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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/1994 - Regular Minutes - Historic Preservation Committee SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE AND CITY PLANNING DIVISION FEBRUARY 18, 1994 CITY PLANNING: Jim Callaway, Assistant Director; Jane Kee, City Planner; Gali Dolev, Staff Planner and Architect; and Joey Dunn, Staff Planner HISTORIC COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Halter, Chairman, Joan Lamkin, Bill Lancaster, Greg Keith, Mary Jane Hirsch, Deborah Jasek, Florace Kling, Gary Basinger PARKS STAFF PRESENT: David Gerling, Special Facilities Superintendent; Pamela Einkauf, Senior Secretary There are several things underway that will affect the Northgate area and have caused planning to look more closely at the architecture in that area and its preservation: a) the College Main Project, an infrastructure replacement project which includes water line rehabilitation along College Main. The street will be torn up as a result of this and when the street is redone it will be improved with bike lanes and bike routes; b) the possibility of the City getting Federal funds for facade improvement; and c) several city council issues such as community appearance, which keep coming up. The purpose of this meeting was to not to discuss parking problems or plans in general for the area, but to discuss the architecture in the Northgate area. There has not been a lot done (surveys) that would help pinpoint structures in the area that might be worth preserving. What Planning needs from the Historic Committee is its support in some additional research which needs to be done. Implementation techniques or programs for the preservation of this area are a long way away. When and if it gets to that stage, Planning will come back to the Committee to get its official support before going forward with anything. A short presentation was given by Gali Dolev. Numerous questions and comments arose from this presentation, and a good portion of those questions/comments follow.* The very narrow wooden building where the first College Station Bank was located is no longer in existence. The Pizza Hut building was the first permanent building for the bank, and is located in the same area as the narrow wooden building. The bank occupied that location until the late 1960's. The variety store was run by Albert Opperstein who was Charlie Opperstein's brother. The post office had a W.P.A. mural on the wall. A new section was added to the post office at one point, and during the renovation the mural was either painted over or torn out. It was a fresco, and it was suggested by Deborah Jasek that since it would have been hard to paint over the oil the artist used, a wall may have been placed in front of the mural so that they could paint more easily. It's possible that the mural could still be there. Research on the churches is still in the beginning stages. A &M Methodist Church is believed to have been built prior to 1947 which is the date of the only permit that could be found. The City did not require building permits in the early years but the information on many buildings can be found in the tax records. The first St. Mary's Catholic Church on University burned down. There is an excellent picture that David Gerling has which shows this church. It was located in front of the present church, on the corner just beyond St. Mary's Student Center where the Zip -In is now located. A &M Presbyterian Church was originally an Army Chapel which was moved from Camp Walters (probably acquired at a very reasonable cost) and relocated there. The present facade was added later. The commercial building recently vacated by Two Pesos used to be either an apartment building or rooming house which had a front that was painted white. Because it looked somewhat similar to the Alamo, it used to be called "The Alamo ". There are at least three separate groups in the Northgate area that all have separate and conflicting interests - the churches, the bars and the retail establishments. Back in the 1980's the City proposed an idea to design a pedestrian mall at Northgate. The Aggies liked to stand out in the streets and drink, thereby blocking traffic on University. So the City thought it would be a good idea to turn the storefronts around and have them face Patricia Street. The idea did not take off, and one reason was because the Baptists were still at Northgate and they felt that the idea promoted drinking and other debauchery. The council made the decision not to go forward for fear that the bad publicity might spill over and affect other issues. Another problem was getting the multiple landowners together without getting involved in the family feuds. The City went so far as to try to negotiate land trades between some of the Boyetts who weren't even speaking to each other. Everything fell apart when one of the Boyett's finally pulled out of the negotiations altogether. Jim Callaway stated that there is a new factor that's showing up in the Northgate area in the College Main Street and waterline rehab project, and that is