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Landmark Commission Minutes - 11/12/1998r� MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION November 12, 1998 PRESENT: Lin Purtle, Chairperson Susan Koch Dorothy Rhone Ron Fox Jim Newsom Douglas James Loraine Blackwood Dave Clark, Community Development Director Steve Seese, City Planning Administrator Jason Van Essen, Planner I ABSENT: vacant licensed architect position vacant at large position GUESTS: Michael Malony, Architect for Arts Council / Kemp Library Project 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Purtle at 3:30 p.m. ■ Members ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ City Staff ■ ■ ■ Members ■ II. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 24 AND NOVEMBER 2, 1998 Mr. Newsom made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Ms. Koch seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III. DESIGN REVIEW: 1300 LAMAR STREET, KEMP LIBRARY Ms. Purtle introduced Mr. Michael Malony, the architect hired by the Arts Council to design the remodel of the Kemp Library. Mr. Malony presented the plans and prospective prepared for the meeting. Mr. Malony stated that the design does make some noticeable changes to the exterior Landmark Commission 11 -12 -98 Page 1 of 3 of the building, most of which complement or restore the original design. Mr. Malony commented that a representative from the Texas Historical Commission stated that the original integrity of the building has been compromised due to the numerous additions and remodels over the years. He continued to state that the Texas Historical Commission would not be worried about the changes the Arts Council was proposing because the Kemp Library is not a candidate for the National Register. Mr. Malony started his explanation of the changes to the building with the restoration of the basement windows. The building originally had basements windows but they were bricked up many years ago. Extensive research was done to locate pictures or drawings of the windows but nothing was found. Since no reference source was located, they based the basement windows on the windows on the main floor. The arched windows on the north side of the building will be reopened. The large arched window above the main entrance will be reopened as well. The most drastic change would be the bowed window that would set two feet behind the columns following the curve of the patio. Ms. Purtle stated that depending on total project cost, the arched windows on the north side may not be restored. Mr. Malony pointed out that the shrubbery would be replaced with smaller plants to allow visibility of the basement windows. The front door would be replaced with a double wooden door that would be very similar to the original door. Mr. Malony asked if the Commission would like to see the floor plans even though the Commission was not voting on the interior. The Commission expressed an interest in seeing the floor plans. Mr. Malony proceeded with presenting the floor plans. Mr. Clark reviewed and summarized the changes being propose to the exterior of the build for the commission and reminded them that the exterior changes were what they were considering when voting. Mr. Fox asked what materials was being used for the windows. Mr. Malony stated they were constructed of wood. Ms. Rhone asked if the windows were going to be energy efficient. Mr. Malony replied they would be as energy efficient as possible. Mr. Fox made motion to approve the Art Councils proposal. Ms. Rhone seconded the motion. Ms. Koch stated she did not approve of the proposed bowed window. She felt that such a dramatic change to the appearance of the building took away from its historic character. Mr. Malony stated that the representative from the Texas Historic Commission was not bothered by the bowed window. Ms. Purtle called for a vote. The Commission approved the design as shown by a 5 to 1 vote. Ms. Purtle abstained from voting and Ms Koch was the dissenter. IV. REPORT ON PROPOSED HISTORIC DISTRICT EXPANSION Mr. Seese stated that staff needs to create a mail merge and send out the survey to the property owners in the proposed expanded district. Mr. Seese asked the Commission if they wanted to survey mailed out before Thanksgiving or afterwards. The general consensus was to do it before. V. REPORT ON LANDMARK NOMINATIONS: YMCA, ELKS HOME, AND HAMILTION BUILDING Ms. Purtle reported that she has not had the time to work on the Hamilton Building nomination. Ms. Koch reported that she had completed the research for the YMCA and is close to finishing the nomination forms. Mr. Fox reported that Dick Bundy had gathered all the information he could for the Elks Home and that it has passed on to Leta Watson to complete the forms. Mr. Seese mentioned that the Women's Y and the Kemp Kell Depot had expressed their desire to Landmark Commission 11 -12 -98 Page 2 of 3 apply for Landmark Status. Mr. Seese asked the Commission if they felt we should process the designation for the Kemp Kell Depot at the same time as the Elks Home and YMCA Building. The general opinion of the Commission was if there was time Kemp Kell Depot should be done as well. VI REPORT ON CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE IN CORPUS CHRISTI Mr. Clark stated that local governments are certified as recognition of their efforts in historic preservation. These efforts include such things as having a landmark commission and historic district. Mr. Clark talked about some of the benefits of certification including: planning grants, tax abatement, easement program, and preservation tax credits. Mr. Clark finished by suggesting to the Commission that we should peruse certification. Ms. Purtle stated that she had been involved with the certification application process before and it was not very difficult. VII OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Purtle announced to the Commission that the Texas Historical Commission in association with Preservation Texas is having a conference in May in Austin and that she was planning on attending. Mr. Clark briefly reviewed the first of the series of three Downtown Meetings. Mr. Clark also mentioned the Wichita Apartments were near completion and expressed his pleasure with how they are going to turn out. III. ADJOURN The Landmark Commission was adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Lin Purfre, C /'� - �j - �Qg Date Ci 7 r' � LERK'S OFFICE Date __ —: J :!!Z,7 RV �4 Time�ti. - Landmark Commission 11 -12 -98 Page 3 of 3