HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/04/1994 - Regular Minutes - Historic Preservation Committee HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM
1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Halter, Chairman; Lois Beach; Joan Lamkin, Greg Keith; Mary Jane Hirsch;
Deborah Jasek; Florace Kling
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Basinger; Bill Lancaster
STAFF PRESENT: David Gerling, Special Facilities Superintendent; Pamela Einkauf, Senior Secretary
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: David Gerling stated that the minutes had two corrections which
needed to be made. On page 2, two names were misspelled. Christine Opperstini should be
spelled Obersteny, and Jack Zubig should be spelled Jack Zubik. No other additions or corrections
were made. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes.
III. REVIEW APPLICATIONS: No new applications to review.
IV. COLLEGE STATION RAILROAD DEPOT RECONSTRUCTION: Gary stated that the A&M Class of
1994 had voted $85,000 to reconstruct the College Station Depot as their class gift. The Historic
Committee had to submit to the City Council a proposal supporting the depot. The proposal will be
on the Council Agenda for the next meeting on May 11, 1994 at 4:00 p.m. Gary said no dollar
amount was stated in the Committee's proposal, but it would be $50,000 from the City of College
Station. Joan asked if anyone should attend the Council meeting, and Gary stated that it would be a
good idea. Greg asked if those amounts would take care of maintenance and Gary stated that the
money was to build and maintain it. Mary Jane asked if it would be appropriate to send a "Thank -
You" to the Class of 1994 showing the Committee's appreciation and excitement about the idea.
Gary said yes it would be nice. Gary stated that the station to be duplicated will be the original 1883
station, as opposed to the station that existed until the 1960's. It would have cost considerably more
to reproduce the second station,since it was quite a bit larger.
Gary stated that the depot would function as a small museum (360 sq. ft.) showing the importance
of the station on the history of A&M and College Station. Gary said he would like to see a lot of
visuals showing early campus life, as well as information on early College Station, being available in
the museum. The exact site for the depot has not been decided on, but it will be on the west side of
the railroad tracks. The site chosen may depend on availability of underground utilities. Gary stated
that the University Physical Plant will have to approve the location. The tentative site will be within
150 - 200 feet from the original depot site. Greg stated that having some type of computer or video
playing continuously would be a good idea. It wouldn't take up a lot of space but could relay a lot of
information. Gary said that someone had mentioned a mannequin in a reproduction of an old cadet
Historic Preservation Committee
Page 2
uniform, and possibly at a later date, puffing an old train on the site next to the depot. Gary
mentioned that it had been 111 years since the original station was constructed.
Deborah Jasek told the Committee that a friend of hers, Cynthia Murray Langley, lived on campus,
and her family was told when they moved here in the 1940's, that two rooms of their house were
from the original train station. Deborah has made arrangements to have lunch with Cynthia, her
mother, and some of the neighbors who lived in that area. It was a faculty house which they lived in,
and when it was moved off campus, no one knew what happened to it. When on campus, their
back yard backed up to the house where Breezy Breazealle lived, who would also be joining
Deborah's group for lunch. She also found out that Mary Lou Epps, who has the Southern Breeze
Plantation, has a lot of old photographs of old campus, faculty houses, early Bryan and College
Station. She told Deborah that she would be more than happy to have the Committee meet her at
Southern Breeze to go through and discuss the pictures.
Joan brought a video tape of the railroad depot marker dedication ceremony which was done by
Tex Owens. Gary said it would be feasible to move the marker once the depot was built, however,
permission would have to be received from the State, but he didn't think the State would have a
problem with the marker being moved.
V. BLACK EDUCATION IN THE BRAZOS VALLEY: Deborah asked for comments or corrections on
the narrative she submitted for the marker. Deborah informed the Committee that the Lincoln
School would be holding its reunion in July, and she wanted to give them a copy of the information
she has so far. She would also like to arrange to do some oral history on tape and add that
information/documentary to the current information on the Lincoln School and Black Education. She
commented that there were a lot of the people who attended Lincoln that are getting on in years,
and that she would like to get as much information as she could before it was too late. David
Gerling asked her if she needed help getting the narrative into a form that could be submitted to the
County. She said she needed to find out how it needed to be done. Gary said he would take care of
that and Charlie Schultz could help because he knows the type of things that need to be on the form
in order to get the State's approval.
