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Landmark Commission Minutes - 02/24/2026 LANDMARK COMMISSION MINUTES February 24, 2026 MEMBERS PRESENT: Christy Graham •Chairperson Joel Hartmangruber •vice-Chair JD Dixon ■ Member Bill Enlow •Member Dr. Dawn Ferrell, Maj. Gen. (retired) •Member Janel Ponder Smith ■ Member John Yates • Member Monica Aguon, Deputy City Attorney •City Staff Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Principal Planner/HPO • City Staff Angela Lu, Senior Assistant City Attorney ■City Staff Robin Marshall, Admin Assistant ■City Staff ABSENT: John Dickinson ■Member Whitney Flack ■ Council Liaison GUESTS: Will Tucker, (801-805 Ohio) ■Applicant I. Call to Order, Introductions and Welcome: Chairperson Christy Graham called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. Ms. Graham did introductions of Commission members, and guests attending. II. Election of Landmark Commission 2026 Chairperson & Vice-Chair. Mr. Enlow made the motion to re-elect Christy Graham as the 2026 Chairperson, Dr. Ferrell seconded the motion. There were no other nominations. Chairperson Graham asked if there were any comments from the public, and there were no additional comments. The motion to re-elect Christy Graham as Chairperson was put to vote, and it passed with a vote of 6-0. Chairperson Graham asked if there were any nominations for vice-chair. Ms. Janel Ponder-Smith motioned to re-elect Mr. Joel Hartmangruber, and Mr. John Yates seconded the motion. With no other nominations, the motion was taken to vote. The motion passed with a vote of 6-0. (Note: Mr. Joel Hartmangruber joined the meeting, which increased the following item's total number of votes.) III. Review & Approval of Minutes from: November 18 and December 16, 2025 Chairperson Graham asked the board if there was a motion to approve the minutes of the Landmark Commission 2 February 24, 2026 November 18, 2025, meeting, and Ms. Ponder-Smith motioned to approve the minutes, Dr. Dawn Ferrell seconded the motion. The motion was taken to vote and passed unanimously 7-0. After the vote, there was a motion made to approve the December 16, 2025 meeting minutes by Mr. Bill Enlow, Mr. John Yates seconded the motion. This motion was taken to vote, and it passed 7-0. IV. Action Item: Design Review Case —801-805 Ohio Ave. Karen Montgomery-Gagne presented the design review case for a proposed art project on a vacant lot at 805 Ohio. She explained this request would include four storage containers to be stacked (2 x 2)on the lot as the canvas for a downtown art installation and noted the property was in the Depot Square Historic District. The applicant for this item was Mr. Will Tucker with Tucker Resources Inc. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne gave a brief description of the location being at the corner of 8th Street and Ohio in the core of downtown. There is a building at 801, and a vacant lot that used to be addressed as 805 and 807, but all three parcels are now addressed as 801. She then pointed out that in 2004 Chairperson Graham, her husband, and Mr. Andy Lee submitted the location to the Department of the Interior fora National Register designation, which was approved. Some of the history of 801 Ohio was outlined, and Ms. Montgomery-Gagne stated that it started out as the Noble Wichita Falls Manufacturing Company. The building at 801 had multiple fires, so there were two or three versions of the building. The U.S. Post office Nap occupied the building, but it is not clear of the dates of occupancy, with dates ranging from 1892 through 1912. In 1908, on the Sanborn maps, there is a notation of it being the Post Office. Through other information, we know that the Post Office relocated to 9th Street in 1913. Staff pointed out that a portion of the building (that was The Route Building) is still remaining and showed pictures of the parking lot behind 801 Ohio. Ms. Montgomery- Gagne cited that 805 & 807 had uses, which ranged from mercantile to different uses, and the final use of 801 was an automotive garage. The board was shown multiple inventory photos of the location and buildings throughout the years. She noted that one of the last uses for the property was the Wichita Falls Police and Fire Museum through 2011. The Wichita County Heritage Society had a major restoration/rehab project at 801 Ohio, with the historic tax credit process. Unfortunately, the organization was not able to continue moving forward with that project , and sold the property to Will Tucker, our applicant. The building has continued to be well maintained along with key improvements to ensure long-term use, due to Mr. Tucker's efforts, as well as numerous other buildings in our downtown area that he has invested time and resources. Staff referenced photos to point out some features of the building at 801 Ohio, while also showing 805 Ohio where the façade was not sturdy, and at one point became a life, health and safety issue, which had to be addressed with removal of the façade (no building remained). More recent inventory photos were presented to the board that were referenced in 2019 when the Landmark Commission approved windows and along with other improvements for 801 Ohio. In the recent past, Mr. Tucker has had art installations on the vacant site next door at 805 Ohio, but they were temporary, not structural, so no design review was triggered. Landmark Commission 3 February 24, 2026 Ms. Montgomery-Gagne explained today's proposal would have four containers (2x2) which would be placed on the vacant section of the parcel close to the west property line (along sidewalk). They would be stacked nineteen feet high, and would be steel corrugated containers, as to evoke the period of the railroad era. It was stated that fencing would be used to fill the gap sections between the containers and abutting buildings so people could not go behind the containers. Engineered drawings were provided illustrating the container anchoring systems for safety and stability. These four containers would be the canvas for a new downtown art installation in conjunction with the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts & Culture. Mr. Will Tucker came forward and presented a model of a small version of what the art installation would look like. He pointed out to the board members that with this art, you will see a little different view from different places, and it has a sculptural effect. Mr. Tucker considers this installation as homage and a memorial. He also noted that he is developing this project in partnership with Glen Bacus before he passed and the Art Alliance. He gave additional details of the project and explained how and where it would be sitting on the property. He had the board members walk around the model so they could see the different views and better understand the concept. Mr. Tucker referenced the engineered design for the foundation of the containers, which will make it a secure set-up. He informed the Commission that an artist named Fuego has painted multiple, significant murals around town and is the lead artist, using Glen's concept, for the proposed art installation for the containers. The surface of the containers was discussed, and how the artist would paint on the New corrugated surface, and Mr. Tucker said the corrugated surface would not take away from the final effect. He also was asked if the containers would be elevated above the finished grade, and he informed them that they would be ground level sitting on four cement footers to secure the containers, which would be connected with the standard connecting devices that they use on the railroads to strap train cars together. There will be a bit of airspace under them, but there would not be enough space under the containers that people could get underneath. More questions were asked and answered regarding safety issues. Mr. Tucker said people would be able to look at the art from the fence but they couldn't get in the lot or into the containers which will have a secure locking mechanism along with cameras. Dr. Ferrell asked about the future of the art, and what the condition of it might be in ten years. Will the mural have to be repainted? Mr. Tucker said the art will be sealed with a product that will help maintain it and noted that there will not be direct sun hitting it. He feels the fading should be minimal but added that there will come a day that it will eventually have to be restored, or repainted. Ms. Ponder-Smith also asked about the future of the installation, and inquired, in the case that Mr. Tucker was no longer present or owner, if there were any city ordinances that would uphold the fact that the containers would be sitting here possibly rusting because the person who was so inspired to do this is no longer here to see it, and it starts to become an eyesore. A specific ordinance for this was unknown, but City Attorney Monica Aguon stated that the Commission could make a motion with stipulations regarding what the approval entails. Attorney Aguon stated that if disrepair meets a definition of trash, or debris, there are ordinances in place Landmark Commission 4 February 24, 2026 for that fundamental issue. She also added, "if the project were to then violate the Landmark approval, then the Chapter 62 under the Code of Ordinances can be used to enforce Landmarks stipulations." Ms. Montgomery-Gagne pointed out that a precedent for steel containers was set in 2015 in the Depot Square commercial historic district when Mr. Marvin Groves was developing "The Yard" outdoor food court. Staff referenced pictures of 703 Ohio, where Mr. Groves installed a 40x10ft container (to use as a bar), and placed it on the property with visibility from Ohio and 7th Streets. Staff noted that Mr. Groves project was approved by the Landmark Commission. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne also stated to the board that Mr. Tucker worked with the Landmark Commission and staff, to uphold the design standards. She added they considered the new construction standards, and noted a key element — new construction should reflect building forms and architectural style historically present in our Depot District. Mr. Tucker's goal is utilizing that key era of significance, the railroad era of development, which was followed by the oil boom. Steel structures and that type of material is something that would have been common during that era. Another key element is that these containers will not be attached to the historic buildings to the north (801), or to the building to the south (809 Ohio). The containers will be anchored to the ground and to each other, and fencing will fill in the gap. The contemporary style is another key factor that we look at. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne stated the Department of the Interior Standards are similar to the design guidelines, that new work should be differentiated from the old. It should be compatible, but it should be something that you can differentiate. The type of materials with the container as the canvas materials is something that can be clearly differentiated from the historic brick building at 809 & 801. Finally, would this new installation have a negative impact to the overall character of the Depot District? Since these containers/structures are not being attached to the buildings on either side, it reduces the potential to impair the historical integrity of the structure and there is an existing corrugated steel container one block north in the district. Chairperson Graham asked if there were any comments from the public, there being none, she asked if there were any additional comments from the Commission and the wording to protect the integrity of the downtown area was discussed, in the case that the artwork deteriorates, and/or the containers rust or are in disrepair. Mr. Hartmangruber moved to approve the design review application at 801-805 Ohio Ave. for the placement of 4 steel corrugated storage containers (anchored; stacked 2 x 2) for a downtown mural art installation project, including gap fencing between the containers and adjacent buildings,with the stipulation that the containers are maintained in good condition and remain structurally sound. Chairperson Graham seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously 7-0. [The design application was deemed to comply with the Wichita Falls Design Review Guidelines (Design Review Process; New Construction in Historic Districts) and the Department of the Interior Secretary's Standards for Rehabilitation (New Construction). Furthermore, a precedent was set in 2015 in the Depot Square Historic District, when a converted storage container was authorized for placement in an outdoor food court.] Landmark Commission 5 February 24, 2026 V. Other Business: Now a) Monthly Reports: Chairperson Graham for the Depot Square HD: • 3/14 — St. Patrick's Day Festival • OG Cellars has moved out of the Holt Hotel; relocated to Century Plaza • Matilda will be performed at the Wichita Theatre now through March. • Music Man will run in April at the Wichita Theatre. • Always Patsy is currently at the Backdoor Theater. This may be their 50th anniversary production. • March 14th —Youth Improv at the Backdoor Theater. Ms. Janel Ponder Smith for West Floral Heights HD: • The brochure was mailed out this week to inform our neighborhood that there are opportunities to be a member of our neighborhood association, but it also reminds residents there are design guidelines that must be followed. • Planning on putting out about four mail-outs per year so people know who they need to contact for staff and upcoming events. • Trying to get more of the historic plaques installed on houses. b) Staff Updates: Ms. Montgomery-Gagne • 2908 10th St(carport)—Currently three violations of different sections of Chapter 62. Mr. Rico has until March 2nd to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. • White House Ballroom Project—The Commission of Fine Arts recently convened and approved the proposal. The National Capital Planning Commission is having a meeting next week, and they are receiving any public comments regarding the proposal. If you would like to register to speak, you have until 11:00 am Central Time Feb. 25. Staff gave additional details of the planned project. • Preservation Month Ideas — Trying to increase awareness about preservation in the community. We will be working with the NTX Museum of History, Archives, Heritage Society, County Historical Corn, and the Alliance for Arts and Culture. Proclamations planned on the first Tuesday of May, both at City Council and the County Commissioner Court. • Lunch & Learn Seminar: Friday, April 24th. (Rain date: Friday, May 8th) followed by hands-on marker restoration for National Historic Marker Day. VI. Adjourn: Chairperson Graham adjourned the meeting at 1:17 pm and stated the next scheduled meeting would be March 24, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Arde,44,-) LI-oThoNk Christy Graham, Chairperson Date