Landmark Commission Minutes - 12/16/2025 LANDMARK COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 16, 2025
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Christy Graham ■Chairperson
Joel Hartmangruber •Vice Chair
John Dickinson • Member
JD Dixon ■ Member
Bill Enlow ■Member
Dr. Dawn Ferrell, Maj. Gen. (retired) ■ Member
Noros Martin • Member
John Yates ■ Member
Monica Aguon, Assistant City Attorney •City Staff
Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Principal Planner/HPO ■ City Staff
Robin Marshall, Admin Assistant ■ City Staff
ABSENT:
Janel Ponder Smith ■ Member
GUESTS:
Jessica Wood -(501 Indiana) ■Applicant
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I. Call to Order, Introductions and Welcome:
Chairperson Christy Graham called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m.
Ms. Graham did introductions of Commission members, and guests attending.
II. Action Item: Design Review Case— 501 Indiana: Backdoor Theatre:
Request authorization to install 13 new exterior LED wall sconces/electrical conduit
on main building facades for up/down lighting options for improved
security/safety/visibility.
Applicant: Jessica Wood, Executive Managing Director of Backdoor Theater
Ms. Montgomery-Gagne explained that Ms. Wood had come to the Commission last
month with a request for lighting and new signage. At that time, the Commission
decided to table the motion for the lighting so there would be more time for the
Theater to find a specific lighting style that would meet the theater's needs for
increased visibility, safety and security.
Ms. Woods's proposal will still have thirteen LED wall sconces that will be attached
to the grout through two puncture points (two screws attaching the mounting plate).
The proposal also indicated that they are working with Syd Litteken, and Eddie
Johnson (E.J.'s after-hours electrical).
Photos were shown to the Commission of similar fixtures in the area to show what
Landmark Commission 2 December 16, 2025
the effect will be. They can be utilized for up lighting to highlight the features of the
Icehouse/Theater (historic building), or for downlighting for the visibility, added
security, safety for performers/staff/patrons. Additionally, you can have both with
different color options. It is a bigger investment than the initial, more commercial
rectangular style light fixtures that were in the original proposal. The new style suits
the needs of what the theater is trying to accomplish. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne
stated that the placement of the lighting will be the same as the original proposal,
and they will be on the columns on the building. She referred the board members
to the book to view a picture where it was highlighted where the fixtures would be
on the extended columns on each of the four façades.
Installation specifications of the light fixtures were shown to the board and Ms.
Montgomery-Gagne discussed how they would be connected to the building. The
connection for either style of fixture will be in the grout, not the brick, so that should
not impact their final choice. Pictures in the Commissioner's books were referred to
so they could see photos of the building from the original ice house through the 90's,
and then on to today. The only direct impact to the building would be the point of
puncture of the mounting bracket, and then the extension of electrical conduit. It was
noted that some existing conduit on the exterior of the building will be removed.
Additional photos were pointed out to show the difference to the area from daytime
to nighttime with the current fixtures. It is extremely dark at night with the two current
fixtures on the Indiana facing façade because there is only one street light there.
There is no desire to remove any of the trees due to the aesthetic value that they
have, and can also be utilized for adding more decorative lighting.
Ms. Woods informed the board that if the fixture is approved, they plan to purchase
one of each, so they can actually see what it looks like. They are the same fixture,
just different sizes.
With no further comments or questions from the public, Chairperson Graham opened
the discussion to the Commission. There was discussion regarding the wattage and
location of the fixtures, but there was agreement that the theatre could mix and
match the fixtures. Also, on the taller parts of the building they might opt to consider
utilizing a higher wattage bulb in the same style fixture.