VI. DISCUSSION ON SUMMER MEETINGS: Gary asked the Committee what it wanted to do as far as
the summer meetings. David stated that the last few years the Committee had taken June, July, and
August off. Gary stated that a meeting might need to be called in June to handle details for the
depot or Northgate. Greg said it would be nice to have at least one meeting sometime during the
summer. Joan suggested that the Committee go to the Southern Breeze Plantation and have lunch
one day. Everyone agreed this was a good idea and David said he would set something up for late
June or early July and let everyone know.
VII. OTHER COMMITTEE CONCERNS: Lois announced that her term on the Committee was up and
that she had not reapplied, and this was her last meeting.
City Councilman, Mr. Kennedy Kennedy, was present to discuss the Northgate Historic Project. Mr.
Kennedy stated that he was from towns in Virginia, which had long, colorful histories. He said that
usually what happens when cities build up, is that the downtown areas usually get left behind for
various reasons, (urban malls, highway bypasses, etc.). One of the towns he's from, Paduka,
Virginia, however, did what it had to in order to keep its downtown alive. They did that by
renovating it with brick sidewalks, planters, trees, etc., which drew businesses back into the
downtown area. Now the area is successfully thriving and revitalized. He also passed out pictures
of Lexington, Virginia, showing the restoration/renovation that was done there. Mr. Kennedy feels
strongly that this type of revitalization can be successfully done in the Northgate area. He told the
Committee that $700,000 in federal funds had been set aside for Northgate, $400,000 of which
would be used for the water main project on College Main. In that same motion it was agreed that
Historic Preservation Committee
Page 3
parking would be purchased. Mr. Kennedy stated that it was a unanimous decision at the last
Council meeting to commit to renovation of Northgate, however, he feels that more can be done.
He'd like to see $500,000 of the $1.2 million in Hotel/Motel funds, used to do more in Northgate.
He's meeting with the head of Strategic Planning at A&M to see if he can get them to commit to
$500,000 in matching funds for the project. He asked the Committee to get involved and call other
council members and the Mayor to get them to agree to spend Hotel/Motel funds for Northgate.
Mr. Kennedy stated that the community as a whole has lost sight of what College Station's
downtown really is- Northgate. He would like to see signage placed in Northgate proclaiming it as
the downtown area. Mr. Kennedy said he was surprised to learn that there were homes in the
Northgate area that were over 100 years old. He feels that this should be taken into consideration
when the project is being planned. $70,000 has been approved for a master plan from South
College to Wellborn (east to west) and then from University Drive to the city limits. The City wants to
include A&M in the plans for Northgate. Mr. Kennedy feels that red brick sidewalks (or red brick
paving) from the Methodist Church to Deluxe Burger Bar, planters, and period lighting to match the
lighting at the entrance to campus, would be a good Phase I. He also agreed with Greg that
eliminating the parking spaces in front of the Dixie Chicken and creating a boardwalk effect with
fencing of some sort and/or benches, would make the area safer and more inviting. Mr. Kennedy
passed around pictures of Lexington,Virginia, showing red brick sidewalks, wooden barrels used as
trash cans, and wooden signs which are placed in metal supports, to show how it can improve an
area. Mr. Kennedy said that he wasn't looking for uniformity, and that he liked the diversity of the
facades of the Dixie Chicken and Dudley's. He would like the building owners to dedicate some
right-of-way, so that the City doesn't have to pay to tear up the sidewalks.
Mary Jane asked about a pedestrian mall on Patricia Street. Mr. Kennedy said that idea was
included in the Streetscape Plan. Gary said that there had been a plan around for a long time to
turn Patricia Street into a pedestrian mall. Mr. Kennedy stated that it would take a considerable
amount of City money to purchase that much property. He also had an idea about having murals
painted on some of the buildings in Northgate possibly in an antique motif. He feels that Northgate
could become an entertainment spot the way downtown Bryan has. He stated that Northgate
already has a built-in populace, and is a much smaller area to renovate.
Mr. Kennedy commented that there were a lot of older people who had photographs and memories
of early College Station who should be interviewed, and their stories recorded in some way. He said
that The Eagle would probably allow us to put an ad in the paper stating "Give us your memories in
75 words or less". He said in Corpus Christi there are pictures of old Corpus Christi lining the airport
walls, and that College Station could do this as well, in any building or area the Committee would
choose.
