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Landmark Commission Minutes - 03/27/2012MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION March 27, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: Christy Graham, Chairperson ■ Members John Kidwell ■ Andy Lee ■ Dianne Thueson ■ Steve Wood ■ Marilyn Carper ■ Michael Koen ■ Scott Stillson ■ Councilor Michael Smith ■ Coundi Lialson Karen Montgomery- Gagnd, Planning Administrator ■ staff Diane Parker ■ GUESTS: Joey Aboussie, applicant ■ s ABSENT: Stacie Flood, Vice Chairperson ■ Member I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS Chairperson Graham opened the Landmark Commission meeting at 12:06 p.m. and welcomed guest/applicant Mr. Joey Aboussie. II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 24, 2012 Chairperson Graham requested the Commission review the minutes of the January 24, 2012 meeting. A correction was noted and made on page four, Section VI, Item "d" to change 1400 Tilden to 1400 Travis. Ms. Thueson made a motion to approve the January 24, 2012 Landmark Commission minutes as corrected; seconded by Mr. Koen. The motion passed unanimously to approve the minutes. III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — 2904 STURDEVANT — ENCLOSING ROOF OVERHANG /CARPORT AREA Ms. Gagne stated the applicants, Joey and Bobbie Aboussie, requested permission to construct a uniquely designed porch overhang /carport enclosure. She noted it was a good example of modem/Frank Lloyd Wright style architecture noted in the new Design Review Guidelines. Mr. Aboussie is one of the first applicants from the Momingside Historic District to go through the design review process since the adoption of the new design review requirements. Ms. Gagn6 noted this request falls into a combination of categories in the design guidelines including exterior walls, porches, roofs and new additions. She explained an exterior wall is proposed to be moved, elimination of the garage door in order to increase the square footage of the home with an additional bedroom and a combination entry area/laundry/mud room. The roof Landmark Commission March 27, 2012 Page 1 line would not be altered. The new wall will be constructed under the existing roof line which complies with the design guideline policies. Ms. Gagne stated the addition would be in compliance with the existing setbacks and design style of the home's architecture. Staff referred members to the proposed design sketch prepared by the applicant's architect — Mr. Dick Bundy, Bundy, Young, Sims & Potter Architects. Mr. Aboussie stated he purchased this property 12 years ago; It is across the street from his residence. He explained relatives lived there until two years ago when he became motivated to sell the home and keep it updated. The renovations included repairing and replacing the fascia and stucco as well as some interior updating and remodeling. Mr. Aboussie commented the proposed addition will consist of creating additional living space with an eight by nine foot area where the present kitchen wall will be extended to make it more functional instead of an efficiency -type kitchen. A mud room, containing the washer, dryer, and mechanical closet will be constructed in this newly created area. The garage will be converted into a third bedroom. The floor plan will show three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a larger kitchen, and a functional utility room while maintaining the integrity of the architecture. The current roof line will be not be jeopardized by this addition and the exterior of the house will generally remain unchanged with the exception of the northwest metal pillar that will be enclosed for the wall extension. The block glass windows on the side of the house will be retained with the new wall between them. Mr. Aboussie asked the Commission to consider approving the requested renovations. Councilor Smith inquired about parking /carport and whether there would be a future design request for a carport with the enclosure of this garage space. Mr. Aboussie stated he would leave the addition of a carport up to the person buying the house. He also mentioned he was trying to avoid the appearance of a closed in garage with this addition. Mr. Koen stated Mr. Aboussie and his architect have done a good job with preservation of the architectural style while increasing the functional square footage of the home. Mr. Koen made a motion to approve the design review application as presented for renovations and enclosure of the roof overhang /carport for 2904 Sturdevant; Ms. Carper seconded. The motion carried. Mr. Aboussie stated his experience with staff and the Commission had been positive and the design review process was beneficial for the neighborhood. There was discussion regarding City historic designation for this neighborhood. Mr. Aboussie inquired about additional reviews if more designations were needed. Staff explained that one design