Chairperson Christy Graham introduced a motion to approve new construction
involving the installation of 13 exterior LED wall sconces with bulb wattage variable
as determined is needed for adequate up/down lighting. Light fixtures are to be
installed on the specified columns, with the fixture mounting plate attachment point
in the grout to the extent possible. Additionally, electrical conduit will be installed as
necessary to supply electricity to the new fixtures, and it will be affixed in the grout
lines instead of the historic bricks. Dr. Ferrell seconded the motion. The motion was
taken to vote by Chairperson Graham, and unanimously approved by a vote of 8-0.
Landmark Commission 3 December 16, 2025
IV. Action Item: Design Review Renewal — 1701 Grant:
Request consideration for renewal of the design review case for rear garage
gutters/downspout system and a new dormer; approved in December 2024 (West
Floral Heights HD)
Applicant: Mr. Kevin Neil
Chairperson Graham explained the applicant was requesting an extension (renewal)
of the certificate of appropriateness (design review) approved on December 17,
2024, because the year deadline was tomorrow.
Ms. Montgomery-Gagne explained to the Commission an applicant can request an
extension or renewal as long as it is requested within the 30-day window before
expiration. Mr. Neil submitted his request in because he ran out of time during the
12mo period. He was able to complete the major component which included the
approved addition of the garage doors. (facing Grant and on the rear alley side.)
The Commission was provided pictures of the property in 2019, and the location of
the new garage bay was noted. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne reminded the board about
the stop work order that had been put in place (and why), and then mentioned the
case in December 2024, when the garage doors/dormer/downspouts &gutters were
brought before the board. Also highlighted from the prior case was work on the south
wall, and the installation of a one-hour fire resistant wall. (That work was completed
in accordance with building and fire code inspections.)
. Recent pictures of the site were presented that showed the garage door installed,
having the same design the board had approved. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne
mentioned the shingles that were approved, and pointed out the line where the
garage and the addition met, and said that line would be hidden by the approved
dormer that had yet to be installed. Staff informed the board that Mr. Neil wants to
move forward with the dormer and gutters/downspouts but experienced contractor
delays. The request seeks the Commission's consideration to renew the certificate
of appropriateness for an additional 12 months, so the owner/applicant can complete
the work in 2026 according to the requirements as outlined.
Mr. Joel Hartmangruber asked why they had roofed the structure without framing
where the dormer will be. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne answered that she believed it
was a timing issue with the insurance roofing claim. They were upgrading to a class
four on the house, and wanted to ensure the garage shingles matched.
Mr. Noros Martin made the motion to approve a design review extension for 1701
Grant for an additional 12-months, and Chairperson Graham seconded the motion.
Chairperson Graham took the motion to vote, and the motion passed 8-0.
III. Other Business:
a) Monthly Reports:
Chairperson Graham for the Depot Square HD:
Backdoor Theatre — Getting ready for their next show.
Landmark Commission 4 December 16, 2025
Wichita Theatre:
• Murder on the Orient Express - On the Dinner Stage through the upcoming
Saturday(Dec 20th)
• The Grinch that Stole Christmas - On the Main Stage through the upcoming
Saturday(Dec 20th)
• Grand 01' Opry Christmas Show— December 22nd
Museum of North Texas:
• Home for the Holidays— Running through Dec. 20t1
• They are also taking nominations for legacies, people who have changed things
in North Texas as a legacy. They will announce the winners on Dec. 29th
b) Design Review: Staff Authorized — Minor Alteration/Repairs/Permits:
• Partial window replacement— 350 Morningside (information only)
• Gas/sewer line repair— 1315 Grant
• Roofing* — 1311 Tilden
• Roofing*— 1411 Hayes
*Composition shingle/same style; no design modifications
VII. Adjourn:
Staff recognized out-going member Mr. Noros Martin for his service on the Landmark
Commission as the P&Z Commission liaison. Noros was a dedicated board member
serving 3+years, between March 2021 and December 2025.
Chairperson Graham, thanked Mr. Martin for his service and adjourned the meeting
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at 12:30pm and stated the next scheduled meeting would be January 27, 2026 at
12:00 pm.
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Christy G am, Chairperson Date