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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-8-99 HLC MinutesHISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION November 8, 1999 City Council Chambers - 3:30 p.m. ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Commission members present: Commission members absent: Councilmember present: AGENDA Chairman Tracy Richardson Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Leonie Bodin Commissioner Denise Shelton Commissioner Julia Levy Commissioner Michael O'Rear Commissioner Shaheen Farah Commissioner Terrence Holmes Commissioner Jamie Credle Commissioner Cathy Be1t Commissioner Philip Long Commissioner Dale Hallmark Councilmember Andrew Cokinos Councilmember absent: Councilmember Lulu Smith Staff present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Manager, Adina Abshire, Planning Technician and Nancy Nicholas, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairman Tracy Richardson asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the October 11, 1999 meeting. There being none, the minutes were accepted as mailed. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEEnN(3MDRMS-NOVEMBERk 1999 PUBLIC HEARING 1) 40-HC: Request for an HC-L (Historical -Cultural Landmark) Preservation Designation. Location: 1695 Milam Applicant: City of Beaumont - Historic Landmark Commission Mr. Richardson presented the staff report. In October, 1999, the City of Beaumont Historic Landmark Commission asked the Planning Manager to initiate the process for a historic designation for 1695 Mi[am. 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 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES-NOVEMBER S,1999 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. g. 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 corner 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. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES •NOVEMBER E. 1999 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. The house was the home to several families who were important to the development of the city. However, the most important aspect of the house is its architecture. The house represents an outstanding example of a Queen Anne house. It is the largest such house in Beaumont and is one of the few remaining high style Queen Ann's in the city. 15 notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. There have been no responses in favor or opposition. Slides were shown of the subject property. The Planning Manager recommended approval of the request. Mr. Richardson stated that Ms. Davis was in the audience to answer questions. Chairman Richardson asked if there were any questions for Mr. Richardson. There being none, he asked Ms. Davis to address the Commission. Ms. Delores Davis, 2298 Blanchette, addressed the Commission. She stated that she was restoring the house as close as possible to the original design. Chairman Richardson stated that when the designation is approved, any repairs that are made must be approved by the Historic Landmark Commission. Chairman Richardson opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone to address the Commission. Mr. Roberto Flores, 2425 Buchanan, spoke in favor of the proposed landmark designation. Ms. Peggy Pierre, 1220 Avenue F, addressed the Commission. She stated that she would like to see a heritage -cultural museum located in the structure. HIsWR1C LANDMARK COMMISSION mEE,nNO MINUPES •NOVPMBER & 1999 Chairman Richardson closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner O'Rear made a motion to approve CA 40-HC. Commissioner Shelton seconded the motion. The motion to approve CA 40-HC carried 7:0. REGULAR MEETING 1) CA-441: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to build an addition on the rear and side of a house Location: 2401 Evalon Applicant: Mr. and Mrs. Carl Westerfield Mr. Richardson presented the staff report. Mr, and Mrs. Carl Westerfield, the property owners, wish to construct an 868 square foot addition to the rear and side of their home at 2401 Evalon. In addition, they plan to demolish the old garage, construct a new garage and paint the house and garage. The last three items have been approved by staff. New construction on the house will match the existing features on the house. Existing windows that have to be removed will be used in the new construction. New windows and french doors will be installed to match the existing windows and doors. Slides were shown of the subject property. Mr. Richardson stated that Mr. and Mrs. Westerfield were in the audience to answer questions. Chairman Richardson asked the applicants to address the Commission. Mrs. Westerfield stated that the purpose of the construction was to provide a workable kitchen and more closet space. She further stated that all attempts will be made to keep the exterior design as close to the original as possible. With no further discussion, Chairman Richardson asked for a motion on CA-441. Commissioner Broussard made a motion to approve CA-441 and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Farah. The motion for approval of CA-441 carried 7:0. 2) Revolving Loan Fund (Financial Report) Mr. Richardson stated that $33,000 was available in the Historical Loan Fund. 3) Chairman's Report The Beaumont Spindletop Committee received updated reports from the State Commission and projects are moving forward. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMFSSION MEETINGMMMS•NOWMBERS, IW9 OTHER BUSINESS Discussion centered around homes in the district that are becoming very dilapidated and what can be done to preserve them. Chairman Richardson asked Mr. Richardson to investigate these structures. A violation occurring at Bryan's Restaurant involving air conditioning ducts being installed on the outside of the building will be addressed with the owner. W. Richardson reported that the City Council had approved the CLG application for the State Conference to be held in Beaumont. ADJOURN With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.