He asked the Committee to contact the City Council members and let them know that the
Committee is unanimously in favor of a Phase I for Northgate, to include sidewalks, lighting,
removing parking spaces in front of Dudley's etc. He also asked the Committee to discourage the
Council members from choosing any color but red for the sidewalks. To do sidewalks on Tauber,
Church and Boyett, the total cost was estimated at $135,000. Mr. Kennedy said he priced out the
sidewalks, and from Boyett to Tauber (in front of the Church) it would cost $42,000 for Paver Walks
(not including the cost of right-of-way). Stamped concrete by comparison is half the price but it chips
easily. Greg stated that to go to that expense, it would make sense to go ahead and take out the
parking spaces in front of Dudley's, etc., raise the grade, and make the area wider. Otherwise, the
only thing that would be accomplished would be changing the surface from concrete to brick. Greg
stated that any color would be more attractive than regular white concrete. Mr. Kennedy said if a
rendition could be done through the Architecture Department, it would be easier to sell the Council
on the idea. Mr. Kennedy stated that parking places which were removed would be replaced
elsewhere.
Mr. Kennedy suggested creating a place where elephants go to die behind the Dixie Chicken, and
letting students purchase a brick with their name on it for$50. The idea is not new, but it would help
Historic Preservation Committee
Page 4
fund the building of the sidewalk on Patricia Street. It was suggested that possibly the sidewalk
could be done as a class gift. Greg felt that it would be easier to get a class to do something like a
statue. Mr. Kennedy felt that if something of interest was presented to a class, and the right people
on campus contacted, then it might be possible, such as a red brick crosswalk with the A&M seal in
it. The question was raised as to the response from the business owners in Northgate when the
sidewalk is redone. Greg stated that with the opening of the Food Court on campus, business
owners in Northgate would be concerned about what it will do to their business. They would
probably welcome any idea that would draw customers and make the area more appealing. Gary
stated that it would create a momentary problem for the businesses, however, all the saloons have
rear entrances. The churches and bookstores may have a problem. It was stated that some of the
smaller businesses might not survive when renovation takes place (rents will go up, etc.), but that is
the chance that would have to be taken in order to improve the area.
Gary said the first step would be to work with the City Council to get Phase I (to redo sidewalks, etc.,
from EZ Mart to Loupot's) on the agenda. Lois stated that people need to know that Phase I is a
part of a long range plan. Gary agreed that once people see Phase I, it will help sell the idea of the
entire project.
David suggested that Mr. Kennedy talk to Gali Daley in the City Planning Department about all the
work she's doing on the Northgate area.
Joan asked if it would be possible to invite all the people whose names had been mentioned (early
merchants) in previous discussions regarding early Northgate, to coffee. Gary said it was a good
idea. Joan said she'd get started on something so that it could be included in the Oral History
Committee meetings.
Joan said she had some information on the Methodist Church history which she would pass on to
Gali.
VIII. ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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ITEM: Dr. Gary Halter, Chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee and represen-
tatives of the A&M Class of 1994 will present a proposal for partial funding for
the reconstruction of the College Station Railroad Depot.
ITEM SUMMARY: The Texas A&M University Class of 1994 will present a proposal for
the City to fund a part of the construction of this depot. The request is for
the City to allocate $50,000. The students will match this with $85,000 and
the university has agreed to handle all administration of the project and
perpetual care of the facility.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: A total of $50,000 is being requested from the City for
construction and to establish a permanent fund to maintain the -depot.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To fund this request over several years in smaller
increments until total amount is reached.
CITY ATTORNEY RECOMMENDATION: N/A
COUNCIL ACTION DESIRED: Approval of proposal to jointly fund construction of a
replica railroad depot on the Texas A&M University campus.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
1 . Letter from the Class of 1994.
