HomeMy WebLinkAboutNotes on Northgate for CSHPC Special Mtg. 1994 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