Landmark Commission Minutes - 05/22/2018MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
May 22, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michele Derr, Vice -Chairperson
■ Members
John Dickinson
■
Stacie Flood
■
Christy Graham, Chairperson
■
Jim Johnson
■
Jackie Lebow
■
Cindy Ramirez
■
Rodney Martin
■ PSZ Liaison
Eric West
■ Council Liaison
Karen Gagne, Planning Administrator ■ City staff
Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney ■ Legal Dept.
Amy Gardner, City Prosecuting Attorney ■ Legal Dept.
APPLICANTS:
ABSENT:
Andy Lee ■ Members
I. Call to Order, and Introductions
Chairperson Christy Graham welcomed and called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
The Chair asked and everyone introduced themselves. Recognized the new legal liaison,
Ms. Amy Gardner, City of Wichita Falls Prosecuting Attorney.
II. Review & Approval of Minutes from April 24, 2018.
Chairperson Graham called for the review and approval of the April 24, 2018 Landmark
Commission meeting minutes. Ms. Michele Derr made a motion to approve the minutes;
Ms. Stacie Flood seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
Ill. Action Item - Design Review Application — 126 Pembroke — Morningside Historic
District
Ms. Gagn6 responded that the owners of the property had called the previous morning
and requested the item be tabled until the June meeting due to a sudden health issue.
Staff recommended that it be tabled. Key items being requested for with the design
review application include 16 of the original windows. The Commission previously
reviewed a request to replace all 22 original windows in May and June 2012. It was
tabled at the May meeting and Commission members asked staff to seek
recommendations from THC on appropriate materials. At that time, they were requesting
vinyl window replacements to the original 1920 windows. In order to get a building
Landmark Commission 2 May 22, 2018
permit for a kitchen remodel they were pursuing, it was essentially noted by this
commission that they could replace if it was deemed a requirement by the contractor and
the homeowner that the windows were beyond repair. To staffs knowledge, they have
only replaced the one window that went with the kitchen remodel. They wouldn't be able
to get a building permit for the remodel until the Landmark Commission issues a
determination on how they want to address the windows. They are looking to replace 16
of the windows. There are some windows on the northeast side of the home that the
owners are not going to replace, otherwise it is all the windows. One window on the
southeast side of the home, is being requested for removal and replacement with a new
doorway so the owners have access to the courtyard and out and means of egress from
their master bedroom in case of a fire. There were tinted plate glass storm windows
added in 1989 or 1990 by the former homeowner Mr. Wachsman. Current owners would
like to remove all the tinted storm windows; in addition, remove one of the kitchen
windows on the west fagade, not visible from the public right -of --way. When Ms. Gagn6
took a picture from the street, you couldn't really see the window. You can only see the
frame. They also want to paint the entire brick home. The brick is not painted currently.
When staff indicated painting non -painted brick can be a complex issue for a historic
structure and requires a trained painting professional the owners had some concerns
because the commission doesn't review paint. Staff explained to the owners, it was
believed the paint request was related to the door addition not the brick fagade for the
entire home. If the masonry is being painted (the brick) that's never been painted, there
may be some questions because you can cause irreversible damage if it is not done by a
professional that's aware of how to paint brick so they don't seal in moisture.
Ms. Gagn6 showed pictures of the structure, items proposed for alteration and explained
the views. There are windows that only the shade screens would be replaced. The
windows all have the prairie ridge style, one over another one. On the right, the window
that is being removed for cutting a doorway and the small piece that juts up to the rear of
the home is the addition that was placed. They would want a style similar to the rest.
There was discussion amongst the members about the tinted glass windows. It was
asked if the windows were repairable. The four premises of the National Register are
repair, restore, preserve and then replace. Councilor West, who took a tour of the home
said the issue with the tinted windows is that you have to take the pane down just to
open the window then put the pane back up which doesn't sound feasible to repair the
windows. Mr. Martin asked if the windows they want to replace are indeed the same as
the Holt windows. Ms. Derr said yes, the windows are the same and THC signed off on
their replacement but she added they were simply replacing replacement windows; the
original windows were nonexistent when the building was renovated. Ms. Derr wanted
the Commission to know that she did not advise the Gonzales on any compliance issues
as members are not in a position to give advice on windows.
