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Landmark Commission Minutes - 04/29/2004• MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29, 2004 CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Date By Time % PRESENT: Jan Schaaf, Chairperson ■ Members Ken Dowdy, Vice Chairperson ■ Ralph Gibson ■ Drew Hayes ■ Doug James ■ Dianne Thueson ■ James Esther, Jr. ■ Council Liaison David A. Clark, Director of Community Development ■ City Staff Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■ ABSENT: Ken Birck ■ Shirley Craft ■ Michael Collins ■ I. & II. CALL TO ORDER & REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Chairperson called for discussion and comments on the March meeting minutes. Mr. Dowdy requested clarification on agenda item VI of the minutes regarding the CLG grant scoring process. Ms. Thueson introduced a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Mr. James seconded the item. Minutes unanimously approved. III. & IV. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF PROPOSED SIGN DESIGNS FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEPOT SQUARE The Signage Subcommittee outlined two potential designs for the Depot Square District and requested input from Commission members. Mr. Hayes worked with Mr. Dowdy and Ms. Thueson to develop a logo better suited for the Depot District - a stylized train engine on traditional railroad tracks. Design Option #1 utilizes a traditional brown background, which typically denotes a historic district, white art deco lettering (Depot Square Historic District) and an oval area for the train logo. Design Option #2 has a reduced area for the brown background and the main focus is a white square area containing both the phrase 'Depot Square' and the train logo with the 'Historic District' lettering below. Commission members discussed the merits of both signs and Ms. Gagne outlined some comments and recommendations from the Streets /Sign Shop who will eventually produce and install the signs. Staff noted that VISIONS volunteered to assist the Commission with this endeavor by covering the costs associated with the project. The Commission reached an Landmark Commission April 29, 2004 Page 1 of 4 agreement on the design preference with Option #1. Mr. Dowdy moved that the preferred sign design be presented to the VISIONS Executive Director for input and approval. Mr. • James seconded the motion. Staff will setup a meeting with Ms. Vickie Crump and the signage subcommittee to review the Depot sign project. Ms. Thueson, on behalf of the entire Commission, acknowledged and thanked Mr. Hayes for his work in developing the updated designs for the Depot Square Historic District. V. & VI. REVIEW & DETERMINATION OF HERITAGE VIDEO PROJECT SCOPE & BUDGET FOR THE 2004/2005 CLG GRANT / VIDEO PROJECT SUBCOMMITEE Planning staff provided some background information and referred members to the draft application in their meeting packets. After an initial meeting with the Mass Communications Chair at Midwestern State University (MSU), staff was encouraged to contact two local media companies to obtain sample cost estimates for the video production. Cost estimates were obtained from ADco, Inc., Harris Promedia, and Design Works — general cost estimates ranged from $850 - $1,000 per finished minute for the entire video production. Staff requested input and direction from the Commission regarding the content of the draft proposal. Mr. Clark and Mr. Dowdy recommended that the video be cut back from 20- minutes to a 15- minute length to accommodate a wide - range of audiences, including opportunities for presentation to community service groups, etc. during lunch -hour meetings. Mr. James questioned what the main focus /goal of the video is and the target group? Mr. Clark responded that the focus of the video project would be the community's preservation efforts & successes rather than a promotional video. The CLG grant for a heritage video will tentatively be a collaborative project with the City, MSU, Wichita County Heritage Society (WCHS) to research, develop and produce a documentary-style video that will serve multiple functions, including: the promotion of historic preservation, a tool for increasing community awareness and be utilized by the local school districts (WFISD & Cit�rview ISD) in their elementary social studies curriculum. The WCHS Board met on April 28t and offered their in -kind support for the grant project. The general consensus of the Commission was a preference to work with Ms. Bolin and the MSU students as it provided an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical work experience and it would also reduce the cost of production. The Chairperson and Ms. Thueson requested staff follow -up with Ms. Bolin with the requested information from the media companies as a gauge for their 'in -kind' assistance. Ms. Thueson motioned for staff to contact Ms. Bolin with the MSU Mass Communications Department and indicate the Landmark Commission's preference to work with the MSU students. Mr. Dowdy seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Final direction for staff was to set -up a meeting with the Heritage Video subcommittee, consisting of the following members: Ms. Thueson, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Dowdy and Mr. James. Planning staff will contact the subcommittee via email with a tentative day /time for a follow -up CLG project meeting between May 3 -6th. Ms. Gagne noted that the Texas Historical Commission CLG staff offered to review & provide some feedback on our draft grant proposal during 'Ask- the -Staff' component of the Annual Conference in Forth Worth (May 7 -8th) Landmark Commission April 29, 2004 Page 2 of 4 VII. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN THE ORIGINAL • TOWNSITE Planning staff conducted a land -use survey of the original townsite area, generally bounded by Eleventh St. — Kell Blvd and Travis St. — Broad, to review the potential for residential in -fill development. In conjunction with the review, staff met with two property owners from the 1100 block of Austin and Burnett Streets. Both these owners were concerned about the future of their properties and in particular the two -story house at 1108 Austin with an interior that has remained relatively unchanged since construction circa 1910. Staff noted that in their review of the area there appeared to be residential in -fill potential along Burnett Street (1100 — 1400 blocks) and an opportunity to encourage either assisted or market -rate housing development. Mr. Gibson, as a representative from the Heritage Society, indicated that if a historic rehabilitation were proposed the Berry Brown House (1400 Travis) which is already a city landmark should be a priority. Other Commission members were in agreement but it would be a positive step to see the house at 1108 Austin maintained rather then developed into multiple apartments, etc. Mr. Clark commented that planning initially began looking at this neighborhood because it's future was in question and something needs to be done to improve the area. This area was the original residential section for the community in the early 1900's. Mr. James inquired whether anyone had encouraged the property owners to donate 1108 Austin to a non - profit organization? Staff indicated that they had contacted the Heritage Society about the potential for this property and it's interior historic integrity with solid mahogany woodwork, panel doors, etc. Mr. Dowdy asked if the National Trust might be a resource for potential rehabilitation or if they have ideas on how to deal with this situation. Both Mr. Clark and Ms. Thueson commented that the National Trust may be helpful but it is doubtful that they would have funds. Mr. James stated that the solution for some people in the past was to tear old buildings down or slipcover them — if that trend continued there would not be any historic structures or even any history for the future generations of Wichita Falls. A solution to build everything new is no long -term solution. Commission members commented that they would like to review how other communities, of similar size in Texas address older neighborhoods and historic rehabilitation concerns. Vill. OTHER BUSINESS: a) Texas Historical Site Marker Dedication A Texas Historical Site Marker dedication is scheduled for the John O'Donohue /Anderson Bean Building location (615 8th Street) on Wednesday, May 5th. Please note the event timing was moved ahead from 5:30 pm to 4:50 pm at the request of the building owners. All Commission members are invited to attend the plaque unveiling and participate in the event. b) 2004 Annual THC Historic Preservation Conference — May 6 -8th Planning staff encouraged Commission members to register for the conference since it will be within driving distance in downtown Fort Worth. Landmark Commission April 29, 2004 Page 3 of 4 c) WCHS — Preservation Awards Ceremony — May 13th Staff encouraged all Commission members to contact the WCHS if they are interested in attending the Preservation Awards that will be held in the renovated lobby at the Marchman Building. Non - Action Item: Request for Assistance — Building Maintenance at 615 Seventh Street Staff explained that Mr. Andy Lee asked for assistance from the Landmark Commission to mail letters encouraging property owners within the downtown historic district to better maintain their buildings. A concern was noted regarding the site at 615 Seventh which is adjacent to the Keller Bldg (the oldest remaining structure within the Depot Square). Ms. Thueson stated concerns about the Commission sending letters to property owners with older, non - descript buildings as they have very limited authority over the issue. Mr. Clark reminded the Commission members that in August/September 2003 when the preservation documents were revised the clause for maintenance was removed during negotiations with the City Manager and City Council. Councilman Esther stated, in his opinion, the Commission needs to have the ability to encourage owners of historic properties to maintain them rather than letting them go into a state of disrepair. Mr. James, Mr. Dowdy and Ms. Thueson all commented that there is merit in trying to help people understand the importance of maintaining historic properties. However, until there is more interest throughout the community and demand for older historic buildings (e.g. Dallas, Charleston, etc.) it is difficult to convince people to invest funds for maintaining them. Mr. Clark noted that there are provisions in the City Code of Ordinances when buildings become a public health and safety concern. �W IX. ADJOURN The Landmark Commission was adjourned at 4:45 pm. � Ze aaf, Cha / lay Da e Landmark Commission April 29, 2004 Page 4 of 4