Landmark Preservation Commission 2010 Annual Report to City Council May 10, 2011
landmark preservation commission On the front cover (clockwise from top left): Arlington Mineral Well, Center St at Main St; W.A. Thornton home, 719 W Abram St; Downtown Arlington on Abram Street, looking east; Carlisle Military Academy (now UTA); Knapp Heritage Park, 201 W Front St; Cooper House; part of the mural Gathering Pecans by Otis Dozier, located inside Worthington National Bank; and Main Street. 2
2010 annual report Table of Contents Message from the Chair 5 Accomplishments 6 2011 Work Plan 10 Local Marker Program 12 National and State Designations 18 Certificates of Appropriateness 20 Certificates of Demolition 21 Dangerous Structures 21 Grant Funding 22 3
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2010 annual report A Message from the Chair On behalf of the Landmark Preservation Commission, I am pleased to present our Annual Report to the Mayor and City Council for consideration. We have nine dedicated Commissioners who are working hard to preserve our city s historic landmarks. Our normal preservation functions have made 2010 a productive year. We would like to explore with City Council some new incentives to aid historic preservation efforts in Arlington. Until now, only those citizens who are personally motivated to preserve our history are stepping up to make the effort to maintain and improve our dwindling supply of historic sites and structures. Based on the actions of other communities in Texas and around the nation, we believe it is in Arlington s best interest to offer incentives to save and restore historic locations and structures. Our Commission is working on some preservation concepts based on best practices of other successful preservation programs to present to City Council for your consideration during the summer of 2011. Hopefully, we can put a new preservation program in place for the next fiscal year to encourage our citizens to save more of our historic culture. Thank you for giving the Commission the opportunity to help preserve our past visions and work towards our future realities. Ron Reber, Chair Landmark Preservation Commission 5
landmark preservation commission accomplishments Preservation Plan Adopted The City of Arlington received a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for $6,000 for creating a preservation plan for the City of Arlington. The purpose of the plan is to: Record past and current preservation activities. Define the City s preservation needs. Provide a framework for carrying out established historic preservation goals and priorities in a logical, efficient, and effective manner. The Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) unanimously approved Preserving Arlington: Past Visions, Future Realities on November 12, 2009. The City Council s Community and Neighborhood Development Committee reviewed the document at the January 12 and February 2, 2010 meetings. City Council approved the plan on March 9, 2010. Local Marker Program The Local Marker Program provides a means to recognize local landmarks and sites of significance to the history of Arlington. The Commission kicked off the Local Marker Program with a marketing campaign in September 2009 and culminated in the designation of 11 buildings and two historic districts as Arlington landmarks. The program was funded through a $15,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. Additional funding is being sought in 2011 to build on this success. A full description of the program starts on page 12. Preservation Month Proclamation The Mayor and City Council recognized May 2010 as National Preservation Month in the city of Arlington. A proclamation was presented on May 4, 2010. Fielder House meeting A special meeting was held on August 26, 2010, at the historic Fielder House. The meeting was an educational and orientation session about sites of historical significance in Arlington. Topics discussed are listed below. Bird s Fort: Mr. M. C. Toyer, a descendant of settlers at Bird s Fort, spoke on the history of the fort, located in northeast Arlington. Marrow Bone Spring: Former Landmark Commissioner Steve Barnes discussed the history of the spring and the area in Arlington where it is located. Eastern Star Home: Former Landmark Commissioner Nancy Bennett spoke about the history of the Eastern Star Home and its status. Purvis House: Former LPC Chair Dorothy Rencurrel gave the history of the Purvis House, its status, and the history of Mr. and Mrs. Purvis families. Old Town Historic District: Former Landmark Commissioner Kristina Rumans reported on the history of the city additions that are included in this National Register historic district. Local cemeteries: Mrs. Rencurrel spoke on the cemeteries in Arlington. Purvis House demolition The house, located at 100 S Cooper Street and owned by the City of Arlington, was demolished on September 24, 2010. Despite attempts to find an organization or group to relocate and adapt its use to a group home or professional office, no companies or individuals were identified with the capability to move or renovate the house for such a use. Commissioners surveyed the contents of the building and salvaged many items of significance. 6
2010 annual report Landmark Preservation Commission 2010 (left to right): Alvin Warren, Cheryl Taylor-West, Jacob Sumpter, Thelia Chaffin, Ron Reber, Ghada Mahasneh, Nita Price, Amy Cearnal, Sharon Holman. Commissioners During 2010, the following citizens served as members of LPC: Place 1: Thelia Chaffin (appointed 03/09/10) Place 2: Larry Munsie, Jr. (term expired 06/30/10) Jacob Sumpter (appointed 07/01/10) Place 3: Alvin Warren (appointed 07/01/09) Place 4: Cheryl Taylor-West, Vice-Chair (appointed 01/22/08) Place 5: Juanita Price (appointed 07/01/07) Place 6: Ron Reber, Chair (appointed 04/07/09) Place 7: Christina Boe (resigned 04/22/10) Amy Cearnal (appointed 07/01/10) Place 8: Sharon Holman (appointed 07/01/09) Place 9: Ghada Mahasneh (appointed 07/01/09) City Staff Support Julie Hostak, Grants Coordinator, served as the City s Historic Preservation Officer through March 10, 2010. Clayton Husband, Planning Project Manager II, was appointed Historic Preservation Officer on March 11, 2010. Dell Smith Wood, Grants Secretary, provided support as the secretary to the Commission. 7
