Landmark Commission Minutes - 10/09/2003MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
October 9, 2003
PRESENT:
Jan Schaaf, Chairperson
Ken Birck
Loraine Blackwood
Shirley Craft
Douglas James
Michael Koen
James Esther, Jr.
Dave Clark, Director, Community Development
Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III
GUESTS:
Ben Valadez, Jr.
Jessica Hartman, Executive Director, WCHS
Carolyn Looney, West Floral Heights Neighborhood Association
Jeff Hebner, Southland Neighborhood Association
Jim Newsom, Morningside Neighborhood
Andy Lee
ABSENT:
Michael Collins
Ken Dowdy
Dianne Thueson
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairperson called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.
II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF AUGUST MINUTES
RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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The Chairperson asked if there were any corrections to the August 25th meeting minutes, there being no
amendments or corrections, Mr. Koen introduced a motion to approve the August meeting minutes as
presented and Ms. Craft seconded. Minutes unanimously approved.
III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — 623 Ohio Street
Ms. Schaaf introduced this item and requested the applicant/owner — Mr. Ben Valadez provide details
regarding the design review request. Mr. Valadez referred to the application drawing, requesting to
install a wrought -iron fence similar to the existing fence at 530 7th Street. The lot is currently vacant but
there are plans for its development in the future.
Commission members and Mr. Clark commented that the proposed fence would improve the aesthetics
of the lot with removal of the wooden barricades. Mr. James introduced a motion to approve the design
review application as presented for wrought iron fencing, Mr. Koen seconded the motion. Motion passed
unanimously. Planning staff informed the applicant that a certificate of appropriateness would be
forwarded outlining the Commission's recommendation.
Landmark Commission October 9, 2003 Page 1 of 5
IV. I APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — 600 8th Street — Holt Hotel Project
The Chairperson introduced this item and requested Mr. Clark highlight the proposed plans for the Holt's
rehabilitation. Mr. Clark provided a brief background regarding the project and the Texas Historical
Commission (THC) review for: a) federal 106 clearance, b) historic preservation tax credit component
(Part I & II) and, c) Preservation Trust Fund grant. The building will be rehabilitated and renovated into
41 market -rate apartments featuring loft style finishes;the lobby will remain public space with commercial
space for lease on the ground floor.
Mr. Clark outlined the exterior modifications for rehabilitation, noting the rear metal window (north facade)
frames will remain but be reglazed and those on the south facade replaced with wooden frames. The
THC approved the rehabilitation period /style of the 1920's although the building was originally
constructed in 1910. The upper two floors were added in 1926 along with the creation of the mezzanine.
The east /south entrances will have the canopies replaced and be similar to those found in a historic
photograph. The northeast corner will have a new stair tower constructed of brick facade to match the
existing exterior finish. Mr. James questioned if the existing fire escape on the west facade would still be
utilized? Mr. Clark responded that the existing fire escape would remain and be considered an
emergency access, however, the fire codes and THC required a secondary means to exit the building.
The Holt will have two fire escape routes at either end of the building. Mr. Koen explained that the fire
code regulations stipulate that all high rise buildings must provide a fire escape at the most remote points
of a structure. Mr. Clark went through the architectural drawings and showed the Commission members
the proposed Porte cochere (covered entryway) to be added to the rear (north) facade for moving items
in /out of the building and the parking lot design. He noted that because the building is situated within the
CBD Zoning District there are no minimum parking lot requirements but the plans do provide additional
parking beyond the number of individual units. Ms. Craft inquired about the access to the parking lot and
alley site design? Mr. Clark indicated that the parking lot would have two gated access points being Ohio
and 7th Streets. The alley will remain and function as a service area for sanitation trucks and for
deliveries to the commercial tenants occupying the ground floor. Ms. Carolyn Looney asked if the
parking lot would have reproduction streetlights installed? Mr. Clark and Ms. Craft responded that if the
funds were available that would be a welcome addition. Mr. Clark indicated that the plans originally
outlined canopied parking with lighting but it was a bid alternate— at this time the only lighting will be the
streetlights. Mr. Clark explained the HVAC system would be located on both the ground level (shielded
from view) and on the roof. The apartment units will have individually controlled heating /air conditioning
and be equipped with washer and dryer connections. Mr. James inquired about raising the 1s' floor to
utilize the basement area. Mr. Clark stated that an initial asbestos abatement and interior demolition was
conducted to clean out the building and help reduce the construction bids it was discovered that the
basement had varying floor elevations and that there is potential for using the basement for storage units
but the 1St floor would not be altered.