the use of community development block grant funds. The City has gotten those funds every year but one since 1974, and a couple of things have changed. Usually that money was only spent in the lowest income, primarily black, neighborhoods in College Station. However, since 1974 most of those streets have been paved, the fire hydrants and street lights have been installed, and many of the waterlines have been replaced. Therefore, some of the other areas that were not quite as bad off are starting to get some of the attention. Another thing happening is that there are so many additional grant programs for homes through HUD, that some of those CD dollars that go into housing can be freed up for infrastructure. So, planning is starting with the College Main Street project, which is just an ordinary street reconstruction. There is a 50 year old 12" waterline under that street that needs to be replaced. One thing being done differently this time is that the crosswalks, most particularly the one that will cross College Main, will be included in the project. Also, depending upon the bids which determine the level of detail put into those walks, similar improvements will try to be made at Church and Main, and they will also try to put in some lighting, similar to that shown in Gali's renderings. The feasibility of putting in lighting along Main itself, particularly in that first block is being investigated. Greg Keith suggested creating a boardwalk in front of those businesses where the parking spaces are. This should help to facilitate all of the people who stand in front of those businesses. These ideas were in his sheet that was handed out entitled "Notes for CSHPC Special Meeting ". Gali handed out a list of people that still need to be contacted and researched /talked with. Planning said they would get a list of questions together to ask the different roups (individual, churches) so that everyone is asking the same questions. They are looking for building histories, pictures, books, maps, stories, etc. All the churches, apartments, etc. were built all together and not south or east because there was no place else. Southgate for example, came later. The Methodists have been on the corner where St. Thomas is now located in Southgate since 1920, but the building has not been there that long. Northgate was the community - the paved streets, etc. There was no place else to go - the rest was sheep and horse pastures. Gali was trying to locate the building for the trolley bus station in Northgate. Not every building in Northgate has historical value but many of them do. However, the Planning Department will survey /document /research every building they feel is interesting. They need a database of what is there in Northgate. Gary Halter said he has looked through some old Eagle newspapers with commercial ads for those old Northgate businesses in them. There are some old photographs as well in the papers, but they would not be indexed anywhere. Gali stated that the biggest part she's missing is the information on the residential buildings. Gary Halter said that here were some old homes that were torn down that were along Patricia Street and the next street over on property that Jack Boyett owned. One was a huge two story with nine bedrooms. The one next to it had a front porch that Robert Earle King sang about in "The Front Porch Song ". The landlord he talks about in that song is Jack Boyett. Greg Keith suggested to Planning that having a list at the door of these historic buildings, of every business that had occupied that particular location from the time it was built, would be a good way to increase awareness. Some names of people to contact: Jack Zuby former Mayor of Bryan, whose family owned and ran a tailor shop in Northgate while he was Mayor. Martha Camp is the owner of the University Bookstore. Jane Kee said that they had tried to talk to George Boyett, but that he wasn't real responsive. He told her he had some photographs. Gary Halter said that he would talk to George Boyett and Jerome Loupot. Jud Loupot is the nickname of Bubba the son. Mr. Loupot is in bad physical shape and somewhat hard of hearing. His daughter is a friend of Gary's wife and she may be a better source of information and photos. Joan Lamkin said that the Sul Ross Masonic Lodge used to be in Northgate and that she believes they gave the land they were using to the Methodist Church when they moved. Someone there could be contacted. Gary Halter said Allister Waltrip who owned a men's clothing store next to University Photo (where the University Bookstore is now), would be a good person to talk to. The Lipscombs on the list were not the drugstore people. Bill Lancaster said he would contact Lauterstein and Hornak. Bill Hensel would be a good person to contact. The A &M Retirees are having a program on March 21st about people who lived and /or were born on campus. Mary Jane Hirsch lived on campus and she will be going. Bill Worthey(sp ?) is putting this together. She said she would also like to talk to Knox Walker about a letter he wrote. She said that where he stated she lived on campus