review would suffice. Ms. Gagn6 explained for City designation all property owners within the proposed district must complete a form indicating in favor or opposed with a required percentage in approval. Since the State now requires the City to conduct design review on exterior alterations to homes in the Momingside District (National Register level), no other reviews would be necessary other than to ensure compliance with the Building Codes. Mr. Lee stated City Landmark designation provides protection for retaining residential character with the design review process. IV. UPDATE & DISCUSSION OF PROPERTIES /OWNER INTEREST FOR LANDMARK NOMINATIONS Ms. Gagne distributed the Criteria for Evaluation from the Landmark Nomination Procedures to Commission members. These are the initial guidelines for qualification a property must have for Landmark status. The first is historical significance of the property which must be 50 years or older and be associated with a historical event or persons associated with the property should have historical significance in Wichita Falls. Other contributing criteria which may qualify a building or site as historic, can include whether if represents: cultural significance or community-wide value; architectural significance; LANDMARK COMMISSION March 27, 2012 Page 2 archaeological value, of which few in this city have this recognition; and finally, geographical significance which is a challenging condition in Wichita Falls. Amh Ms. Gagne stated most properties in Wichita Falls would qualify for historic preservation under the first, second and /or third criteria. The historical properties that might be considered for nomination have been organized by categories (eg. churches, schools, commercial, residential, etc.) in the agenda booklet. Staff reviewed some of these properties with the Commission and discussion developed regarding priorities for designation. Ms. Gagn6 indicated a concern from some property owners is the feeling of being hindered with restrictions. Mr. Aboussie is a positive example of expeditious scheduling and processing. Members and staff discussed opportunities to encourage owners to consider designation. Staff indicated the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is concerned the City as a CLG has not designated a property since 2007. Ms. Gagn6 explained she would be visiting with the City Parks Dept. to discuss the possible nomination of key parks and cemeteries. She stated she visited with Dr. Kazanas who is willing to consider the nomination process for historic WFISD schools but wanted more information. Ms. Gagn6, Chairperson Graham and Ms. Flood are scheduled to meet with him on April 51'. Ms. Gagn6 stated Ms. Flood will probably be successful with the nomination for the Sikes House at Midwestern State University since it is being featured on this year's Heritage Society Tour of Homes. Chairperson Graham noted she's still working on nominations for the former Austin Elementary School, Travis Crossing and LaSalle Crossing. Some residential property owners have been contacted, such as Lorraine Blackwood (2106 Hiawatha) and James Wetherbee (1300 Tilden), who have indicated they would be interested in pursuing City landmark designation. Ms. Carol Wagner, 1300 Buchanan, was contacted and she/husband are discussing their options. Ms. Gagn6 mentioned a second stumbling block with property owners - overcoming negative perceptions - by stressing their property would be recognized as having a prominent and prestigious place in the community's history. She commented property background, research and information regarding the significance and value as a landmark might be difficult to obtain for some of the residential properties but the County Archives and Times Record News library are good resources. Ms. Gagn6 commented Ann Funston was doubtful her home at 1600 Buchanan, a colonial revival featured in the Touring Wichita Falls History brochure would qualify as historic. She felt that due to the renovations in the 1970s, including rear and side installation of siding would negate the historic value. Chairperson Graham stated the history of the house coupled with the significance of previous residents should be considered if the architectural character had been altered. There was discussion regarding a certain house where Governor Allred was rumored to have resided in West Floral Heights. Mr. Lee commented on the expansion of the Depot Square Historic District from Tenth Street to Backdoor Theatre. A metal -clad, white building at 713 Indiana with a marginal roof is one the buildings Downtown Wichita Falls Development is trying to salvage. The building next to it was restored by John Dickinson and Danny Ahem. Mr. Lee noted that 713 Indiana had historical significance being the location of the former White's Auto, one of the first firms in Wichita Falls in 1926 to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. He commented the