Mr. James asked how much money needed to be raised in addition to the bank loan? Mr. Clark outlined
the various funding sources — the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Funds, Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds, Economic Development Incentive funds from Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, funds
from the Priddy, Bridwell, T.C. White and Scripps Howard Foundations, the THC's Preservation Trust
Fund grant, federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits and the bank loan. He added that the project was
bid and the low bidder is an area contractor. Construction cost is estimated between $4.3 and $4.5
million. There are additional costs for architect fees, start up operations and bid alternates. Based on
the apartments being developed for upscale rental, Mr. Birck questioned the anticipated rental rates?
Mr. Clark stated that rental rates may begin at $800 /month depending on the unit's size— units will range
from 700 to 1,400 sq ft with the premium units on sixth floor overlooking Ohio Street and the Depot
Square. The interior finishes and changes will include saving the mosaic the in the hallways from 3`d
through 6th floor along with keeping the wooden louvered doors. The louvered doors would not be
functional but maintain the character of the former hotel, the floors will have a mixed finish of hard wood
and concrete, the wall finishes will be natural with portions of plaster and other areas exposed brickwork.
Ms. Craft indicated that this would be the only building in Wichita Falls with a loft -style appearance and
design. The units will be open concept to take advantage of the numerous windows. Mr. Clark noted
Landmark Commission October 9, 2003
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that a feasibility study was conducted (2001) to provide direction regarding apartment
feasibility /marketability and a group of people went to Dallas and toured downtown loft style complexes
(ie. The Kirby Bldg) to obtain ideas and assist in determining what might work locally. Mr. Newsom and
Ms. Hartman commented that the rental rates were developed based on comps from other cities and
would be in line with the amenities and detail.
Ms. Jessica Hartman, director of the WCHS, and Mr. Clark provided an update on the current status of
funding for the Holt project, indicating a need for approximately $670,000. The final fundraising blitz will
commence on Monday October 13th with a tentative building dedication on November 10th. The building
will ultimately be owned by the WCHS, be taxable and self- sustaining. Ms. Hartman provided
clarification regarding the funds that must be raised — funds for the project must be 'pledged' by the
November deadline. There has been some misunderstanding that the WCHS must have all the funds as
cash -on -hand rather than a combination of pledged money and cash.
Ms. Craft, on behalf of the Landmark Commission applauded the hard work; dedication and commitment
of Dave Clark in seeing this project become a reality along with the assistance of the Wichita County
Heritage Society volunteers and key community members. Mr. James introduced a motion to approve
the Holt Hotel Project design review application as outlined and Mr. Koen seconded the motion. Ms.
Craft abstained from voting due to her connection with the Chairperson of the Holt Hotel Restoration
Corp. Motion passed unanimously.
V. REVIEW & DISCUSSION of COUNCIL APPROVED PRESERVATION ORDINANCE,
NOMINATION PROCEDURES and DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINES
Commission members and planning staff discussed the proceedings from the September 16th City
Council meeting. Staff thanked the Commission members for their dedication with this project and
attending numerous council meetings. The City Council endorsed the preservation documents with
some language revisions. Staff provided copies of the approved documents to all members and
representatives from the Southland, West Floral Heights and Morningside Neighborhood Associations.
The Nomination Procedures were revised by Council to include an opt -out provision for residential
historic district nominations. The following clause was incorporated into the Preservation Ordinance and
Procedural guidelines:
"Any owner whose property is included in an application for historic district designation may remove his
property from consideration by the Council by filing written notice with the City Community Development
Department at least one day prior to the date of the Commission meeting to hear the application. In the
event the property is thereafter sold or conveyed to another party, the property shall immediately be
included in the historic district and must comply with all the requirements of the district."
The Preservation Ordinance provides two opportunities for property owners who are opposed to
designation to opt out — the first being prior to Landmark Commission consideration and then prior to City
Council consideration of the district nomination. Planning staff indicated that any residential historic
district nomination would need to be concentrated in a specific area in order to obtain the minimum 75%
commitment level from property owners while also including sites with historical integrity. Mr. Clark noted
that if the neighborhood or applicant for a district nomination is aware of specific property owners who
are not interested in historic preservation their property should not be included with the application. Mr.
Koen questioned whether a new property owner would have the option to opt out of the designation. Mr.
Clark responded that under the new procedures — if a property that is not originally part of the historic
district but is later sold or conveyed would automatically revert to being in thedistrict. This was based on
the premise that the new property owners had a choice of whether to purchase a property within a
designate historic district.
Mr. Newsom asked if there was a process in place at the deed office and building inspection division to
flag historically designated properties. Planning staff responded that the building inspection database
has a special classification for locally designated landmarks /historic district properties that locks the
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system from allowing any permits until clearance is provided via the Commission and /or Planning
Division. Both Ms. Schaaf and Mr. Newsom commented that the title companies should have information
regarding the new policies as residential historic districts are designated in order to address properties
that may be initially excluded but upon change in ownership revert to being in the district. Mr. Newsom
recommended that each title company require a buyer to sign an acknowledgement form upon the sale
of property that is included in a designated historic district.