was not correct. Gary Halter said that Knox did that letter based on an old telephone book he found. Someone asked about Beatrice Ivy. Bill Lancaster said that he has some addresses from an A &M Consolidated reunion for the 1940's. He has all the addresses for those people that went to High School in the '40's. Jane asked if the Historic Committee would like to meet with Planning again at their next meeting on March 2, 1994. Gary said that would be fine since the Committee was between projects. * Unfortunately, due to the fact that the recording equipment malfunctioned during the meeting, this is only a portion of the discussion which took place. NOTES FOR CSHPC SPECIAL MEETING FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18,1994 As a graduate student in architecture I have seen many plans for northside. Certainly something must be done. Here are a few ideas. Since we are just brainstorming, please ignore non -stop paragraphs, incomplete thoughts, and jumping around. BOARDWALK- The parallel parking along Northside borders a narrow sidewalk that fronts the establishments. Less than a dozen parking spaces exist along the strip. My idea is to eliminate the linear parking spaces and realign a 2 foot curb along the existing traffic lane. A boardwalk would then be placed from the new curb to the storefronts. The boardwalk could be made of lumber, railroad ties, or another rustic wood. This would create a safe walking mall along the University side of northside. It would also the 1940's atmosphere we are discussing today. Old- fashioned street lamps and benches could be placed along the boardwalk. I realize the streetscape plan calls for very simple and modern street furniture. Perhaps an exception can be made for Northside. Modern lamps, benches, etc. will only detract from a historic atmosphere. FACADES- David Woodcock speaks often of facades. Although we want to create a 1940's (1930- 1960 ?) atmosphere, I think we should look at each establishment individually. We can bring each property back to it's most appropriate point in time to create an eclectic mainstreet look. The Methodist Church is the most attractive property along the drive and of course should be left alone. The Dixie Chicken, Dry Bean Saloon, and Dudley's are traditional college hangouts. Their facades have an old west nostalgia. I think any changes should be just refinements. The Campus Theatre is an attractive old - time movie theatre. That theme should be expanded on. The owner, Don Ganter, told me he was going to make the theatre similar to the Stafford Opera House- except for country music. Deluxe is a fifties -style hamburger bar. This theme should be expanded on as well. At the very least, minimal landscaping would improve the aesthetics of this property. Now there is too much asphalt. In fact, any parking in the northside zone should be phased in with pavers or faux concrete. The old pizza hut needs to be researched more. What are future plans for a business there? What year was it built? Ditto for bicycle shop. Adjacent to these two properties is vacant space that is perfect for plazas or courtyards seen in Galveston or New Orleans. There are also several opportunities for interior courtyards farther west. Bottlecap alley is unique in its own right. This is a great setting for a statue. As for the Texas Aggie Bookstore, the first task is to remove the aluminum and examine the hidden exterior. LOCAL HISTORY Commercial: During the 1930's ever greater numbers of students, faculty members and businessmen gravitated towards the college community. A small business district flourished along the northern fringe of the campus. When the post office and Boyett's relocated at Northgate in the early twenties, other businesses, to the satisfaction of college officials, also settled in the area. Immediately prior to incorporation, various merchants served the college population. Students frequented the barber shops, cleaners, military supply outlets, and tailors. Residents could purchase medical supplies at Aggieland Pharmacy or Lipscomb's Pharmacy and groceries at Luke's Campus Grocery or Charlies Food Market. Occasionally, families enjoyed a meal out at The College Inn or at the Texas A and M Grill. Three distinct divisions of the city expanded during the 1940's. Each section had its own residential areas with accompanying shops. Northgate continued to serve as the main business district. New additions to that area included a theater, hardware store, dentist office, and a Methodist church. Newspaper article from 1944 described College Station as "The fastest growing city for its size in the state of Texas ". More in the newspaper described "The thriving business center of College Station as located at the northern end of the A &M campus, better known as "Northgate" to both students and townspeople. It consists of cafes, drugstores, grocery stores, confectioneries, tailors, cleaning and pressing establishments, shoe repair shops, men's furnishings, jewelers, photographers, barber shops, a dentist and a post office. Recently a new $65,000 theater has been added to the many business establishments