There were questions regarding whether the counter weights were still in the existing
windows or if they'd been cut? Ms. Gagn6 answered that she did not know. Mr.
Dickinson commented if all the weights were there and the wood had not rotted, they
probably were salvageable. It doesn't matter that they are painted shut — you can still
repair them. Ms. Ramirez stated from previous reviews that they've had, the
Commission had suggestions that windows that face the public right-of-way should still
be wood and those that don't face the public right-of-way could be constructed of other
materials. Should we consider that since it could set a precedent? Why PVC flat
Landmark Commission 3 May 22 2018
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windows? Staff noted the owners are not impressed with the performance of the one
kitchen window replaced 6-yrs ago that was aluminum clad wood.
Ms. Graham stated that she had a problem approving the painting of the brick; storm
windows okay with removal — not original. Several members agreed. Staff commented
there is apparently additional brick on hand that can be used to fill in the requested
kitchen window. Mr. Martin stated that if an opening is bricked, you can always tell. The
mortar joint doesn't match the rest of the house. Option is to leave windows there and
black out windows. Removing the tinted glass storm windows, the commission could
determine. It is addressed in the design guidelines as an option that if someone wanted
more energy efficient windows, they could have options with storms because they are
removable. It was suggested by some members, if the owners could get a quote to
repair the existing windows and make them operable and measure the cost of repairing
vs replacing the windows. Doesn't want to price out of enjoying the home; however,
other options should be considered. The windows in the rear new addition appear vinyl.
Morningside was designated a national historical district in the late 1980's. Run into
issues with new windows vs energy efficiency of older windows. If it looks the same to
the casual observer should that be okay. Keeps architectural integrity. Members asked if
they could get a sample of the windows (showroom cut -away) owners are requesting.
Staff indicated they would share their requests with the owners prior to the next meeting.
Mr. Martin asked if the Landmark Commission can request to break down the application
into sections for separate items. Legal discussed that we have the option to break each
item with an individual motion; the commission must determine how we deal with it. Ms.
Graham asked about the door details. What do existing doors look like? Are there
examples of the proposed door? Mr. Johnson and Mr. Martin talked about prairie
windows on a Tudor home; and whether they are original to the house. The windows
issue is replace windows vs repair all individual windows and the matter of priority and
costs. We must consider ail options with window issues. Legal advised we have the
option to postpone, table or let issue die and bring back to commission. There was
discussion about the fire egress and the need for a detailed door drawing/schematic
along with questions regarding what they are going to do at the top of door and fascia 1
freese board? Ms. Ramirez stated that it appears a new side patio will be added by the
new door — will it be raised 4ft as noted in the plans? Staff indicated there appears to be
a plan to remove the landscape area where the new door is proposed and include
steps/landing leading to the existing patio area.
Ms. Michele Derr made a motion to table the design review topics at 126 Pembroke until
the next meeting and Mr. Rodney Martin seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
IV. Action Item: Section 106 Review —1113 Sheppard Access Rd: Proposed 165ft
monopole communications tower (Coordinates N33-55-42.87; W98-30-26.41)
There was a discussion amongst the members regarding this topic. Mr. Martin made a
motion for the staff to send the draft letter included in the meeting packet. Ms. Flood
seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.
V. Information/Review: THC — Highlight Preservation Month; CLG Preservation
Plans & Goals
Landmark Commission 4 Ma22 2018
Staff highlighted that Texas Historical Commission (THC) wants communities to look at
their long term preservation plans (Wichita Falls' is dated 1982) and develop or reassess
preservation goals. THC wanted to promote the 3 key items for the vision/goals of the
state preservation plan:
1. All cultures and generations of Texas values historic places.
2. We learn the diverse stories of Texas everyday through living, working and playing in
historic places, and
3. Historic preservation is a fundamental strategy for economically, socially and
environmentally healthy communities.