landmark preservation commission Educational and Training Activities Texas Historical Commission conference: Clayton Husband attended the THC conference for training on April 22-24, 2010, in Houston. National Preservation Conference: Chair Ron Reber attended the conference, held in Austin on October 27-30, 2010. Open Meetings training: All newly appointed Commissioners, as well as returning Commissioners, completed Open Meetings Act training. The workshop was held on August 12, 2010, and was conducted by Kathy Zibilich, City Attorney. Memberships and Subscriptions National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (LPC membership) National Trust for Historic Preservation No current Commissioners or staff are members of NTHP. Subscriptions to preservation periodicals available to staff, Commissioners, and the public: The Alliance Review (NAPC) and The Medallion (THC). Media Coverage The following were from 2010 editions of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Arlington historical sites will get city marker (01/17/10). Article about the markers placed on First United Methodist Church of Arlington, the Vandergriff Building on Center Street, and Worthington National Bank on Main Street Council Briefs Purvis House (03/10/10). Article about the scheduled demolition of the Purvis House Historic house in downtown Arlington to be demolished (09/24/10). Article about the demolition of the Purvis House The following were from 2010 editions of the Handley Herald A Gambling Playground (12/23/09, 01/20/10, and 02/17/10). Three-part article on Top O Hill Terrace in Arlington 8
2010 annual report Purvis House demolished on September 24, 2010 9
landmark preservation commission 2011 Work Plan The Work Plan outlined below provides a description of the major items the Landmark Preservation Commission proposes to address during 2011. Some of the items come from the the Preservation Plan adopted in 2010; other items were identified during Commission discussions during the year. They are intended to implement the City Council priorities related to enhancing and preserving neighborhoods; creating a vibrant downtown; and offering cultural, recreational and learning opportunities. Incentives. Study and develop an incentive program for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Such a program would help lay the foundation for and sustain a program that promotes quality preservation in the community. Areas of study include tax incentives for historic properties. LP Overlay. Evaluate the existing Landmark Preservation Overlay zoning district. Study opportunities for including additional properties, buildings and historic sites, as well as coordinating with potential incentives. Recommend appropriate changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Local Marker Program. Seek funding from grants and other sources to further implement the local marker program and build on its initial success. Focus on establishing text/subject markers, recognizing additional properties, and creating a walking tour of local landmarks. Training. Host a preservation training workshop in Arlington and invite commissioners and preservationists from other local cities in the area. Funding for the training has been requested from the Texas Historical Commission through the Certified Local Government grant program. Commission. As positions become available, actively recruit LPC members with general preservation experience and knowledge. Improve communications with the City in order to assist the LPC in effectively fulfilling its role. Outreach. Increase awareness of Arlington landmark preservation efforts with local, state, and national preservation organizations. Update the pages for the Landmark Preservation Commission on the City s website. Staff support. Keep Commissioners informed about community preservation events and initiatives. Follow through on recommended staff functions from the 2008 annual report, including: Prepare case reports for demolition permits that are referred to the Commission by the building inspections division. Review applicable zoning cases for their potential effect on historic properties and forward their findings to the Commission. Prepare annual Certified Local Government and other grant applications on behalf of the Commission. Coordinate training opportunities for the Commission and staff, including the required annual training at Texas Historical Commission-approved events. Network and coordinate with the private sector, the community, and other City departments on preservation issues and efforts. Coordinate with the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau in promoting preservation and heritage tourism in Arlington. 10
2010 annual report Priority Historic Resources Continue to monitor critical historic resources in Arlington. Eastern Star Home The ultimate fate of the Home remains with the new owners. The demolition permit that was granted in September 2007 expired. It is unknown what plans the new owners will bring to the City for consideration. The main building of the Eastern Star Home was placed on the Most Endangered List by Preservation Texas, Inc. in 2006. It remains a top priority of both the City of Arlington and the LPC. Redevelopment of the building and surrounding property has been on hold since 2009. Arlington cemeteries We are continuing the development of an extensive inventory of local cemeteries, their exact locations, their historical significance, and a list of historical individuals who are buried there. The LPC has begun reviewing selected cemeteries at each monthly meeting so that our Commissioners can enhance their knowledge of the history of Arlington. The potential exists for many of the cemeteries to be designated as Texas Historic Cemeteries. Bird s Fort The LPC will continue to maintain dialog with the owners of the property with the hope that they will either develop the property as a historic park or sell the property to an entity that will maintain its integrity as a historically significant site. Currently, the owners have no intention of selling or donating the property since it has been owned by their family for more than 110 years. They are very aware of its historical significance and want to maintain the site in its current condition as long as practical, given the development and activity surrounding their property. Marrow Bone Spring Commissioners are patiently waiting for the City to complete the redevelopment of the Marrow Bone Spring linear park. We were concerned that the spring was disturbed during the installation of new city sewer lines, but so far, that does not seem to be a problem. We would like to be certain that the City s Parks and Recreation Department follows through on restoring the historical marker to its original location and that this park is returned close to its original condition so that citizens and visitors can enjoy the historical significance of this part of Arlington. 11
