Landmark Commission Minutes - 09/26/2023 LANDMARK COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 26, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michele Derr ■ Chairwoman
John Dickinson ■ Member
Christy Graham ■ Member
Joel Hartmangruber • Member
Andy Lee ■ Member
Marcela Medellin ■ Member
Janel Ponder Smith • Member
Tim Brewer • Council Liaison
Monica Aguon, Assistant City Attorney ■ City Staff
Terry Floyd, Development Services Director • City Staff
Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager • City Staff
Christal Cates, Administrative Assistant • City Staff
ABSENT:
Noros Martin ■ P$Z Liaison
Nadine McKown ■Vice-Chairwoman
Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Principal Planner/HPO • City Staff
GUESTS:
Kim Tigrett, WFHHD President ■ 1301 Grant St.
Beth Combs, Owner/Applicant ■ 1515 Hayes
Whitni Simmons, Owner/Applicant • 1501 Tilden
Bill Andersen, Owner/Applicant ■4403 Post Oak
Jennifer York, Owner/Applicant ■2812 10t"Street
I. Call to Order, Introductions and Welcome
Chairwoman Michele Derr called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. Ms. Derr had
Commission members, staff and guests, introduce themselves.
II. Review & Approval of Minutes from: August 22nd, 2023
Chairwoman Derr called for review and approval of the August 22, 2023 Landmark
Commission meeting minutes. Ms. Janel Ponder-Smith made a motion to approve the
minutes, Mr, Joel Hartmangruber seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously
approved 7-0.
Regular Agenda
III. Action Item: Design Review — 600 6th Street— Jones Building (Depot Square District)
Request to Rehabilitate Ohio Facade:
Landmark Commission 2 September 26, 2023
• Logo Signage on West Facade
Mr. Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager, presented the case and stated the request
before the Commission today was for a new sign for 6th Street Winery. The subject
property is located at 600 6th Street, at the corner of Ohio Avenue and 6th Street. Mr.
Medellin stated the commercial building was a contributing structure built circa 1909.
Inventory photos were displayed from 1999 to 2013 and show the structure virtually
unchanged. However, photos from 2019 show considerable change due to a prior
design review project approved by the Landmark Commission to create the Sixth Street
Winery with an outdoor patio area with fencing and sidewalk ramp. Other photos show
the 6th Street and alley facades where the signage is proposed to be placed on the west
façade showing visibility from Indiana Avenue, 6th Street and the alley.
The owner and applicant, Mr. Bill Andersen, had proposed two options for the signage.
The first option is also the owner's preferred design and placement on the west façade
with a 3.5ft x 6ft. channel lit logo sign. The second option for consideration on the west
façade is a flat, 4ft. x 16ft. sign with two barn-light style lamps added above the sign for
night illumination with the same visibility from Indiana Avenue and 6th Street.
Mr. Medellin stated the proposal required a design review approval from the
Commission due to a change to the façade with the addition of signage. The Design
Guidelines state "Signage includes not only signs attached to individual buildings, but
also street signs, traffic signs, and informational signs. Historically, signs may have been
painted on masonry walls or on glass storefronts. Signs also were printed on metal
plates that are mounted on concrete or metal posts." Mr. Medellin stated local historic
district guidelines for signage state the following must be adhered to:
a. Design new signs so that they reflect the materials and architectural character of
the associated landmark or historic district.
b. Attach new signs in a manner that does not damage the original exterior wall
material. For masonry walls, all attachments shall anchor into the mortar rather
than the masonry unit.
c. New signs shall be confined to building facades that front a street, side alley or
rear alley or provide a principal entrance. There shall be only one sign on each
façade, unless multiple signs were present historically.
d. New identification signs are limited to two signs per business and shall fit within
the existing features of the façade, except for symbolic signs of limited size,
which may be projecting. Historic identification signs shall remain intact.
e. If new signs are lighted, only indirect lighting shall be permitted with the most
inconspicuous light source possible, Historic sign lighting shall remain intact.
Mr. Medellin advised local guidelines stated for new construction would need to respect
adjacent properties and conform to zoning and building codes as well as the design
guidelines which stated for design and style the building forms and architectural styles
that historically were present within the district may serve as a model for new
construction and that contemporary design and style would be appropriate for new
Landmark Commission 3 September 26,2023
construction in the historic district if the building respects the scale, massing proportions,
patterns, and materials prevalent among contributing buildings within the district.