building is unique and could be restored. If the Depot District were expanded, this would be considered a contributing building. Ms. Gagne spoke with Mr. Randy Cooper, Director, Central Boys and Girls Club. He informed her of their previous history with a Landmark nomination almost 20 years ago; their board had LANDMARK COMMISSION March 27, 2012 Page 3 voted not to pursue it. Mr. Cooper noted the board members have longevity with the Club as well as being multigenerational; valuing the property and preserving its character for future generations were paramount considerations with the recent addition. More information regarding a designation will be sent to Mr. Cooper for consideration and a possible meeting with their board members. Ms. Gagn6 stressed to Commission members the importance of mentioning and selling the designation idea when talking with property owners about the potential for landmark protection. Numerous buildings on the list have been discussed many times during Commission meetings as sites for designation. Unfortunately, some of those buildings have already been lost to fire and or recent demolition with The Place (Women's Y) and the Priddy House. Councilor Smith commented on the original Zale's Jewelry building with the pending closure of DeFoor's Pawn Shop at Eighth and Ohio. Ms. Gagn6 stated she has received some calls about this building. She noted there are some structural items that require attention in addition to restorative work from water damage and years of little maintenance. It is a key building in the Depot District because of its history and as a great example of Art Deco architecture. V. OTHER BUSINESS A. West Floral Heights Historic District — Monthly Report Ms. Carper stated she was unable to attend the last meeting for West Floral Heights. She noted Cindy Cotton is their new president, filling a vacancy left by Mr. Johnnie Combs who recently moved. House numbers with the Historic District logo were painted on the curbs. Ms. Gagne noted there is a vacancy on the Landmark Commission with Ms. Cotton's resignation from the Commission. She stated Carolyn Looney has submitted an application for the position which will be considered by City Council. There was discussion regarding this position and voting rights. Ms Gagn6 noted work had been started by a city attorney for an ordinance change to assign voting rights but that attorney is leaving the city on March 31'`. Ms. Carper asked about a property on Tilden with tree stumps remaining after trees in the right - of -way were cut down. Councilor Smith stated he was aware of the situation and checked the Code of Ordinances. Unless the stumps are causing a dangerous problem, there is no ordinance addressing the situation. She also asked about the dead trees on Grant Street. Mr. Smith replied the drought was responsible for some of the dead trees and property owners are waiting to see if they are dormant or dead. He stated there is no ordinance requiring removal of dead trees. B. Design review — Staff Authorized: 1207 Buchanan - WFHHD; Sewer Repair In Alley Ms. Gagn6 reported there was only one staff review this month for a sewer connection repair which posed no historical issues. C. Articles and Periodicals — The Medallion, Winter 2012 Ms Gagn6 asked if everyone on the Commission had received the latest copy of The Medallion. Members who did not receive a copy were Marilyn Carper, Michael Koen, Andy Lee, Scott Stillson, and Dianne Thueson. Ms. Gagn6 suggested signing up via the website and noted back issues were available on the website (www.thc.state.tx.us) through 2008. D. Upcoming Meetings and Events Ms. Gagne announced the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum is now open for the 2012 Spring/Summer season. The contact is Bronna McNeely at 723 -2661. J' 3.1 Ms. Gagn6 stated March 3&, 2012 would be the preview party for a new exhibit at the North Texas History Museum. The exhibit's focus will be Building Character and Charity: Masons and Shriners. Tickets are available by calling the Museum. LANDMARK COMMISSION March 27, 2012 Page 4 4! Chairperson Graham stated the St. Patrick's Festival was a huge success with 8,500 to 10,000 attendees. She announced a new coffee shop had opened where the Coney Island was previously located at Eighth and Indiana. The name is Eighth Street Coffee Shop. Chairperson Graham requested staff follow up on the graffiti at B &C Printing (600 Ohio) at Sixth and Ohio in the Depot Historic District Members discussed and stated it appeared the tenant/owner had not done anything to rectify the problem since discussions in fall 2011. Staff will provide an update at the next Commission meeting. The next meeting will be on April 2e at 12:00 p.m. VI. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p. m. nc /-6- /(� - Christy Grafihm, Chairperson 5 - 4�a - ao/a Date RECEIVEC ! \i CITY CLERK'S OFFI (3E DATE: __ �5 Z TIME: LANDMARK COMMISSION March 27, 2012 Page 5