HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_09.28.2017City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Minutes
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
Council and Courts Building
101 E. 71h Street Georgetown, TX 78626
Members present: Lee Bain, Chair; Terri Asendorf-Hyde; Justin Bohls; Art Browner; Shawn Hood,
Vice -Chair; Karl Meixsell; Catherine Morales (alternate); Scott Revier (alternate) and Lawrence
Romero.
Absent: none
Staff present: Sofia Nelson, Planning Director; and Stephanie McNickle, Recording Secretary.
Call to Order by Chair Bain at 6:00 p.m. with the reading of the meeting procedures.
Regular Session
A. Welcome and Meeting Procedures
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Consideration of the Minutes from the August 24, 2017 HARC meeting. Karen Frost, Recording
Secretary
Motion by Romero, second by Hood to approve the minutes. Approved 7-0.
C. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the
demolition of property located at 1111 E. 7th Street, bearing the legal description of 2.629 acres
being all that certain tract of land described in deed to Daniel Zavala Sr. out of the William
Addison Survey - Nat Waggoner, AICP, Long Range Planner
Sofia Nelson presented the staff report. This is a two-story residential structure identified as a
high priority structure in the 2016, 2007 and 1984 Historic Resources Surveys (HRS). The
estimated date of construction is 1915. The 2016 HRS does not indicate a stylistic influence but
does note the vernacular construction plan as an "I" house. The 2016 survey also notes that the
property is an excellent and/or rare example of its type or style, has significant associations and
retains sufficient integrity. This property is one of five residential structures identified as an "P'
house and of those five, one of two homes identifies as a high priority structure.
The demolition subcommittee met and reviewed the house and reported that the structure is no
longer habitable due to the house being vacant and not maintained for years. The Historic
Preservation Officer and Chief Building Official have conferred and found little salvage or
relocation value in this structure. Based on all information presented, staff recommends approval
of the demolition.
The applicant explained it is not economically feasible to renovate the property due to many
aspects, including but not limited to: the front facade has been removed, single pane aluminum
windows have been installed, asphalt has been installed over the wood siding, it is structurally
unstable with significant wood rot and termite damage, and the kitchen and bathroom additions
were poorly constructed.
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 3
Meeting: September 28, 2017
Bain opened the public hearing.
Barbara Hernandez, 1110 E 7th Street, neighbors across the street from the house. She had a
picture from the Southwestern University library of the house in the 1930's and shows that the
house has had changes. Another source of information, the public library, shows that this house
was part of the SU history from when LB Johnson attended and worked with the University to
promote the GI bill and military attendance. They purchased housing in the nearby areas to for
military families to live in during that time. Most of that housing was destroyed after the war and
the government gave the land to the city. In the 1880's, homes were then built and purchased by
teachers at the University. There are no records of anyone of notoriety presiding in those houses,
including the one being discussed. Although they are concerned about the history of the
neighborhood, they appreciate the willingness and integrity of the developers in building new
residences. Their concern is for the nearby cemetery and it's maintenance for the history of
Georgetown. (The speaker was given another 3 minutes to speak by her husband - Carlos
Hernandez.) She asked for a speed limit posting on that end of the street and expressed concerns
about future neighbors not appreciating the history of the area. They are concerned about future
traffic.
Michael Walton, 1406 E 151h Street, asks the commission to vote no for demolition of this property,
not for the reason of this specific house, but because of the high priority rating on the Survey and
the significance granted to this property. He does not want the commission to set a precedent of
allowing demolition of a high priority structure. He wants the city to look at these properties
before they get to this state of neglect. He also cited the cost of renovating according to the
reported numbers will be less than that to construct new.
Amanda Parr, 302 East 1511, St, Preservation Georgetown President, supports preservation and is
an advocate for preserving the history of Georgetown. She also asks the commission to vote no
and to be mindful of the historic structures. She is for development in the old town and
downtown but the city needs to balance that with preserving the older structures, specifically the
high priority structures.
The Public Hearing was closed with no other speakers coming forth.
Nelson explained that the concerns of the neighbors regarding traffic and speed can be addressed
by Code Enforcement officers if needed. And the applicant is the new owner and has not been
the one responsible for the neglect, and has reviewed this property for possible renovation.
The Commission debated the item and asked the developer/applicant for more information.
Mark Moore, interim Building Official, spoke and explained how they can deem the building a
"demolition by neglect" or a dangerous structure. Commissioners discussed the preservation
costs of the house with the applicant, and future plans for the lot.
Motion by Meixsell to postpone action on this application until staff can get more information
on this house as related to the other five "I" houses and an explanation of why it is a high
priority structure. Second by Romero. Approved 7 - 0.
D. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for
exterior alteration to a low priority historic property located at 1610 S. College St, bearing the
legal description of 0.69 acres in the Hughes Addition, Block 12 (SE/PT), out of the Clement
Stubblefield Survey
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 3
Meeting: September 28, 2017
Nelson presented the case. The request is to add a porte-cochere facing College Street, new
addition of a master bedroom facing College Street, removal and replacement of windows and
doors, installation of a new fence and exterior paint. The commission is asked to review the
addition and the removal of windows. The paint color and fencing will be reviewed
administratively. The single story, irregular shaped house located at the southern end of the Old
Town Historic District lacks any identifiable stylistic influences, historic significance and
structural integrity according to the 2007 and 2016 Historic Resources Surveys. The date of
construction is the property's defining historic characteristic. All improvements are designed to
meet the Design Guidelines and staff recommends approval.
Chair Bain opened the Public Hearing and with no speakers coming forth closed the hearing.
Motion by Romero, second by Bohls to approve the application as presented. Approved 7 — 0.
E. Updates of Downtown Projects and upcoming meetings.
Next Regular HARC Meeting, October 26, 2017
Nelson stated the Old Town and Downtown Historic District street signs will be replaced
during the month of October. The removed signs will be sold at Market Days in
November. More information will be coming.
F. Adjournment
Motion by Bohls, second by Romero to adjourn at 7:08 p.m. Approved 7 — 0.
Approved, Lee Bain Chair Attest, Justin Bohls
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 3
Meeting: September 28, 2017