2. Letter from Dr. Gary Halter, Chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee.
3. Memo to Steve Beachy, Parks & Recreation Director.
4. Pictures of the 1883 depot.
5. Budget for project.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation
FROM: David Gerling, Special Facilities Superintendent
DATE: May 3, 1994
SUBJECT: COLLEGE STATION RAILROAD DEPOT
The Class of 1994 at Texas A&M University has decided on their gift to
A&M. It will be a railroad depot replicating the 1883 depot. The class
agents and A&M Physical Plant staff have met with the Historic
Preservation Committee to look for additional funding of a gift of this
magnitude. The request is for us to match their $85,000 with only $50,000.
The monies from the City would be placed in a University maintenance
fund for perpetual care of that facility. The remainder would go for
HVAC and interior finish-out.
I have been asked to place this on the City Council agenda for May 11,
1994. Gary Halter will present the request to the City Council, along with
the class agents. They plan to have slides, pictures, and maps, but have
promised to keep their presentation brief.
Charles Cryan has been notified of the request by me, via telephone, so
as to allow him time to cogitate on the issue.
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CLASS
•v;,4. , COUNCIL
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•
BOX J-1 MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77844-9081 (409) 845-1515
May 2, 1994
The College Station City Council
P.O. Box 9960
College Station, TX 77842
To the College Station Council Members:
The Texas A&M University Class of 1994 is proud to announce their senior class gift - the
Reconstruction of the 1883 Depot. The class has allocated $85,000 towards this gift which is sufficient
for the reconstruction of the depot. However, we would like to request a sum of$50,000 from the City
of College Station to provide a museum quality interior for the train depot, and establish an endowment
for future maintenance of the building. Since this is an historical monument for the City of College
Station, we hope that the city will work jointly with the Class of '94 to reconstruct the depot.
The Class of '94 is excited to reconstruct the monument which is the namesake of the City of College
Station. We are optimistic that the impact of this reconstruction will be attractive to the members of our
community as well as the many visitors which will frequently travel through College Station. We are
proud to provide a building of such historical significance to the city.
Dr. Gary Halter, Chairman of the City of College Station Historical Preservation Committee, has stated
that the historical marker for the train depot, which was recently dedicated on the Texas A&M campus,
could be relocated next to the depot once it is completed.
We are scheduled to appear before the Council on May 11 at 4:00 p.m. At this time, we will formally
request the additional $50,000 required to complete the recommended total budget of $135,000 which
includes the museum quality interior and the endowment for maintenance of the building. We appreciate
your consideration of our request.
Sincerely, /4,
U1,C4-d� T
Chad King ;J Leslie Trevino
Class of '94 President and Class Agent Class Gift Co-Chair
/kd
r 1oF CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
• . t,k4,a t `' 3'' P.O. BOX 9960 1101 TEXAS AVENUE
J COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840-9960
API
(409) 764-3515
May 11, 1994 •
Honorable Larry Ringer, Mayor
City of College Station •
Members of College Station City Council
College Station, Texas
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
The Texas A&M University Class of 1994 has ' decided their ' ..
class gift of $85, 000 should go to the reconstruction of a replica
of the original 1883 College Station depot. The College Station
Historic Preservation Committee has endorsed this reconstruction
and is asking the City ,iCouncil .to help finance the project 'in'`the•
amount of $50,000 A'!budget' '.for the project is attached.
If the Council decides to endorse this project, the donations
would be a one time cost to the city. The constructions, operation
and maintain of the depot would be the responsibility of Texas A&M .
University. The financial contribution of the city cOuld be made in
more than one fiscal year.
This project offers many benefits for the City of College
Station. As you are all aware this depot is the name sake for our
city. Reconstruction ,of the station would be a visible sign of the
city's commitment to our heritage. The station would also serve as
a sign of cooperation between the City and TAMU, a goal all council
members support. The''train station will also afford a location for
the city to display': information on the history of the City of
College Station. Finally, this station will serve as a ''_tourist
attraction for visitors to the city and Bush Presidential Library
and will provide positive economic benefits.
I ask the Council :to endorse this project and continue the
spirit of cooperation between the City of College Station'and Texas
A&M University.
Sincerel
ary H er
Chair, College Station
Historic Preservation, Committee
Historic Preservation Committee
April 28, 1994
BUDGET - 1883 DEPOT - BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Enclosed space 12' x 30'= 360 sq. ft.
Overhang 60' x 20 = 1,200 - 360 = 840 @ i value for costs = 420 sq. ft.
Total area = 360 + 420 = 780 sq. ft.
