HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 03.23.2023Minutes of the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, March 23, 2023
The Georgetown Historic and Architectural Review Commission met on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6:00
PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Pierce P Macguire, Alton
Martin, Jennifer Powell, William J Harris
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be found on the
table at the entrance to the meeting room. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you wish
to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward to speak
when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the meeting
being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to speak for
six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted time to speak. No more than six minutes for a
speaker may be granted. The requestor granting time to another speaker must also submit a form and be present
at the meeting.
On a sub*ect not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission Liaisor
prior to the day the agenda for this meeting is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to address the
Board or Commission members. No action can be taken.
1. Regular Session
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the March 9th, 2023
regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Committee. --Jessica
Lemanski, Planning Specialist
Moved by Lawrence Romero; seconded by Evan Hein to Approve Item 1.A.
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Alton
Martin, Jennifer Powell, William J Harris
Voting Against: None
1.B 2022-23-COA (Block 37)
Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA) for the following:
• New commercial infill building construction
• An 1 V-6" building height increase from the required 40' maximum building height to
allow three proposed buildings to be a maximum height of 51'-6"
for the property located at 604 S. Austin, bearing the legal description of Lots 2A-7A,
Block 37, City of Georgetown, Amended (2022-23-COA) - Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
This item was postponed at the request of the applicant to a date uncertain. Staff will
provide additional public notice when a new date is determined. No action was taken
by the Commission on this item.
1.0 2022-62-COA (1503 E. 15th Street)
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA) for the following:
• Demolition that results in the reduction or loss in the total square footage of the
existing structure
• Addition that creates a new or adds to an existing street facing fa4ade
• Replacing a historic architectural feature with a non -historic architectural feature
• New building construction (detached garage)
• Setback modification request to allow a detached garage to encroach V-0" into the
required 6-0" (east) side setback
• Setback modification request to allow a detached garage to encroach 3'-0" into the
required 10'-0" rear setback
for the property located at 1503 E. 15th Street, bearing the legal description of .56 acres
out of Lot 6-8 & 19-23, Block 5, University Park (2022-62-COA) - Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report.
Richard Elasser, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and
elaborated on drainage issues on the property, especially in regards to the carport,
roof, and western room proposed to be demolished. Elasser noted that the large tree
adjacent to the room has damaged the foundation over time, and he spoke to the
potential solutions for the drainage issues on the site.
Commissioner Hein asked if the carport is original to the house. O'Kelley confirmed that
the minutes from the Demolition Sub -Committee meeting reflect that it was established
that the carport was present on the original plans of the house.. Commissioner Hein
asked why the applicant is choosing to move the garage to the front of the house.
Elasser established this was a design choice to allow a covered walkway from the house
to the garage. Discussion on slope and grading of the site.
Commissioner Hein asked when the room proposed to be demolished was added to
the house. Elasser established that it was constructed after the second addition to the
house.
Commissioner Burns requested further clarification regarding the drainage on the
property and commented that she believes the carport could be saved or repurposed
in some way. Commissioner Burns also noted that there is sufficient room on the back
side of the property for a garage, and the Design Guidelines suggest garages should be
place behind the residence.
Commissioner Powell asked if they know the scope of the repairs on the garden wall, or
if there are any other demolitions they foresee for their scope of work. Elasser noted
that the window in the western room will be reutilized, as well as the brick on the
carport. Commissioner Powell asked if the brick exterior walls, aside from those on the
carport, will remain intact. Elasser confirmed, yes.
Commissioner Romero asked where the drains themselves will be place. Elasser
established they would be in the backyard near the tree.
Chair Walton asked if the foundation had ever been repaired. Elasser confirmed he is
not aware of any foundation repairs.
Chair Walton asked what the reasoning behind the roof change was. Elasser
established that the existing structure is undersized, and they now require more pitch
in the roof for insulation.
Chair Walton asked if there is any other location on the site that the garage could be
placed. O'Kelley established that we can request an exhibit from the Applicant that
would illustrate areas to be dedicated for drainage that would show available space on
the lot.
Discussion on drainage and grading on the site.