at 'the gate'. It has a seating capacity of 628 people and has the most modern movie equipment obtainable." College Station Bank opened its doors on May 1, 1946 in a small, two - roomed wooden building at Northgate, and the council authorized the transfer of the City's banking business from Bryan to College Station. The institution became a national bank in the next decade, changing its title to University National Bank. Civil: On February 25, 1939 the College Station City Council held its first council meeting in the Administration Building on campus. Instead of continuing to rely on campus space, College Station officials decided to establish their own office which would be used solely for council meetings and city business. Joe Sosolik had an available furnished room over his Aggieland Studio at Northgate which rented for $17.50 per month with utilities. The council agreed to the terms and met for the first time in the new quarters on May 18, 1939. In December 1947 residents celebrated the opening of College Station's first city hall. Although the city office had moved and expanded in 1942 from one room at Northgate to two rooms in the Burgess Building at the south side, officials were delighted to have their own building for transacting city business. The modern one -story structure, designed by architecture students under Langford's guidance, was located in the Northgate area across Wellborn Highway adjacent to the railroad tracks. Residential: Housing to many faculty and staff was rapidly constructed from 1890's on. With the formal incorporation of the City of College Station, in October 1938, conditions were propitious for the disposition of campus housing. The old Texas A &M campus houses, were sold and moved to different locations. As for the style and construction, the houses have been frame. Sizes have varied from large two - storied structures to small cottages of perhaps 1,200 square feet. The styles of those known to be in existence can be grouped into four main types, which can be designated as follows: 1. Queen Anne, most with neo- classical features, constructed between 1890- 1910. This was the predominant style. 2. Cottages, smaller houses with a small porch and simple lines. 3. American Four - Square, relatively plain and squarish two -story structures with one story front porch, erected between 1910 -1920. 4. Bungalows of varying sizes, but mostly small, erected between 1910 -1925. This style comprised the second largest group. House location in the North Gate area: 318 First Owner: Estate of A.P Boyett, Sr. Erected: 1911, Sold 1941 Identification by: George H. Boyett, February 1, 1986 Caroline Mitchell, January 16, 1986 Style: Small sized Queen Anne, minor modifications Previous residents on campus: R.F. Smith, 1922, professor of mathematics E.P. Humbert, 1924, head, department of genetics 400 Boyett Owner: Charles E. Harris, Jr., 307 Greenway, Bryan Erected: 1902, Sold 1954 Identification by Dr. Bardin Nelson, Sr. retired TAMU sociologist Style: medium -sized Queen Anne, considerably modified in recent years Previous residents on campus: R.P. Marstellar, 1924, former Dean of School of Veterinary Medicine 402 Boyett Owner: Charles E. Harris, Jr., 307 Greenway, Bryan Erected: 1902, Sold 1955 Identification by Dr. Bardin Nelson, Sr. retired TAMU sociologist Style: originally a medium -sized Queen Anne, but badly burnt in the 1960s and so renovated, it is difficult to tell that it was once a twin to the house at 400 Boyett Previous residents on campus: Designated both in 1913 and in 1921, as the "surgeon's house" in the minutes of the Housing Committee 500 College Main Owner: Donald Eppley, 18210 Spellbrok Drive, Houston Erected: date and campus location uncertain; style suggests around 1900 Sold: date uncertain, probably 1948 -49 according to records in Tax Assessor- Collector's office Identification as a campus house by George H. Boyett, whose father purchased the house and moved it Style: small size Queen Anne with neo- classical features; apparently close to original condition, few modifications. Previous residents on campus: ? 415 Tauber Owner: Howard C. Nelson, 12410 Cobblestone, Houston Erected perhaps 1910 -15; this dating is from design evidence Sold probably 1953 -54 according to tax records Identification by Bardin Nelson Style: cottage, considerably remodeled and modified since move Previous residents on campus: ? There are more residential houses in the area from the 1940's and 1950's, with architectural interest. Further research is needed. Churches: St. Mary's Catholic Church: The Bryan Council Knights extension efforts lead to the construction and dedication of St. Mary's Chapel in 1926 on University Drive. The expansion of enrollment and increased faculty and staff at Texas A &M University resulted in the construction of a Catholic Student Center at St. Mary's, 103 Nagel, in 1954, and new St. Mary's Chapel, Church St. was dedicated four years later in 1959. A &M Methodist Church: The first permanent structure of the church's physical plant was the Wesley Foundation building. It was built in late 1923. It was replaced