purchased by Fred E. and