Chair Walton commented that he would like to hear more about how the tree will be
protected while the home is being demolished. Elasser established they anticipate
using a water drilling technique, which is easy on the tree's roots.
Chair Walton opened the public hearing.
Elizabeth Bustos, 1610 E 15th St., approached the podium to address the Commission
and established that the garage would be very noticeable from her front porch, and
inquired on whether a drainage expert was consulted for this project.
Jessica Duncan, 1602 E 14th St., approached the podium to address the Commission
and requested more information on the drainage on the site, and noted that the home
should be designated as a higher priority structure.
Bob Blumquist, 1302 Katherine St., approached the podium to address the Commission
and commented that he moved to Georgetown from Austin to escape investment
flippers and is opposed to this request.
Larry Olson, 9th St., approached the podium to address the Commission and spoke to
the history of the house, and established that he is in favor of the demolition of the
wester 120 square foot room to save the tree and aid in the drainage of the site.
However, he believes the carport can be restored and repurposed, and that a civil
engineer needs to be consulted to examine the site's drainage feasibility. Olson also
noted that the current pitch of the roof contributes to the distinct style of the home.
Brad Burns, 1905 S. Church St., approached the podium to address the Commission
and recommended this item be postponed until a civil engineer can be consulted to
evaluate the site. Burns also noted that the board and batten materials are not
appropriate for this site and brick or stucco would be preferred.. Burns spoke to
possible roofing options, and noted that the pitch of roof would impact the style of the
house.
Jon Den Beste, 1604 Louise St., approached the podium to address the Commission.
Van Den Beste ceded his time to Jon. Beste spoke to the home's potential to be listed in
the National Registry of Historic Places, especially considering the original architect's
prominence. Beste noted that the home is more of a mid-century modern house than
ranch style.
Matthew Dula, 1408 E 15th St., approached the podium to address the Commission.
Kathryn Manasco ceded her time to Dula. Dula noted that the proposed changes to the
home would change its architectural integrity, especially in concern to the original
architect's vision. Dula spoke to the history of the architect, as well as Dr. Benold and
his contributions to the City of Georgetown. Dula also noted that the architectural
preservation should be prioritized, and noted that deteriorating foundations and
drainage are common issues in Old Town.
Ann Brown, 1308 Hutto Rd., approached the podium to address the Commission and
noted that she has been inside the house in many different weather conditions and has
never experienced drainage issues within the house. Brown noted that she is
concerned that the applicant is not considering every option to preserve the house in
order to appeal to buyers, especially considering that the proposed changes will be
visible from 15th Street.
Judy Fabry, 1207 Hutto Rd., approached the podium to address the Commission and
spoke to the significance of both the Benold house and its previous residents. Fabry
noted that the demolition of the carport seems unnecessary and believes the drainage
issues could be addressed in a different way, and she requested postponement of the
item until more detailed drawing are provided by the Applicant.
Chair Walton closed the public hearing.
Chair Walton called for a 5 minutes recess. The meeting was called back to order at 7:43
Pm.
Commissioner Romero commented that he would be in favor of postponement of the
item in order to see more in depth drainage plans for the property. Commissioner
Romero also believes the garage should not be placed on the south side of the
property, and changing the pitch of the roof would significantly change the style of the
home.
Commissioner Powell echoed commissioner Romero's comments, noting that she
would like to see the engineering drawings for the proposed drainage system.
Chair Walton noted that there was a comment made at the Demolition Sub -Committee
meeting that the house may be lost if the drainage on the site is not addressed, and
also noted that the street view of the roof is flat, but it is pitched from the inside. Chair
Walton noted that the maintenance on the rood has been basic at best, and that he is
mostly concerned with the proposed materials and the roof line.
Commissioner Burns noted that the style of the house is mid-century modern, not
ranch style, and that changing the pitch of the roof would significantly impact this style.
Commissioner Burns believes the carport can be repurposed or reused, and the design
guidelines recommend garages go behind the house. Commissioner Burns agreed with
her fellow Commissioners that she needs a better understanding of how the drainage
on the site will be addressed.