The requirements for City CLGs are:
• Adopt and enforce a local preservation ordinance that meets the THC's requirements for the
CLG Program
• Establish a preservation commission with design review authority
• Review alterations to (and demolitions of) designated properties following the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards
• Establish criteria for local designation of historic properties
• Enforce a minimum 60-day stay of demolition for landmarks or contributing properties
located within a historic district
• Appoint a Historic Preservation Officer (HPO)
• Adopt and maintain a local preservation plan or statement of goals and objectives for the
local preservation program
There are grants that are available we (plan ningllandmarks) can consider. Staff is
hoping next year, 2019/2020, we could put together an 'above current' budget request
in order to have the required matching funds for a CLG grant to update the City's
preservation plan. Staff indicated they can schedule, at the Commission's choice, a
time to look at developing some updated preservation goals and objectives for the City.
Both Greg Smith, National Register Coordinator for THC and Leslie Wolfenden
assessed downtown and thought it would be reasonable to have a new district that
would complement the existing Depot District. Ms. Wolfenden, the State's Historic
Resources Survey Coordinator, said the southeast has nice industrial buildings and
structures; west side has some fantastic churches; top area to the north is the
sketchiest with newer buildings and parking lots but no historic buildings. Ms. Graham
said we could survey for a district but actually break it down into three (3) districts:
industrial, church/institutional and other items.
VI. Other Business:
a. Monthly Reports:
Depot Square and Historic District:
Ms. Michele Derr gave an overview of activities coming up:
• Hook & Ladder — grand opening - June 1
• Wichita Falls Brewing — Craft and Crawfish event - June 2 & 3
• After Hours Art Walk - June 7
• Kemp Center for the Arts — Swapped out and added 10 new sculptures the
Sculpture Garden
• Wichita Co. Heritage Society — Annual Preservation Awards & Membership
Social, Kemp Center held May 10; Ms. Derr commented staffer Karen Gagne
received the Jim Newsom Preservation Service Award
Landmark Commission 5 May 22. 2018
• Mary Poppins at Wichita Theatre starting June 22
• Wichita Theatre - Stage 2 @ 914 Indiana dinner show venue; Death by Dessert
Morningside District:
No new updates this month
West Floral Heights District:
The general neighborhood -wide clean-up day was held on Saturday, May 19.
b. Wichita County Heritage Society — Annual Preservation Month:
The Heritage Society went to the first city council meeting in May for a heritage
preservation proclamation declaring May as heritage preservation month in
Wichita Falls. The agency's director, Delores Culley, outlined the importance of
history in our community along with heritage tourism.
c. Design Review — Staff Authorized — Minor Alteration/Repairs:
Staff highlighted there were only three administrative reviews this month related
to: Roof replacement — composition to composition shingle so no review by full
commission required and the electrical service change -out in Morningside. Staff
noted they didn't have any follow-up from the Lowders. Mr. Lowder said he would
only be changing the roof style if there were sufficient insurance reimbursement
after the fire claim. Downtown, Wichita Falls Brewing, has a patio area on
Indiana and, at this time, not aware of the owner wanting a patio on Seventh
Street side which is in the Depot District. Someone indicated he wanted a patio
area on both sides of his building. Staff met with him on numerous occasions,
provided design review application materials and he's aware that the Commission
would need to review the request for a patio on the 7th Street right-of-way and
address it via the city's encroachment agreement.
d. Articles & Periodicals 1 THC Items: The Medallion (Spring 2018);
Preservation News (Spring 2018)
Ms. Gagn6 advised she will add Rodney, John and Amy to the online THC
Medallion newsletter access form.
Councilman West updated members that the Museum of North Texas History
(MONTH) does not have air conditioning and have altered their hours to 10am —
2pm. In addition, the Executive Director resigned and the MONTH board will be
trying to hire a new executive director.
Next meeting is June 26, 2018.
VII. Adjourn:
Meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m.
Christy Graham, Chairperson
Date