as temporary makeshift to serve until suitable facilities could take its place. This occurred 40 years later and the long delay gave a new interpretation to "temporary". The educational building was occupied in 1946. The Gothic sanctuary was completed in 1951. The fellowship hall and connecting link between the educational building and the sanctuary were completed in 1967. First Baptist Church: In process of collecting information. University Lutheran Church: In process of collecting information. A &M Presbyterian Church: In process of collecting information. wv• anima c `y . " - � - References: Brazos County History, 'Rich past- Bright future', Family History Foundation, Bryan, Texas, 1986. College Station, Texas, 1938 -1988, Deborah Lynn Balliew, College Station, Texas, 1987. The Old Texas A & M Campus Houses, Van -Riper P. Paul. ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND "Main street is to America what the Piazza is to Italy." Richard Longstreth No two commercial districts look the same, at least, in general terms. People in towns wanted their commercial buildings to look urban. Commercial architecture was a common language that transcended size and location. The facade is only a small portion of a buildings fabric. So why focus on the facade? Several related factors explain the choice. Between the early 19th and mid -20th centuries, most commercial buildings were designed to be seen from the front. From the exterior, it is the facade that gives commercial architecture its distinctive qualities and distinguishes one building from the next. Side walls are often party walls, shared with or secured to those of the adjacent structure. Two - part commercial block The two -part commercial block is the most common type of composition used for small and moderate sized commercial buildings throughout the country. Generally limited to structures of two to four stories, this type is characterized by a horizontal division into two distinct zones. The two part division reflects differences in use inside. The single story lower zone, at street level, indicates public spaces such as retail stores, a banking room, insurance office or hotel lobby. The upper zone suggests more private spaces, including offices, hotel rooms or a meeting hall. The type has been used to accommodate a wide range of functions and is readily found in almost all forms of commercial development, dominating the core of small cities and towns. The academic approach was the dominating style during 1920's and maintained a strong following for at least another decade. Academic work tends to emphasize unity, order and balance. The conviction that the classical tradition provides the basis for principles of design, and the belief that these principles apply not just to individual buildings, but also to groups. Some buildings from this period are extremely plain, bearing certain affinities to their early 19th century predecessors. Further modifications of the two part commercial block took place between the two world wars under the influence of European modernism, now known as Art Deco or Modern. The initial phase of Art Deco design popular during the late 1920's and the 1930's is characterized by a sculptural use of rectilinear geometric forms dramatizing more than actually reflecting the structure beneath. Verticality tends to be emphasized by piers spaced at regular intervals and extending the full height of the facade to form a jagged silhouette. In some cases, smaller piers further divide the upper zone to enliven the staccato compositional rhythm. The second, or streamlined phase of Art Deco design was introduced during the 1930's and 1940's. Its slick machine - inspired imagery became a popular means to create a new appearance for businesses during and after the Depression. These buildings emphasize the facade horizontally with such devices as decorative banding, long stretches of windows, smooth wall surfaces and rounded corners. Some examples from the 1930's combined the verticality and ornamental richness of the first phase with the sleek, machine imagery of the second. By the 1940's, on the other hand, designs were often more reserved, still imparting the idea of architecture as a practical art enhanced by industrialization, but without the ebullient character wrought by streamlined massing and details. BSI yr : r. .K' $ ✓• ---gym " `' .r ...„- .,, R - ".�'e�— --4•704 `'.*bC`gtn 114 >—: 'L� 'i 1 i i 111 r •,' , t� , @ , iii _� CAMPUS^ C CENTER �� {� r _ - L , �` • — a c. 1930's, College Station, TX 3 : �s • : i rL ;. xr+ y P 9 . souLI N a tits i iaLNNQtX x • .. •rprTU r.ru d WINT 3� > . a .