Mr. Medellin stated Davis Signs would be the contractor for both proposed signs, and
both would be illuminated with barn lighting. Mr. Medellin advised the Commission, staff
recommends the proposed option #1; placement of a new, 3.5ft. x 6ft. channel lit logo
sign with no additional lighting to be placed on the west facade. Any attachment of the
sign shall be through the grout and not pierce through the bricks.
Chairwoman Derr asked if the applicant, whom was present, wished to give a
presentation. The applicant stated staff had presented the case well and had nothing to
add, however, Mr, Andersen was willing to answer any questions that the Commission
might have. There were no comments from the public. Ms. Marcela Medellin asked if
the Commission were to approve the proposal if it would create a precedence for
illuminated signs in the alley. Mr. Medellin stated it would not. Chairwoman Derr stated
the Speak Easy had an illuminated sign. Ms. Medellin asked if the proposed signage
would meet city ordinances. Mr. Medellin stated it would as there was specific
requirements for wall signs. Mr. Lee stated the sign would help to better identify the
structure from a well trafficked Indiana Avenue and help with the overall darkness of
downtown. Ms. Ponder-Smith had questions over the option numbering compared to
what was listed in order on the application.
Ms. Ponder-Smith made a motion to approve option number 1; placement of a new,
3.5ft. x 6ft. channel lit logo sign with no additional lighting to be placed on the west
facade. Any attachment of the sign shall be through the grout and not pierce through
the bricks. Mr. Lee seconded the motion which passed unanimously with a vote of 7-0.
IV. Action Item: Design Review — 1515 Hayes Street (West Floral Heights Historic District)
Request for 21 Solar Panel Installation:
• Option 1: Residence — Main Structure:
o Install 16 Panels on the South Slope (Facing Avenue F)
o Install 5 Panels on the East Slope (Facing Alley)
• Option 2: Accessory Structure:
o Install 14 Panels on the South Slope (Facing Avenue F)
o Install 7 Panels on the North Slope (Facing Alley)
Mr. Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, presented the case and stated the
proposal to install solar panels had two options for placement at the subject property on
1515 Hayes Street, located on the northeast corner of Hayes Street and Avenue F in
the West Floral Heights Historic District.
The home was built circa 1924 in the craftsman style and is a contributing structure in
the neighborhood. Mr. Floyd stated some of the key features of the home were; low-
pitched, cross gabled roof with wide, overhanging eaves and decorative beams. Partial-
width porch sheltered beneath cross gable and supported by slender, square columns.
Landmark Commission 4 September 26, 2023
A one-story; asymmetrical facade with double-hung, sash windows (6 over 6 and 4 over
4).
Mr. Floyd gave a brief time line of various alterations, starting with the composition roof
being replaced with metal sometime between 2004 to 2013. Porch railings were also
added sometime between 2013 and 2019. Inventory photos displayed showed newer
alterations added sometime between April 2019 to August 2023. A new fence/gate
installed in the side-yard (double lot) that is visible from Hayes along with a new
shed/pet kennel (no permits) and various patio/gazebo elements.
Mr. Floyd showed recent photos from 2023 while pointing out where solar panels would
be located for both options and their visibility from the right-of-way. The proposal had
two options for placement of the solar panels. The first option involved 21 solar panels
placed on the primary residential structure, 16 panels on the south slope that would face
Avenue F and 5 panels on the east slope that would face the alley. The second option
would be to have 21 solar panels placed on the accessory structure that is a detached
garage, with 14 panels on the south slope, facing Avenue F and 7 panels on the north
slope that would face the alley.
Mr. Floyd noted in the front view from Hayes Street, looking at the subject property, that
solar panels from 1508 Tilden's rear garage were visible and also visible from alley
behind and between 1511 & 1515 Hayes Street. Mr. Floyd stated 21 solar panels on
the primary structure would be highly visible, however, if placed on the rear accessory
garage, the visibility would be limited from Avenue F and the alley, thus reducing the
impact to the historic architectural character of the district.
Fastrac Energy Services, LLC would be the contractor for the proposed solar panels
and submitted solar component drawings that show the same amount of power could
be obtained no matter what structure the panels were installed on. Mr. Floyd stated that
the residential structure configuration would set a precedent in the historic district with
solar panels proposed on the main structure roof slope directly facing the street and
intersection. In addition, the placement would have visibility from the rear alley. Option
2 for the placement of the panels on the accessory structure would have the least
visibility and impact to the property, block and district with the same number of panels
proposed for the rear garage.
