Landmark Commission Minutes - 11/26/2019W4111, U11AW
LANDMARK COMMISSION
November 26, 2019
Michele Derr
■ Vice -Chairperson
John Dickinson
■ Member
Christy Graham
■ Chairperson
Blake Haney
■ P&Z Liaison
Jim Johnson
■ Member
Andy Lee
■ Member
Nadine McKown
■ Member
Tim Brewer
■ Council Liaison
Amy Gardner, Legal ■ City Staff
Karen Gagn6, Planning Administrator ■ City Staff
Christal Ashcraft, Development Services Admin. Asst. ■ City Staff
ABSENT:
Marcela Trice ■ Member
Cindy Ramirez ■ Member
Call to Order and Introductions
Chairperson Christy Graham called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. Ms. Graham had
Commission members introduce themselves and introduced guests; Christine
Heidebrecht, West Floral Heights Association President, Jan Phipps of 2908 1 oth Street
(West Floral Heights Design Review Committee member), Ann Funston of 1600
Buchanan. Ms. Graham announced minutes would be voted on after action item 111.
Ill. Action Item: Design Review Application: 615 8th Street Revision — Wichita Falls
Landmark #25 — Iron Horse Pub (ODonohoelAnderson Bean Building Site):
Security alterations to designated commercial building:
o Removal non -original metal bars & plywood from former window openings
on alley fagade; replace with recessed brick for building security.
Ms. Gagn6 stated Commission members would remember this case from last month. Mr.
Dickinson was present for this meeting and filed the necessary paperwork to recuse
himself. Last month there were concerns as the motion failed 4-3 not meeting the
minimum affirmative votes to pass. Staff realized the wording for the case was not
correct and the applicant was not able to attend to explain key details so the item was
brought back to the Commission as a different request. Legal was consulted and
deemed the revised case was presentable and it was determined not to be the same
request as the previous month. Ms. Gagn6 stated the design review case centered on
security concerns with the structure so moving forward the discussion would be on
focused on security alterations.
Landmark Commission 2
. .... . . ....... ____ ............... -- - ----- ----------- . . ........ . ....... .... . . .... November 26, 2019
The location of the Iron Horse Pub is downtown abutting our Depot historical district. It is
an individual Landmark designated by the City Council as Landmark #25 on September
3rd, 2003. Ms. Gagn6 discussed inventory photos and briefly what was approved by the
Commission the previous month and the security issue with the boarded up window
openings. Mr. Dickinson provided staff with detailed photos of the fagade and
deterioration of the metal bars. Ms. Gagn6 stated that the plywood was unsecured as
well as the metal bars due to the deterioration and if someone wanted to access the
building it would be relatively easy to do through the alley. Ms. Gagn6 stated because of
the visibility to the alley facade from 8th Street this case had to be brought back to the
Commission per design review guidelines as the rehab of the store front (not main front)
could possibly impact the overall architectural style.
Ms. Gagn6 turned the floor over to Mr. Dickinson additional details and further
discussion. Mr. Dickinson stated the Landmark designation is for the site and not the
structure itself and reiterated the security concerns where the deterioration was the
worst, Mr. Dickinson indicated he wanted to fill in the window openings with recessed
brick to retain the profile and if any window sills were missing he would reproduce them
to match the original. Mr. Dickinson noted he was happy to answer any questions from
the Commission.
Mr, Johnson stated two of the votes not in favor last month were from the architects and
the concerns they had Mr. Dickinson seemed to have already addressed with the
recessed brick and keeping the same window profile. Ms. Derr stated the metal bars
were not original to which Mr. Dickinson agreed they were not, stating they are an ill fit.
Mr. Johnson stated he believed the reason it didn't pass last month was related to the
arches and recessed brick which Mr. Dickinson has addressed. Ms. McKown stated
they did not have the close-up, detailed pictures last month that Mr. Dickinson provided
at this meeting where the amount of deterioration was readily visible. Mr. Lee questioned
why there was even a design case for review when it was a 'site' designation and not the
building designation. Chairperson Graham stated it was being reviewed due to the
landmark designation. Ms. Gagn6 clarified the landmark designation would include any
site, object or structure according to design guidelines.
Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the design review case as presented at 615 8th
Street. Mr. Lee seconded, motion passed unanimously.