�..,,. °:..F ax ..., i tea"; .. _ Nr.. .. . �N 1111r \ «+ c. 1927 Auburn, NE One part commercial block The one -part commercial block has only a single story, which is treated in much the same variety of ways as the lower zone of the two part commercial zone. The one -part commercial block is a simple box with a decorated facade and is thoroughly urban in its overtones. These buildings could generate income, yet they represented a comparatively small investment. Grouped units are a ubiquitous feature along what once were streetcar lines, where commercial development often grew to be quite extensive. While composed in an orderly manner, most examples from this period have few, if any historical references. Particularly with retail stores, the configuration permits little embellishment except near the roof line. Art Deco examples of the one -part may be quite elaborate. Horizontal emphasis predominates with most larger examples of the streamlined one -part commercial block. Many theaters of the period have few, if any, shops, and their streamlined vocabulary is used to enunciate their role as an entertainment center. References: The Buildings of Main Street, Longstreth Richard, The Preservation Press, 1987. Y 1 . ii ii . • •-.,.. 14 e oge, 4Pd, 8li1WJ{Ii lIG6Id1:m �:i Oy u nw i , iirw : i ii�m° AGM SINCE 1891 I i • w z: + f � ' 1 J r_ c. 1930's, College Station, TX � *,,,..„ . - N, .;;;;, " a s \.. I S _, 1 b x m ., ` p t %-"" ` s ., -gam Si; � i, ... ' �\ ° � a - �� '"aka'! *,`"h�" �s , _ 111 1.4 . �� �y � ` a te., v,�-e UM '1 1' M iVVIIIw�� Ia � I ' � p 'telliT,:..-:2:--- 1 iiit '-'-'- 110 �� ' �' s �e !C.' - . . . WI I 7 W- t ` c � ti {t 1 �• � r . ,,„ . - ,,,,,_ ,_____, 1- ,,,,.-- .-.44sai _... _M i c. 1910's, San Rafael, CA ° , ' 4 Built between 1936 and 1940, the Campus Theatre is one of style. A pylon containing the name of the theatre rises above the the few examples of Art Deco style architecture in the area. main entrance. The form of the building is simple and The building illustrates several characteristics of the Art Deco streamlined. �� �' ,. ter ' 4.t - M T x : - 4 I ' t+ ff Y' a 5 yf M✓a'a ? -, fi -,..,1,- -4- i< 3 . a ., ! 'W.."::. a = ,s' .'� 5 , i ^ 9 { ka - ' - • � I r a - -- - --. ', - , k V ' - - - W YtMNUaIIYYt,Yff7� ' • (�UtAllst �4°"4'.rucyb.YilE6��eeetQ •a4 ' � �. -'_ _. °t'3.: �s., , .p °e4 Y' ) � } \ Y � �d �" - : � a s z , Y' h •y -' . , ,.+ _ x .4}d } y '� i" ^ t gt,, '� k 4Z .t^ .1'� t . - * f ,......4f -` _ $ u 'Y . A ``F' 31 4 + � • a,•L -' 4 ': , • ,Z�. Z yt �� k y 'n� � �u t Y % Y n ��"+G� TY . �'.`y yL „,,,.. ri ,.,„ ,,,,_... � • �E..^5. _.— F�'f;��'" Y �3`"'- = nr c' ...- i* t sa 't , �, a , , c� t...c c;$a .L j i e J 1E, 1 ' L7 _ > -- y f - t . i zw . , .� r 9 - a „ c fi 1 4-, c '`-”' a", +. `":` ` { . ...5. {, fr y .. } :. ..„1.-4.4,k t •' `` _.� t', W fr �.j{ w t N t yg „, ,-, ..,-,,,t,g,,, , € ,L, ......., -- - -- .1 t _ , r -• '1` a :+r '�. - .. ; a �.-, ^:_, ,.•.:: ” ,.. H .Gltrzs '3' -�cT �.._, . ;c -" . _'# "--'- -..,,. - rte • c. 1930's, College Station, TX Campus Theatre • 'f •■ , v .. eoOK CAF �F Agr= — sir - - .. - _ c. 1930's, College Station, TX 1 .....,. rw• ,away r,::4' ' S ;' s r t • .- .. ..,� F. t y y� �a\a a \ \\ \ ..%„.„,.......,..--- \ \\ \ a awv a yi 8AR EQ CHICKEN Sail CHICKEN p HOT S NCWICHE5 _ \ papal I PRODUCE SPARE RIBS Q L4QUUR 4 T0 60 a °'�� , .n a' • �Y k c. 1910's, San Francisco, CA HISTORIC PRESERVATION "Historic preservation helps bring out the soul of the community; it shows that the community has pride and self - awareness." "No community can create a historic architectural legacy" The unique artistic and human qualities of historic neighborhoods cannot be recreated. Such neighborhoods are the one most Americans feel loyal, show them to visitors, feel that "somebody" ought to be saving some of them. Often, however, local citizens fail to recognize that their own cities contain architecturally valuable neighborhoods. Local architectural scene and history, what is valuable in the context of the city. Unless specially protected, a building may come down at any time, if the state of the real estate market urges demolition. This leads us to create Historic District. There is a growing recognition, by citizens and governments at all levels, that historic resources have value and should be retained as functional parts of modern life. The historic resources of a community give it its special character and cultural depth. Historic District is a group of buildings that physically and spatially comprise a specific environment. It is a group of related buildings that represent the standards and tastes of the community during one period of history. Why a preservation historic district? 1. Practical -The cost of massive demolition is too high. Preservation, on the other hand, recycles the structures that are already there. In more utilitarian terms, each historic building and structure represents an investment that should not be discarded lightly; maintaining and rehabilitating older buildings and neighborhoods can mean savings in energy, time, money, and raw materials. 2 Preservation renews the human spirit. "Your neighborhood has great architectural and cultural value to our city and we must find a way to upgrade it ". 