The City's Design Review Guidelines state a design review application will be required
for residential construction that has changes to the appurtenances, affect the
architectural style and/or additions to or removal of elements from an existing structure
which may alter the size, height, square footage, contour, outline or rhythm of the
structure. Furthermore, Mr. Floyd advised the guidelines state for mechanical
equipment that whenever possible, locate solar panels so that they are not visible from
the street. Appropriate locations may include the back of the roof, the ground, or the
roof of an outbuilding.
Mr. Floyd stated staff recommended the approval of option #2, install 21 solar panels
placed on the detached accessory structure that is a garage, with 14 panels on the
Landmark Commission 5 September 26. 2023
south slope, facing Avenue F and 7 panels on the north slope that would face the alley.
Ms. Derr asked if the applicant was present and wished to give a presentation. Ms. Beth
Combs was present and had nothing to present. There were no comments from the
public. Ms. Medellin stated she believed option #2, that staff was recommending was
the best option. Mr. Hartmangruber made a motion to approve the installation of 21 solar
panels to be placed on the accessory structure that is the garage. Fourteen panels on
the south slope, facing Avenue F and 7 panels on the north slope that would face the
alley. Ms. Ponder-Smith seconded the motion which passed unanimously with a vote of
7-0.
V. Action Item: Design Review — 2812 10th Street (West Floral Heights Historic District)
Request for New Roof/Decking Materials for a Rear Accessory Structure:
• New decking, replace rolled asphalt roofing with 3-tab asphalt shingles and repair
wood trim.
Mr. Medellin presented the proposal to replace the roof and decking materials, to
replace the rolled asphalt roofing with 3-tab asphalt shingles and to repair the wood trim
of an accessory structure located in the rear of the subject property.
Mr. Medellin stated the subject property, located at the corner of 10th Street and Tilden
Street was built circa 1909 in the Prairie, or American Foursquare style, was a
contributing structure in the West Floral Heights Historic District. Some of the key
features of the home are the low-pitched, hipped roof with widely overhanging eaves
enclosed with decorative paired cornice line brackets. It is two stories, with one story,
having a hipped roof porch/open porch with side wings and porte-cochere. There are
key Greek designs on the fascia (primary& accessory buildings) and double-hung, sash
windows with vertical emphasis upper sash 3 over 1; 4 over 1.
Current photos of the accessory structure show the condition of the roof and decking in
serious decline. Current photos of the primary residence show existing 3-tab asphalt
shingles that the owner is requesting for the accessory structure, similar in shingle style,
profile, shape and shade for the accessory structure. Design Guidelines note that for
garage apartments, roofing material should match the main house.
The owner is proposing to replace the roof with Owens Corning's TruDefinition Duration
Shingles, 3-tab and architectural options. The concerns with the use of asphalt roll
roofing are it has a limited application, not suitable for low-slope roofs like the accessory
building and can be damaged by high winds and extreme temperatures. Roll roofing is
less costly but has a shorter lifespan of about 5-8 years, versus asphalt shingles that
are 20+years.
Mr. Medellin stated design guidelines note that exterior remodeling including changes
to garages that would affect architectural style or additions to or removal of elements
from an existing structure which may alter the size, height, square footage, contour,
outline or rhythm of the building would require a design review application and approval
from the Commission.
Landmark Commission 6 September 26,2023
Mr. Medellin advised the Commission that staff recommended approval of the proposal
to replace the roof and decking materials for the rear accessory structure with new
decking, replacing rolled asphalt roofing with 3-tab asphalt shingles and to keep and
repair the original Greek style metal/wood trim.
Chairwoman Derr asked if the applicant was present and wished to make a
presentation. Jennifer Smith, the owner and applicant, was present but had nothing to
add to the presentation. There were no comments from the public. Ms. Ponder-Smith
stated she was impressed with the maintenance and progress made on the home and
happy they were restoring and keeping the Greek trim. Ms. Ponder-Smith made a
motion to approve the proposal to replace the roof and decking materials for the rear
accessory structure with new decking, replacing rolled asphalt roofing with 3-tab asphalt
shingles and to keep and repair the original Greek style wood trim. Mr. Hartmangruber
seconded the motion that passed 7-0.