780 sq. ft. x 75 = $58,500
Research Fees 10,000
AE fees @ 8.5% 5,000
Construction contingency @ 10% 5.850
Total $85,000
INTERIORS
HVAC, interior fit-up and displays (including fees)
360 sq. ft. x $100 = $36,000
Set aside for maintenance 14.000
Total 50,000
Total Project $135,000
cf: /usr/eds/prj/admin/corsp/godbey/depot budgt.wp
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE QUESTIONS
FOR NORTHGATE PRESERVATION
Resource Name:
Address:
Owner:
What was the role that the owner/ church /person played in the history of Northgate?
How is the building related to the development of the community in Northgate?
What were some historically significant events and/ or patterns of activity associated with
the property?
General description of Northgate during the periods when it achieved significance.
Who were the main active personalities involved with commercial, churches, residential
areas?
Are there any documents on the buildings and Northgate? Historic photos, old drawings of
the outside of the building and the inside , maps etc.
Who were the persons responsible for the design or construction of the property?
What is your opinion on preservation of the area and the buildings, and on the demolishing
and rebuilding of the area?
Are there any specific buildings that you feel need to be preserved?
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE QUESTIONS FOR NORTHGATE PRESERVATION
Resource Name : A and M United Methodist Church
Address :
Owner:
1 . What was the role that the owner/church/person played in the
history of Northgate?
When Texas A and M first opened its doors in 1876 , the college
provided Sunday morning chapel services for the student body with
attendance compulsory. Students assembled by companies on Military
Walk and marched to the old chapel which stood where Hart Hall now
stands and later to Guion Hall for services . Ministers from
denominations across Texas conducted services at the chapel which
families in the community also attended. The nearest Methodist
Churches were located at Union Hill (halfway between Bryan and the
college) ; Wellborn, located 5 miles south; and Bryan where First
Methodist had been established since 1868 . Shiloh Methodist , 2
miles south was no longer active. In the 1918-1919 period A and M
College President Dr. W. B . Bizzell , asked ministers of churches in
the Bryan community to provide religious services for students of
their respective denominations . Methodist residents of College
Station as well as students at the college welcomed the prospect of
organizing their own Methodist Church.
2 . How is the building related to the development of the community
in Northgate?
In late 1919 First Methodist Church in Bryan offered a $500
budget surplus to the Texas Conference to begin a missionary-like
church for A And M students. In 1920 the first religious person
assigned specifically to College Station was King Vivion, a
Methodist . He was charged with developing Sunday evening services
and discussion groups to support the already established campus
chapel program. That same summer Rev. R. L. Brown was sent to start
a Baptist Church, and a few weeks later Rev . W . H .Matthews arrived
to minister to the Presbyterian group . When chapel services were
discontinued on campus in 1932 Sunday morning worship services
joined existing Sunday School classes at A and M Methodist .
Soon after Rev. King Vivion' s arrival , W .C . Boyett deeded a
lot to A and M Methodist for $1 , 000 . About the same time the south
half of the block was purchased for $1000 from Boyett by the A and
M Masonic Club. On church property Vivion built a parsonage using
scrap planks which stood in the spot of the present church
courtyard . With extensions and additions it served as parsonage and
Sunday School space until 1927 . Masonic Club member W .A. Duncan
Director of the College Subsistence Department determined that the
south part of the block should be sold to the church. He guided
negotiations made more difficult by the fact that the Masonic Club
had become inactive. The church acquired the property from the
club for $10 , 000 . The 1923 Quarterly Conference announced that
temporary-makeshift building , known as the Tabernacle, was being
constructed . It was to served as the church for the next 40 years
when more suitable and permanent facilities were erected. The
1
Tabernacle stood between the present education building and the
sanctuary in a north-south direction. Its interior was of uncertain
design with swaying arches and sidewalls . Windows lined the walls
at upper and lower levels providing good ventilation while creaky
floors were always cold in the winter . Gas heaters replaced wood
stoves in 1928 and improved the heating slightly . On the sides of
the main worship area a battery of hinged doors opened to provide
more seating space or closed to conserve heat . After 1951 when a
new sanctuary was constructed , it served as a Fellowship Hall and
home to Wesley Student Foundation until it was demolished in 1964 .
