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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-14-92 HLC Minutese The September 14, 1992 Meeting of the Historical Landmark Commission was called to order by Chairman Bessie Chisum. The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Bessie Chisum Commissioner Mary Jane Buttrill Commissioner Jessica Foy Commissioner M.L. Lefler, Jr. Commissioner Walter Sutton Commissioner Charles Walker Commissioner Milton Bell Commissioner Lory Warton Commissioner Samuel Pullig The following Commissioners were absent; Commissioner Raymond Chaison Commissioner Bruce Hamilton Staff present: Kirt Anderson, Planning Director, Nicholas Karavolos, Planner, Patsy Ellis, Recording Secretary, Rick Bailey, Planning Technician and Lawrence Baker, Environmental Health. Also present: Councilman Andrew Cokinos. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Commissioner Lefler made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 13 and August 24, 1992 meeting. Approval of the minutes was seconded by Commissioner Bell. Motion carried 9:0. REGULAR MEETING A) Chairman's Report: Chairman Chisum spoke of the Christopher Columbus box available in the Beaumont Enterprise for historical announcements. She thanked the Enterprise for making this space available. 3 MUgUI S Landmark Commission Meeting September 14, 1992 Gladys City Celebration - September 26 Texas State Board for Historic Preservation - Chairman Chisum will attend in San Marcos. B) Committee Reports: Marker Committee: Chairman Chisum suggested that Kirt Anderson present a slide overview of the local parks with historical significance. Marketing Committee: No Report. * Conference Committee: No Report. Education Committee: Kirt Anderson announced that a new commissioner was appointed by city council on Tuesday, September 8 - Debra Kay Johnson. CLG Conference - Brownsville, Texas - October 28-30 - Budget: $1,400 Bylaws Committee: No Report. Catalog Committee: No Report. Building Committee: Cooke -Wilson Tax Abatement was brought before the committee. At this point in the proceedings, Commissioner Belt excused himself from discussion. Motion to recommend the Cooke -Wilson Tax Abatement to the city of Beaumont was made by Commissioner Lefler and seconded by Commissioner Pullig. Motion passed 7:1. Kirt Anderson explained the procedures and further steps of a tax abatement. 2 MWLTIES Landmark Commission Meeting September 14, 1992 Chairman Chisum declared the meeting a public hearing. She stated that at this time the public hearing, the request for a designation for an historical cultural landmark for the former Sears, Roebuck property at 350 Magnolia is declared open, and let the record show that Commissioner Bell excused himself from the proceedings. Nicholas Karavolos representing the staff presented the request to consider an application for the designation of Historical -Cultural Landmark. The property in question is described as the former Sears, Roebuck and Company site at 350 Magnolia, Lots 5-12, Block 18, Calder Addition to the City of Beaumont. Staff recommends denial of this request because the subject property fails to meet any of the established standards outlined in Section 30-39 regarding historical significance, The applicant, Mr. Gregory A. Austin is the President of Beaumont Realty, Inc. Mr. Austin has renovated the subject property and is seeking tax relief available through the designation. The subject property is within the central business district and is projected to provide office and storage space. Mr. Austin was notified of the hearing and was not present. Mr. Karavolos presented a slide presentation depicting the different views of the building as it existed in 1949 and as it is represented today. The criteria to be used in designation of an Historical -Cultural Landmark Preservation District is: The site must be recognized as a landmark by either national, state or local; existence of distinguishing characteristics; identification as the work of a master designer, architect or builder; embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation; relationship to other buildings; exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage; location of the site; listing in the S.P.A.R.E. Beaumont Survey; identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture or development of the city, county, state or nation; and, a building, structure, or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to the area. The applicant's three arguments for designation of Historic -Cultural Landmarkstatus are: Argument 1 involves the engineering value of the site. The basement in question is commonplace today. Furthermore, it was not one of the first to incorporate such technology. Other locations have basements similar to the property in question and were constructed 20 to 30 years prior to the subject property. l MIWUTCS Landmark Commission Meeting September 14, 1992 Argument 2 involves proximity to an existing historic district. This argument is flawed in that the site's architectural contribution to the nearby historic district is through the construction of a contemporary, non -authentic facade, not an historic correlation. The major modifications negate the historic elements of the structure. The basic architectural style has been greatly changed as a result of the modifications. Argument 3 involves land use. The applicant's argument of land use consistency is irrelevant. Historic value can only be attributed to land uses similar or identical to those originally used by the involved structure or district. Sixteen notices were mailed and none have been returned. Again, staff recommends denial of this proposal. Chairman Chisum then asked if there was anyone present representing the applicant. There was no one. She then asked if anyone was present who wanted to speak in favor of the proposal. No one did. There was also no one speaking in opposition.. At this time, Chairman Chisum closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Lefler to deny the proposal. It was seconded by Commissioner Pullig. Motion carried 8:0. Lawrence Baker, Environmental Health, offered a VCR film of local houses slated for demolition. These houses are located at: 4360 Carnegie 1790 College 1705 Gilbert 1280 Grand 2285 Grand 1956 Liberty 1840 Pennsylvania 1614 Roberts 750 Van Buren 1840 Sabine Pass (Garage Apt.) 1094 Cottonwood 2055 College 831 Gladys (Comm) 2095 Grand 1390 Liberty 1290 Lyle 2040 Poplar 3705 Usan 1828-30 Sabine Pass 1840 Sabine Pass A motion was made by Commissioner Pullig to demolish all houses shown except 1094 Cottonwood and 2285 Grand which shows historical merit. Commissioner Lefler seconded the motion. Motion carried 6:2. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. 4