Landmark Commission Minutes - 08/24/20004.
MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
August 24, 2000
PRESENT:
Lin Purtle, Chairperson - Members
Jim Newsom
Susan Koch o
Lorraine Blackwood
Dorothy Rhone o
Doug James o
Andi Holland o
Councilor Arthur Bea Williams, Liaison
David Clark, Community Development Director - City Staff
Steve Seese, Planning Administrator
Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III
ABSENT:
Dick Bundy, Member
GUESTS:
Gary Patrick, owner, Cline - Bridwell Mansion, 3100 Hamilton Blvd.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Purtle at 3:05 p.m.
II. REVIEW of AUGUST 3rd DESIGN REVIEW & ORDINANCE GUIDELINE
SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Ms. Purtle informed the Commission members a subcommittee had been meeting to discuss
updates to the existing Landmark Ordinance and the meeting minutes were provided for their
information. Mr. Clark indicated that the subcommittee will continue to meet over the next few
months to discuss both the Landmark Ordinance and the Design Review Application and
Guidelines.
III. APPLICATION FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION - 3100 HAMILTON BLVD.
Ms. Purtle informed the Commission members that an application was before them requesting a
Landmark Designation. The application was submitted by Gary and Linda Patrick owners of the
Cline - Bridwell Mansion located at 3100 Hamilton Blvd. commonly known as "The White House."
Mr. James presented the application to the commission members and complimented the owner
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Page 1
on taking the necessary steps to be recognized as a local landmark. Ms. Purtle asked if any
members had questions or comments regarding the application. Various commission members
commented on the importance of recognizing local landmarks and the positives for applying to
obtain landmark status. Commission members were pleased that the owners had applied for a
Landmark designation and would encourage other property owners within the vicinity to
designate their historic mansions.
A commission member asked the owner to clarify the construction dates. Mr. Patrick indicated
that the structure took 4 years to build and it probably started in either 1926 or 1927 but did not
know the exact year. Mr. James introduced a motion to accept the application for Landmark
Designation for the Cline - Bridwell Mansion located at 3100 Hamilton Blvd. Mr. Newsom
seconded the motion. The motion was carried with a unanimous vote in favor of the
designation.
Mr. Clark and Mr. Seese indicated that the application would be forwarded to City Council for
final review and approval at their September 17, 2000 meeting.
IV. DISCUSSION of DESIGN REVIEW and ORDINANCE GUIDELINES
Ms. Purtle indicated that unless any of the Commission members object, the Subcommittee
would continue to meet and discuss the Landmark Ordinance and Design Review Guidelines.
Once completed the information and amendments will be forwarded to the full Commission. Mr.
Newsom stated that perhaps prior to designating a landmark neighborhood a preservation
group must pre- exist. Commission members noted that Ms. Muir (local resident) was actively
involved with trying to designate the Southlands and /or Floral Heights neighborhoods as historic
residential areas. Councilor Arthur Bea Williams stated that Ms. Muir was including the area
bounded by Brook to Harrison and from 111h St. to Kell, an area that includes approximately 400
properties. Councilor Arthur Bea Williams further noted that this issue of designation must be
dealt with carefully so that the residents in the neighborhood don't develop a negative
perspective. Mr. Seese indicated that if there is any additional information that we could
provide to the residents to reduce concerns and fears of landmark designation we are very
willing to assist.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Clark provided an update on the City's efforts to preserve housing via the Urban Homestead
Program through the purchase of four homes that were originally located near Old High and
would have been demolished for the construction of their new tennis courts. The City is in the
process of rehabilitating these homes — three were placed on the East Side on Roosevelt and
the fourth is located on Tilden Ave. Mr. Clark noted that one of the homes is almost completely
rehabilitated and will function as a model for the remaining homes. Mr. Clark noted that Habitat
for Humanity has developed fourteen homes and the City has five underway at the moment on
the eastside of Wichita Falls.
Ms. Purtle indicated that the final item to discuss under "Other Business" is the Neighborhood
meeting conducted by Rep. David Farabee's office to discuss the issue of Faith Mission. The
Mission is located very close to the Barry Brown house, which is a designated Landmark for
Wichita Falls. Numerous Landmark members and planning staff were in attendance at the
meeting. Both Ms. Purtle and Councilor Arthur Bea Williams suggested the owner of the
landmark building should work with other neighbors in the area to develop a local Neighborhood
Association. Councilor Arthur Bea Williams indicated that it would be helpful to invite in a
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representative from an active neighborhood association such as the Sunnyside Neighborhood
Association to assist or talk with residential property owners within the Faith Mission area. Mr.
Clark recalled that a bus tour was held 2 —3 years ago with the Landmark Commission
members in the area around Austin Street and some key properties were identified with
potential for preservation action.
Ms. Purtle provided an update on activity at the Kemp Arts Center as the perimeter wrought iron
fence is partially complete.
Mr. James informed Commission members that there is a proposal to develop the building at
704 Indiana as a history museum on the main floor and provide much needed storage space for
County and City records in the basement. The second and third floors would probably be
gutted and State agencies could relocate offices and develop the office space. Mr. James
added that this proposal could have a key influence in the downtown core and become the right
impetus for other redevelopment.
No other items for discussion.
VIII. ADJOURN
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Lin Purtle, Chairperson
Date
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