East of the Church and Tauber St . intersection, a second
parsonage was built on the south end. It seemed adequate to serve
as a pastor ' s home from 1927 to 1957 . When vacated in 1957 it
served as the youth center until it was moved in 1962 to provide a
site for the current Wesley Foundation and chapel building.
During World War II , it became evident that an educational
building was needed, but the war effort had placed a moratorium on
civilian construction. A special dispensation was granted to the
church because of the large student population in a university
community . Slow constructions during wartime delayed occupation
until 1946 . The plan provided for ductwork large enough for
heating, but not for cooling. Thoughts of installing larger ducts
to serve for both were dismissed when the consultant gave
convincing testimony that "air conditioning of a building that size
and use would be exorbitantly costly, utterly impracticable, and
would overwhelm the church budget . " Twenty years later a central
heating-cooling system was installed with larger duct at
considerable expense. In 1957 it was dedicated to J . Gordon
Gay, long time Sunday School superintendent and YMCA General
Secretary .
In the late forties , Texas Methodists over the state gave
generously to fund the construction of the Gothic sanctuary erected
on the south end, former site of the A and M Masonic Club.
Completed in 1951 , its formal opening worship service was conducted
on November 11 , 1951 . Rev. James F. Jackson the church' s sixth
minister served during the construction period. Inside plain white
plastered walls support the vaulted and beamed ceiling. The
central aisle leads to the chancel and elevated altar with 6 stain
glass window on each outside wall . On the south end , overlooking
the campus , high above the altar is a large stained glass Rose
Window. Above the north min entrance are 3 tall Trinity Windows .
A small casement window in the northeast corner below the balcony
is dedicated to the memory of a workman electrocuted during
construction.
The Fellowship Hall and connecting link between the Sanctuary
and J . Gordon Gay Education Building was constructed in 1967 .
3 . What were some historically significant events and/or patterns
of activity associated with the property?
When Shiloh Methodist Church closed, the pioneer cemetery
located on the church site became the property of the Methodist
2
Episcopal Church, South. Because A and M Methodist was the closest
Methodist Church to the cemetery, by church law, it became
responsible for its administration. Technically the cemetery
became the responsibility of the A and M Methodist Church the
moment it was organized in 1923 . An inventory of its property at
that time read: one cemetery . In 1947 A and M Methodist conveyed
Shiloh Cemetery to the City of College Station for the price of
$1 . 00 .
In 1926 A and M Methodist Church minister Jesse C. Thomson
participated in the opening service of the newly-constructed Saint
Mary ' s Catholic Church at the invitation of Father John B. Gleisser
which began a friendship and cordial relationship of the churches
for many years . Years later Saint Mary ' s Catholic Church held its
1971 Vacation Church School in the A and M Methodist Church
building serving 90 of the parish' s children.
Until the late thirties , several denominations held a hope
that space would be provided on campus for their buildings . In May
1938 , the A and M College Board of Directors denied a formal
request by Presbyterian Church for a building site on campus . The
Board reaffirmed a long established policy to permit no
organization to erect buildings on campus . The Methodist group
accepted this action as final and made no additional pursuits of
this nature.
4 . General Description of Northgate during the periods when it
achieved significance.
Early photo taken from campus with Bolton Hall in the
foreground shows the temporary tabernacle building built in 1923
and the second parsonage across the street that was completed in
1928 . Nothing was beyond the Tabernacle northward to Bryan.
The Baptists had a "spacious" parking lot a block from their
church, across the street from the Methodists and often was used by
both congregations . For a while the area where the present
sanctuary is now located was designated by the Methodists as their
parking lot was equally assessable to both Baptists and
Methodists .
5 . Who were the main active personalities involved with commercial ,
churches , residential areas .
King Vivion-- 1920-1924--first minister assigned to Methodist
students and families in College Station, erected first building--
crudely built parsonage
W. C. Boyett--owner of land purchased by church
Jesse C. Thomson -1924-1932--minister during occupancy of
first temporary building, the Tabernacle, and second parsonage
A. D . Jackson--charter member , chairman of the board, Board of
Trustees , Church school superintendent
P . L . Downs , Jr . --"Mr . A and M" layman for 25-30 years , usually
walked to church from his home a mile away , directly through
dormitory area , post office, Northgate--visiting all along the way-
-arrived at regular place in the Sanctuary--2nd row back, west
side .