Commissioner Martin agreed with previous comments made by the Commission,
especially concerning the proposed materials and garage placement. Commissioner
Martin noted that he is in favor of the demolition of the room near the tree, and
changing the roof pitch would significantly alter the style of the house.
Commissioner Hein commented that the main goal is the preservation of the house,
and he has not seen compelling evidence that the proposed changes are absolutely
necessary to protect the house. The carport, as well as the roof, contribute to the style
of the house, and he would like to see compelling reasons why the garage is proposed
to be visible from 15th street instead of in the back of the property.
Alternate Harris thanked the public for their participation in the meeting.
Moved by Linda C Burns; seconded by Lawrence Romero to Continue Item 1.0 to the
April 27th regular HARC meeting to get further information from the applicant
regarding the drainage of the site, roofing options, and garage options..
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Alton
Martin, Jennifer Powell, William J Harris
Voting Against: None
LID 2022-64-COA (1612 S. Main Street)
Public Hearing and Possible Action on a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the
following:
• an addition that creates or adds to a street facing facade,
• the removal of historic architectural features,
• a 2'-8" encroachment into the required 10' rear setback to allow a garage addition
8'-4" from the rear (west) property line, and
• a T-0" encroachment into the required 25' garage setback to allow a garage
addition 22' from the side street (south) property line
for the property located at 1612 S. Main Street, bearing the legal description of 0.21
acres out of Lot 2, Block 4, Logan Addition (2022-64-COA)
Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report
Chair Walton asked for clarification on what historic features are being removed.
O'Kelley established the exterior walls are being removed to allow space for the
proposed addition.
Commissioner Hein asked if the setback encroachment is any more than the existing
structure. O'Kelley said no.
Chair Walton opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth.
Moved by Evan Hein; seconded by William J Harris to Approve Item 1.D.
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Alton
Martin, Jennifer Powell, William J Harris
Voting Against: None
1.E 2023-6-COA (609 S. Church Street)
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA) for the following:
• Allow aside yard fence to be 8'-0" in height where the maximum is 6-0";
• New infill building (shed);
• A 3'-0" encroachment into the required 10' rear setback to allow a shed 7'-0" from
the rear (east) property line;
• A V-0" encroachment into the required 6' side setback to allow a shed 5'-0" from the
side (south) property line;
for the property located at 609 S. Church Street, bearing the legal description of .16
acres out of Lot 7, Block 11, Glasscock Addition (2023-6-COA) - Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report.
Harley Coon, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and
apologized for the placement of the shed without HARC approval and explained that
the request for the fence is to allow more privacy from adjacent rental properties and
headlights going by.
Commissioner Burns asked if they are requesting an 8 foot fence at the front of the
property. Coon confirmed yes, but only for a few feet.
Chair Walton asked if the shed was originally in the driveway. Coon explained that the
shed was placed in the driveway when he was renting the property, and the notices of
non-compliance were being sent to the property owner without his knowledge. The
shed was moved to the back, and once Coon bought the property, he learned of his
non-conformance.
Commissioner Burns asked why a 6 foot fence is not a sufficient height. Coon explained
that their bedroom widow and back porch are elevated, allowing neighbors and
passersby to see in.
Commissioner Burns asked what considerations are preventing him form moving the
shed to come into conformance. Coon explained that the cost of moving the shed a few
feet is his largest consideration right now.
Chair Walton opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth.
Chair Walton commented that if the fence is approved, the shed will be hidden, but it
will need to be moved regardless due to safety and maintenance concerns.
Moved by Linda C Burns; seconded by Jennifer Powell to Approve the fence request as
presented, and approve the shed with the condition that it comply with applicable
setbacks by moving 3 feet to the West and 1 foot to the North.
Motion Approved: 6- 0
Voting For: Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Alton Martin, Jennifer Powell,
William J Harris
Voting Against: None
1.F Staff Report
Updates, Commissioner questions, and comments -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation
and Redevelopment Manager
No announcements were made at this meeting.
Adjournment I
These minute were approved at the meeting of 6 3 23
Chair Atte