Ill. Action Item: Design Review Application: 1600 Buchanan Street — West Floral
Heights Historic District (Wichita Falls Designation)
Removal & Installation Fagade Elements (Residential):
o Install two storm doors — south/east fagade entries for safety & security;
o Remove non -original plate glass covering original sun room/porch
openings for safety — separating from frame/structure
Ms. Gagn6 stated staff received a call from Mr. Grogan, Grogan Construction, the
contractor working for Ms. Funston, owner of 1600 Buchanan Street, with safety
concerns and requesting emergency alterations. There was a question of whether or not
this case would require Landmark Commission review or if it would be an administrative
review. Staff contacted the Commission chair and vice -chairperson and provided
conditions and information Mr. Grogan had given; it was decided the case should be
Landmark Commission 3 November 26, 2019
heard by the Commission due to: 1) visibility from Buchanan Street; 2) it involved doors;
and 3) for treatment consistency within the district. This case involved removal of an item
that was not original to the home (plate glass over patio openings) and the replacement
item mirrored the same design as the item that was on the home at the time of
designation (storm door on Buchanan fagade).
Inventory photos show the front fagade storm door existed in 2004 when the district was
designated by Council in January 2005, The sunroom on the south side of the home
already had plate glass over the patio openings. The home was built in 1919, with the
design style of colonial revival with tiny renaissance details; it contributes to the historic
character of West Floral Heights District. Inventory photos from 2013 show the glass on
the patio and the two existing doors on the south and east fagade. Ms. Funston
requested adding storm doors that would match the front storm door for safety &
security. The home is well maintained and essentially unaltered in the time it's been
designated. Staff was advised the foundation had shifted and caused the 8 ft. x 9 ft.
tempered plate glass to pull away from the house creating a safety issue and being that
the original patio doors use skeleton keys there was a security concern. Removing the
plate glass will give open access to the original doors and that is why the owner
requested the lockable storm doors.
Ms. GagnC- turned the discussion over to Ms. Funston, owner, who stated she has
nightmares about the glass coming out of the patio, falling on someone and injuring
them. She also advised the Commission she was unable to secure the original doors
that are over 100 years old and the plate glass was over 45 years old. Ms. Funston
would like to keep the original doors and simply add the storm doors.
Mr. Dickinson asked about breaking down the request into two items. Chairperson
Graham stated that was not necessary, Mr. Dickinson made a motion to approve the
design review case as presented for 1600 Buchanan. Ms. Derr seconded, motion was
unanimously approved.
IV. Action Item: Review & Endorsement of Support — Nomination of Bailey-Moline-
Filao Building to National Register of Historic Places, located at 1000-1004 Indiana
Avenue
Chairperson Graham stated Mr. Andy Lee had recused himself from voting on this item
as the project agent and turned the floor to Ms. Gagn6.
Ms. Gagn6 stated this was a standard procedure for a nomination to the National
Register, and THC notifies the local preservation board and the highest elected official to
seek their input before the state board of review, at which time the Board makes a
determination and projects move forward to the federal level for the next stage in the
process. Staff received notification of the letter sent to the mayor on November 12 th and
stated a response from the Commission and mayor are required no later than January
1 Oth 2020. Ms. Gagn6 stated in the packet handout was the Standard National Criteria
that is considered for a designation. The current tenant is Picker's Universe; the building
being considered is located across the street from public library on the corner of 1 Oth and
Indiana and is comprised of two properties. There was an addition in the 1950's to the
rear of the structure built in 1929 in a renaissance revival style. Inventory photos were
Landmark Commission 4 - ...... . . ... . ....... .- ........ . . _11-- . ...... ..... ....... November 26, 2019
shown of the two-part commercial building. Ms. Gagn6 stated there were 4 areas in
which the project could be considered eligible, the one identified in the application under
"Applicable National Register Criteria" was (c) "Property embodies the distinctive
characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a
master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components lake individual distinction." Ms. Gagn6 stated that it was
critical that the city and the Commission determine if the property and/or structure are
deemed to be eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places, local
level of significance. Ms. Gagn6 stated the structure looks much like it did in the photos
displayed from the 1950's.
Ms. Gagn6 turned the floor over to Mr. Lee who passed around photos and plans. Mr.