3. Aesthetic satisfaction 4. Financial benefits- increased taxes, tourism A good, detailed architectural survey is almost indispensable to begin with. The Survey Survey means a process of identifying and gathering data on the community historic resources. It includes planning and background research before field survey begins, organization and presentation of survey data as the survey proceeds, and the development of inventories. Survey data refers to the raw data produced by the survey; that is all the information gathered on each property and area investigated. An inventory is an organized compilation of information of those properties that are evaluated as significant. Evaluation is the process of determining whether identified properties meet defined criteria of historical, architectural, or cultural significance. Survey data can be used to construct a preservation plan. Details for survey: Existing building signs Existing "street furniture" such as street lamp, utility poles, road signs and traffic signals Detailed lists of existing building materials Indication of the present occupancy and use of the buildings Notes on existing problems, evidence of deterioration, and design defects Common problems: Brick disintegration and deterioration Surface cosmetic deterioration Inappropriate signs Air condition units in doors and windows on the street Inappropriate design features Vacant, under -used structures Empty lots within the historic area Inappropriate new store front design A Preservation Plan An official preservation plan prepared and adopted by the community and its planning agency, should provide a basis for integrating survey information with other planning data. It should be an important part of comprehensive community planning. It can establish priorities for dealing with historic resources within the framework of existing local planning programs and present specific recommendations for meeting these priorities. A preservation plan may present specific ways to maintain and enhance the positive character of an area, identify legal and financial tools - easements, tax incentives, historic preservation commissions, preservation ordinances, zoning and land use controls, and revolving funds - that aid in the conservation of historic resources, and present design standards for new construction and for the enhancement of environmental amenities. A preservation plan can also illustrate the effect of revitalizing historic resources and can discuss the application of standards for restoration and rehabilitation. Establishment of preservation planning program can help a local government qualify to participate in Federal historic preservation grants - in -aid programs, upon certification by the state Historic Preservation Officer and the Secretary of Interior. Historic Zoning Zoning laws limit the volume of a building or its uses. However, a historic zoning law differs in that it demands conformity to a norm set by the historic architecture within specified boundaries in the community; within these boundaries there is an official art. Existing buildings which are chosen are to be left unaltered on the exterior, and the standards of maintenance and repair are sometimes prescribed, while new construction is limited not only in volume and land use, but also in appearance. Historic zoning does not occur spontaneously. There is a need to demonstrate that the community has things worth saving, and if a whole area of the community should be protected, definition of the boundaries is needed. When new construction appears in a historic neighborhood, it observe a special discipline. There are several points of comparison between new and existing nearby buildings which include: building height proportions of facade (height to width) proportions of openings relative width of voids and solids relative width of buildings and spaces between buildings relative width of entrance features and remainder of facades type, texture, and color of material similarity of detailing type of roof presence of garden walls or fences landscaping if any paving, scale, and compositional emphasis on verticals or horizontals. Easements are another means of protecting historic properties. A facade easement, for example, protects the front of an historic building while allowing the owner unimpaired enjoyment of the remainder of his property. References: Historic Preservation in Small Towns, Ziegler, Arthur. P, 1980. Historic Preservation in Inner City Areas, Ziegler, Arthur. P, 1974. Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning, Nat'l Register Bulletin 24, 1977. CONTACT NAME LIST First Baptist Church 696 -7000 University Lutheran Church 315 College Station A &M Methodist Church 846 -8731 A &M Presbyterian Church 846 -5631 Baptist Student Union 846 -7722 9 St. Mary's Catholic Church 846 -5717 !d A Jud Loupot 102 Walton 696 -7005 335 University Dr 846 -631'2 University National Bank 846 -8751 Holick's Boot Maker 846 -6721 family: Johnnie Holick 308 Tee Dr. 775 -9844 wvk- 1 Hornak Houston Mitchell, R.H. 107 Pershing 696 -4134 Mitchell, W.C. 3510 Cavitt f oav,(ckg.c, Lauterstein 153 Rilla Vista, San Antonio University Bookstore Drawer CT YYlG.A% J c Ccvrt ! Lipscomb, David 589 -3106 { 776 -8791 11c. Judy Lee 802 -7202 Historic Community College Station North Bardell, Municipal Development Group 203 Holleman 693 -5359 Dr. David Evans, Brazon Heritage Society 268 -2787 Facilities Planning, Tony Heger 845 -4935 Dan MacGilnray 847 -9479 C . tf/ COQ'"..., L