VI. Action !Item: Design Review — 1501 Tilden Street (West Floral Heights Historic District)
Request for Compliant Replacement Elements:
• Aluminum Clad Windows, 5 over 1
• Single front entry fiberglass door with paired side lites
Mr. Floyd stated staff was bringing back a revised application as directed previously by
the Commission for the request of compliant replacement ground floor windows with
aluminum clad wood windows 5 over 1 and double front entry doors with a single front
entry fiberglass door with paired side lites. Mr. Floyd advised the home, constructed in
1920, was a contributing structure in the West Floral Heights Historic District located at
the corner of Avenue E and Tilden Street that was designated in 2005.
Inventory photos from 2017 between 2018 depict the unauthorized replacement
windows with 2 over 2 pattern and other windows to the rear, side and upper story the
former owners installed. One of the key elements of the structure was a two-story entry
porch with flat roof with Greek style columns that gave the structure it's defining feature.
The replacement windows and first story entry double doors were highly visible from
public right of way. Mr. Floyd stated a stop-work order was issued December 19th, 2022
for doing work without building permits and design review authorization for alterations.
The original leaded glass front door and paired sidelights were removed and replaced
with double doors with 2 x 3 window panels. On the Tilden façade, first story windows
were replaced with vinyl window inserts installed with an alternate pattern 4 over 1
instead of original 5 over 1 style, simulated divided lites and single hung. The original
windows were constructed of wood with exterior muntins and double-hung. The
Commission denied the replacement windows in March 2023, as replacement window
material (vinyl), style, finish and visual qualities did not reflect materials removed thus
changing architectural style and violating Design Guidelines. The Commission
recommended the owner replace the non-compliant windows with wood, aluminum or
aluminum clad wood with exterior muntins in the 5 over 1 configuration. During the same
meeting the Commission denied the replacement front doors as installed, as they did
Landmark Commission 7 September 26,2023
not meet the City's Design Review Guidelines Sec. 4, item 7. The recommendation was
to submit a new application for a single front door with side lites that maintain the same
configuration and design as original.
Mr. Floyd stated staff recommended approval of the revised proposal from the owner
for aluminum clad wood windows with a revised configuration and exterior muntins with
spacers inside the glass to replicate the appearance of true divided lites, as it conforms
to the Design Guideline standards. Mr. Floyd stated the door replacement design differs
from the original, as the replacement is more modern, but staff feels it is an improvement
with the 3-part configuration including proportion of glass to solid panel. Glazing also
differs from original beveled/leaded glass and paired side lites are not full height but
would still fit the character of the historic district and would recommend approval.
Chairwoman Derr asked if the applicant wished to add to the presentation. There were
no additional comments from the applicant or the public. Ms. Medellin asked Mr. Floyd
if the muntins were on the outside of the windows, Mr. Floyd confirmed they were. Mr.
Hartmangruber thanked the owner and applicant, Whitni Simmons, for working with the
Commission on the recommended replacements. Ms. Christy Graham made a motion
to approve the proposed replacement aluminum clad wood windows with 5 over 1
configuration and exterior muntins with spacers inside the glass to replicate the
appearance of true divided lites and replacement single front entry fiberglass door with
paired side lites. Mr. Hartmangruber seconded the motion that passed unanimously with
a vote of 7-0.
VII. Other Business:
a) Monthly Reports
Depot Square:
Ms. Derr gave the following updates:
• October 5'h - Art Walk
• October 6'h —21st—Wichita Theater, Into the Woods
• September 30th — Kell House Prohibition Party
West Floral Heights:
Ms. Ponder-Smith discussed the following:
• 1510 Hayes
• 1601 Tilden
Both of which Mr. Floyd had ready to address in his continued presentation.
b) Updates:
• West Floral Heights HD — Marker Project
• 1503 Grant— Status
• 1106 Brook — Landmark: The Hamilton House
c) Resources/Periodicals:
• Preservation Texas Materials: Berry Brown House Feature
Landmark Commission 8 September 26,2023
d) Design Review — Staff Authorized — Minor Alteration/Repairs:
• 1302 Grant (West Floral Heights HD) —foundation repair
• 1106 Brook (CWF Landmark) — roofing permit (tile reset/limited section repair)
• 126 Pembroke (NRHP District) — Information purposes only: electric/generator switch
• 108 Pembroke (NRHP District)— information purposes only: roofing permit
• 111 Pembroke (NRHP District) - information purposes only: roofing permit
VIII. Adjourn
Next regularly scheduled meeting October 24, 2023 — 12:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
!LW e Lc(
rAv, i)- 2-S- 2023
Michele Derr, Chairperson Date