VI. DISCUSSION, COMMENTS & QUESTIONS REGARDING COUNCIL APPROVED RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICT NOMINATION PROCESS FROM NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
Ms. Schaaf asked the three neighborhood representatives to introduce themselves. Ms. Looney,
representing West Floral Heights, provided an update about the interest and community pride developing
in that neighborhood despite all of the issues with the preservation documents. She noted that the
neighborhood encompasses an area from Buchanan to Hayes and from portions of 10th Street south to
Ave H. The residents have raised funds to install antique streetlights and are in the process of applying
for grant funds to assist with burying the overhead electrical lines. Ms. Looney indicated that
approximately 190 properties would be included in their historic district nomination depending on being
able to meet the minimum 75% commitment level.
Mr. Hebner, Southland Neighborhood Association President indicated that they would probably like to
see approximately 200 properties designated — essentially the area previously recommended by the
Landmark Commission in 2002. The general boundaries would be from Brook Avenue west to Harrison
and from 11th Street south to Huff /Elizabeth depending on being able to obtain the minimum level of
interest. Mr. Newsom representing the Morningside Neighborhood Association indicated that they would
probably prepare a nomination for 59 properties. All three - neighborhood representatives outlined
potential rehab /design review scenarios and how they would be addressed. Mr. Clark outlined that
design review now provided two options:
a) staff administrative review for minor alterations (ie. adding signage, adding awnings /shutters /light
fixtures, exterior accessibility ramps, outside storage and utility servicing equipment, etc.), or
b) the traditional review via the Commission for new construction and major alterations (ie.
replacement of a front porch, a new addition, altering the pitch of a roof, etc.)
VII. UPDATE REGARDING THC STATE BOARD of REVIEW DETERMINATION — NR
APPLICATION for DEPOT SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Mr. Lee provided an update regarding the THC State Preservation Board review of the National Register
application. He indicated that the Board provided a positive recommendation with minor changes to the
statement of significance and to the district map. The Depot Square application received the most letters
of support of any nomination on the Board's September meeting agenda. The State Board members
commented that they were pleased with the application and significant support from local agencies.
Mr. Lee requested that the Landmark Commission consider expanding the Depot Square Historic District
now that the district moratorium has expired and the updated procedures are in place. He indicated that
in preparing the application with Mr. Graham, they had spoken with numerous downtown property
owners along Ohio and Indiana Street that were interested in obtaining a local designation (ie, The
Wichita Theatre, First Texas Building, etc.) Mr. James commented that the last time the Commission
pursued expanding the Depot District in 1999 properties owners were adamantly opposed to including
Indiana from 5th to 10th Street. Mr. James requested that Mr. Lee outline an area for proposed expansion
and provide the materials to the Commission for review.
It is anticipated THC will forward the Depot Square application to Washington for review in mid - October
with a final determination issued by the Park Service in late December.
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VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
Other information in the meeting packet of interest to the public and Commission members:
a) City Council Designated The Marchman Bldg — 925 Lamar Street at their Sept. 16'h meeting
b) WCHS — Depot Square Event — October 3`d
Mr. Newsom and Ms. Hartman provided an overview of the WCHS Depot Square Party
noting this was the most successful fundraiser in the history of the WCHS organization with
196 attendees for the dinner /auction. They indicated that the theme was Media Through
the Decades and the local media was recognized for their contributions and assistance in
promoting WCHS events /historic preservation.
c) Mr. Clark indicated that Council requested planning staff review the current zoning along
Kemp and Kell to assess areas in transition, the commercial zoning that abuts residential
neighborhoods. He noted that numerous neighborhood meetings would be conducted to
obtain input and feedback from residents and the Southland and Floral Heights
neighborhoods will be part of this review. Mr. Koen, as a former P & Z Board member,
recalled working to simplify the process for redevelopment along the Kemp /Kell corridors
with the creation of a 'Limited Commercial' zone to potentially buffer residential uses from
general commercial activity. Mr. Lee pointed out the Brook Avenue District as a positive
example of zoning providing a buffer for neighborhood residential areas. The new
construction of medical offices along the edges of Southland have benefited the
neighborhood. Mr. Koen agreed that the design of the Brook Avenue District compliments
the adjacent residential area.
d) Ms. Blackwood informed Commission members that if they are interested in arranging a tour
of the Littlest Adobe — The Heritage Center at SAFB to contact her.
e) November /December Meeting Date — To be Determined - Planning staff will contact members
with tentative dates for the meeting.
IX. ADJOURN
Meeting was officially adjourned at 4:51 p.m.
Jan Schaaf, Chairperson
Date
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