Landmark Commission Minutes - 12/17/1998MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
December 17, 1998
PRESENT:
Lin Purtle, Chairperson
Susan Koch
Jim Newsom
Douglas James
Loraine Blackwood
Steve Seese, City Planning Administrator
Richard Luedke, Planner III
Jason Van Essen, Planner I
ABSENT:
Dorothy Rhone
Ron Fox
vacant licensed architect position
vacant at large position
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Purtle at 3:47 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 12 1998
■ Members
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■ City Staff
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■ Members
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Ms. Purtle stated that the spelling of Michael Malony was wrong in the minutes and asked that
they be corrected. Ms. Blackwood made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms.
Koch seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
III. LANDMARK NOMINATION: ELKS HOME -1005 NINTH STREET
Mr. Luedke reviewed the information in the application prepared by Dick Bundy. Ms. Purtle
asked if anyone knew of any information about the building that was not mentioned in the
application. Mr. James mentioned that Don Short had his lawyer practice there prior to Dick
Bundy purchasing the building. Mr. Newsom made a motion to recommend landmark
designation to the City Council. Ms. Koch seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
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IV. LANDMARK NOMINATION: CENTRAL YMCA -1010 NINTH STREET
Ms. Purtle started the discussion by mentioning that the YMCA was about to celebrate it 50'h
anniversary and that they are hoping that the Landmark designation can be part of the
celebration. Ms. Koch prepared the application for the YMCA and discussed some of the
information it presented. Ms Koch mentioned that Bob Hope was present at the dedication and
25th anniversary ceremonies. Due to his physical condition he will not be able to attend the 50'h
anniversary celebration but sent a letter thanking the YMCA for the invitation. Mr. Luedke
mention that Mayor Yeager might be presenting the plaque to the YMCA at the anniversary
celebration. Mr. Luedke asked Ms. Koch what became of the dormitory rooms. Ms. Koch
replied that the 53 rooms are still there and that they are used for storage now. Mr. Newsom
made a motion to recommend landmark designation to the City Council. Ms. Blackwood
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
V. LANDMARK NOMINATION: KEMP /KELL DEPOT - 503 EIGHTH STREET
Mr. Luedke review the information in the application prepared by the Planning Division. Mr.
Luedke mentioned that Mayor Yeager might present the plaque at the dedication ceremony.
Mr. Newsom mention that the building does have a basement and that it was probably used for
storage. Mr. James asked if anyone knew what happened to the original cornerstone. Ms.
Koch replied that the whereabouts of the original is not known. Mr. Luedke asked Mr. Newsom
if the Depot was going to still be used as a visitors center and if anything other uses were
identified for the remanding space. Mr. Newsom replied that visitors center and some office
space for the Wichita County Heritage Society was the only definite occupants. The second
floor is still vacant. Mr. James made a motion to recommend landmark designation to the City
Council. Mr. Newsom seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
VI REPORT ON PROPOSED HISTORIC DISTRICT EXPANSION
Mr. Luedke reported to the Commission that a second survey was mailed out on November 12.
Mr. Luedke stated that the second survey is more in depth and we will be able to trace who
responds unlike the first survey. Mr. Luedke reported the results from the first survey, which
included a 38% response rate of which 73% were in favor.
VII REPORT ON PROPOSED LANDMARK NOMINATIONS
Ms. Purtle stated that she was still gathering information on the Hamilton Building. Mr. Luedke
stated that the YWCA and the U.S. Post Office have shown an interest in designation for their
buildings. Mr. Luedke suggested that staff should follow -up on the letters that were sent to
potentials landmarks
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VIII - OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Seese informed the Commission that the Facade Enhancement Program was being
canceled due to lack of participation by the community. Mr. Luedke mentioned that staff is in
the process of revising the landmark nomination forms. Ms. Koch discussed a few historic
walking tours that she had been on. Ms. Purtle mentioned that if Wichita Falls was a certified
local government the City could apply for a grant to design a walking tour. Mr. Newsom asked if
any new members have been appointed. Mr. Luedke stated that Karen Greiner was appointed
to the Commission at the December 15, City Council meeting. Ms. Purtle suggested that the
next meeting be held on February 4, 1999. After brief discussion everyone agreed to meeting
next on February 4.
III. ADJOURN
The Landmark Commission was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
c
Lin Pule, — Chairperson
Dat
RECEiV— IN
CIT Y, CLERK'S OFFICE
Date —
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