Lee stated upon approval of part B the nomination will go to national and they should
have their review by the end of the month and move forward. Mr. Lee stated this was a
unique building and would be #6 on the list for national designation in the last two years
in Wichita Falls and this was only possible with the help of 4B grants utilized during
approved rehabilitation,
Mr. Lee stated he would like the support of the Landmark Commission in a
recommendation that will be forwarded to the Texas Historical Commission. Mr. Lee
advised the Commission he was open to answer any questions. Mr. Dickinson stated it
was a great building and Ms. Derr asked if the paint would be removed from the building
to which Mr. Lee said they would like to remove the paint. Mr. Dickinson asked about
more store fronts opening and Mr. Lee advised yes there would be. Ms. Derr made a
motion to recommend nomination of the Bailey Moline Filgo Building to the National
Register of Historic Places. Mr. Blake Haney seconded, the motion passed
unanimously.
V. Review & Approval of Minutes from October 29, 2019
Chairperson Christy Graham called for review and approval of the October 29, 2019
Landmark Commission meeting minutes. Mr. Jim Johnson stated he needed to leave
and thanked everyone and advised he had enjoyed serving on the board. Ms. Michele
Derr made a motion to approve minutes, Ms. Nadine McKown seconded the motion.
Minutes were unanimously approved.
VI. Action Item: 2020 Landmark Commission Meeting Schedule
Ms. Gagn6 provided an update on the meeting schedule for 2020 for the Landmark
Commission and briefly discussed meeting dates that had been adjusted and deadlines.
Ms. Michele Derr made a motion to approve the 2020 Landmark Commission Meeting
Schedule. Mr. Andy Lee seconded, motion passed unanimously.
VII. Discussion Item: THC Letter — State Constitutional Amendment
Ms. Gagn6 stated staff received the notice last week that state proposition 5 had passed
and wanted to update the Commission with proper wording. Ms. Gagn6 thanked
everyone who voted to pass this as it directs funds back into Texas tourism and heritage
resources.
Landmark Commission 5 November 26, 2019
Vill. Other Business:
a) Monthly Report — Depot Square, West Floral Heights Historic District &
Morningside Historic District
Depot Square:
Ms. Derr gave updates:
• Dec. 5 th — Downtown Candle Walk from 5-8pm
• Dec. 4 th — 1 3th — Santa House at the Kell House Museum
• Dec. 21st — Kell House Candlelight Tours from 6-8pm
• Nov. 22nd — Dec. 14 th — Backdoor Theater — Miracle on South Division Street
• Dec. 15th & 1 6th — Christmas Improv at The Forum
• Dec. 21 st — Wichita Theater — Elf
• Dec. 16th — Grand Old Christmas Show
• Dec. 6 th _ Murder Mystery Dinner — It's My Party & I'll Die If I Want To
Ms. Derr stated in the last 6 months there have been three buildings in downtown
renovated into apartments that are now open providing 73 new apartments.
Landmark on Lamar is 100 % occupied, City Center is 71 % occupied and 9th Street
Loft's is 80% occupied.
Ms. Derr advised the Commission that the 2019 City of Lights Parade had an
additional 4 — 6,000 people in attendance this year.
West Floral Heights:
Christine Heidebrecht also gave update:
Nov. 30th — Kemp Center for the Art's — Small Business Saturday
• Turkey Trot — Thanksgiving Day
• Dec. 8 th — Christmas Party
• Bringing in new officers
• Taking donations for the elderly in West Floral Heights Neighborhood
Ms. Heidebrecht stated this was her last meeting as President of the West Floral
Heights Neighborhood and thanked the Commission for everything.
Morningside:
Ms. Gagn6 gave update and stated Dr. Gonzales is still requesting a letter from the
City of Wichita Falls. Mr. Paul Menzies and Mr. Terry Floyd are in the process of
responding and requesting to attend the next Morningside Neighborhood meeting.
At this time there is no form of design review and permits are being issued.
b) Updates:
1512 Tilden
Ms. Gagn6 stated a restoration permit was issued 11/19/19 for 1512 Tilden after
going back to City Council at which time they gave the owner 90 days for
substantial progress on the restoration from fire damage.
c) Design Review Staff Authorized — Minor Alteration/Repairs
. 1st Baptist Church (Texas Historical Landmark) — mechanical permit
0 1717 Hayes (West Floral Heights) — plumbing permit
Landmark Commission
November 26, 2019
• 1400 Grant — pluming permit
0 1512 Tilden — restoration permit
d) Articles & Preservation (Fall 2019)
e) Next Meeting
January 28, 2020
IX. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 12:47 p.m.
Christy Grah", Chairperson
Date