3
Ministers : King Vivion -- 1920-1924
Jesse Thomson --1924-1932
R. L . Jackson -- 1932-1936
James Carlin -- 1936-1942
Walton Gardner--1943-1944
Raymond Terry --1944-1947
James Jackson --1947-1952
Nolan Vance -- 1952-1957
James Argue -- 1957-1961
Byron Lovelady--1961-1964
Walter McPherson1964-1969
Jack Sparling --1969-1971
James Brannen --1971-1979
Bob Waters -- 1979-1987
Bill Armstrong--1987-1994
6 . Are there any documents on the building and Northgate? Historic
photos, old drawings of outside of the building and the inside,
maps etc .
First Parsonage--Brison, Fred R . ,The A&M United Methodist
Church, The First Fifty Years : 1923-1973 , p . 49
Tabernacle--Brison, p. 28 , 42
Northgate -- Brison. p. 24 , 86
J . Gordon Gay Education Building -- Brison, p . 93
Sanctuary (outside) Brison p . 56 , 93
(inside) Brison p. 54, 72 ,
Wesley Student Center -- Brison, p. 46
7 . Who were the persons responsible for the design or
construction of the property?
King Vivion designed and built the first parsonage.
A.D . Jackson was chairman of the building for the second
parsonage
Tabernacle
J. Gordon Gay Education Building
The Sanctuary --Ernest Langford, supervising architect, F. R.
Brison, building committee; Clarence Andrews , builder
4
NORTHGATE Ills iui
Northgate had its humble beginning as a downtown during the 1930s.
This was a period before the incorporation of the City of College Station (which incorporation
was voted by its citizens on October 19, 1938.
In fact, during the 20's, the United States Post Office and Boyett's, a local business, claimed
the earliest beginning roots of business development.
Also, prior to incorporation of College Station, it could easily be argued that the city
"downtown" existed before the incorporation- a rather unique development.
To support that proposition, in addition to the Post Office, there were numerous businesses
that developed and flourished, some of which continue to flourish to this day.
Those businesses included a pharmacy, cleaners, barber shops, tailors, and restaurants.
Specifically, by name, these businesses included Aggieland Pharmacy, Lipscomb's Pharmacy,
Luke's Campus Grocery, The College Inn, Holick's, and Loupot's.
But it was during the 40's that its crowning glory as a downtown was solidified.
Namely, the main Business District flourished and consisted of cafes, grocery stores,
confectioners,jewelers, a dentist, photographers - and the magnificent structure which should be the
cornerstone of Northgate - The Campus Theater - built at a cost of$65,000.00, it seated 628 people
and had the "most modem movie equipment available."
Even a bank opened in Northgate on May 1, 1946.
Finally, in December 1947, the College Station, residents celebrated the opening of its new
City Hall in downtown College Station.
This property, although leased to a successful restaurant, is still owned by the City.
Finally, to close, to my utter surprise, there are at least 5 homes in Northgate that are nearly
100 years old:
318 First
Owner: Estate of A.P. Boyett, Sr.
Erected: 1911, Sold 1941
Identification by: George H. Boyett, February 1, 1986
Caroline 1VTitchell, January 16, 1986
Style: Small sized Queen Anne, minor modifications
Previous residents on campus:
RF. 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:
RP. 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, by badly burned 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 about 1900
Sold: Date uncertain, probably 1948-49 according to records in
Tax Assessor-Collector's office.
Identification as a campus by George H. Boyett, whose father purchased the house
and moved it.
Style: Small sized Queen Anne with neo-classical features; apparently
close to original condition, few modifications
recent years
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: ?
The plan for Northgate needs to be accomplished in conjunction with input from and financial
cooperation with Texas A&M University.
Lexington Photos - Show before/after
This is a project that has historic implications for our community. More importantly,
implementation of a Northgate plan will have a positive impact on economic development, of which
tourism is now a number one resource, according to the Texas Department of Commerce.
The timeliness of this project is also enhanced by the approaching development of the George
Bush Library, which will bring thousands of new tourists to our community. It is time to take our
most visible eyesore, and turn it into the community treasure it can become.
Happy to answer questions