landmark preservation commission Local Marker Program The Local Marker Program provides a means to recognize local landmarks and sites that have significance in the history of Arlington. Markers provide a way to make those sites easy to locate and recognize, so that residents and visitors alike may visit and enjoy them. The program was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. Nomination Criteria At a minimum, any nomination for a structure or site must meet the following criteria: Be at least 50 years old Be visible and accessible to the public Be within the city limits of Arlington At least one of the following criteria must also be met: Possess significance in the history, archeology, architecture, or culture of Arlington Be associated with events that have made significant contributions to the Arlington community Be associated with the biography of current or previous residents of Arlington with substantiated documentation Application Review The Commission appointed a Local Marker Subcommittee to develop the local marker program and seek funding to implement it. Marketing of the program began in September 2009 by targeting high priority historic resources within the original town boundaries. By November, applications were being submitted. Subcommittee members assisted property owners with the applications, helped prepare the site history, took photographs and sponsored the application when it was presented to the Commission. The local marker medallions and text markers were produced by Turner Sign Systems of Haltom City. Text markers were created for the first three locations, with all other sites receiving medallions. Future funding will be sought to place text markers at all the approved sites. Program Successful The first three local markers were approved by the City Council on March 9, 2010. These sites included the Vandergriff Building, First United Methodist Church and Worthington Bank. On August 3, an additional 10 sites were approved. To celebrate the beginning of the program, a public dedication ceremony was held on November 14, 2010, for the first three marker sites. Future applications The Commission is seeking new funding in 2011 to continue the program, work with property owners on new applications, and encourage local marker nominations for contributing properties in Arlington. A proposal for a $20,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is underway. Local Marker Subcommittee members: Cheryl Taylor-West, Chair Juanita Price Martha Martin Alvin L. Warren Steve Barnes Sharon Holman Kristina Rumans Ghada Mahasneh Dorothy Rencurrel Larry Munsie, Jr. Ron R. Reber, LPC Chair, ex officio 12
2010 annual report Medallions and Markers: from Concept to Reality 1330959 07/12/10 AG 1 Post Mount 27 x 42 10 Blind Mount 8 diam Contact: Shar@572 VERSION 1 13
landmark preservation commission Local Markers in Arlington 10 11 14
2010 annual report 1. First United Menthodist Church 313 N Center St 2. Thannish-Vandergriff Building 225 N Center St 3. Worthington National Bank 200 W Main St 4. Arlington Music Hall 224 N Center St 5. Jones Building 406 W Main St 6. Kooken Elementary School 423 N Center St 7. Booker T. Washington School 500 Houston St 8. Hutcheson-Smith Home 312 Oak St 9. Ramirez Medicinal Clinic 314 N Center St 10. Top O Hill Terrace 3001 W Division St 11. Arlington Downs Watering Trough 300 Six Flags Dr 15
landmark preservation commission Old Town Historic District 16
2010 annual report South Center Street Historic District 17
landmark preservation commission National and State designations National Register Listings The Thannisch-Vandergriff Building was listed to the National Register of Historic Places on July 26, 2010. 18
2010 annual report Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Listings Kooken Elementary School - 423 N Center Street Carver Dixon King, Mayor of Arlington 1876-1881 and 1899-1900 Andrew Shannon Hayter - Founders Plaza, corner of Center Street and Abram Street 19
landmark preservation commission Certificates of Appropriateness Certificates of Appropriateness are required in Arlington for alterations to structures or new construction located in the Landmark Preservation overlay zoning district. One Certificate was processed in 2010 for new construction of a Mellow Mushroom restaurant at 200 N. Center Street. The Certificate was approved by the Commission on September 9, 2010. 20
2010 annual report Certificates of Demolition The Arlington Zoning Ordinance requires LPC review of demolition permit applications for all structures at least 50 years of age, whose age is unknown, or those with historical designations. Commissioners rotate assignments in visiting and researching each property and preparing a report for the Commission. Community Development and Planning staff assists with the site visits and photography. All of the properties listed below were reviewed by the Commission and public hearings were held. Date of construction is listed according to Tarrant Appraisal District records. The 2007 Historic Resources Survey is used by City staff and the Commissioners to determine if the property is an historically-contributing structure to Arlington. Address Applic. Date Year Built Age Contributing 801 Scott Dr 2/2/2010 1951 59 no 1106 W Lovers Ln 2/3/2010 1953 57 no 1804 Wanda Way 2/19/2010 unknown - no 211 W North St 2/19/2010 1944 66 yes 309 W Front St 2/24/2010 1950 60 yes 1416 N Center St 3/1/2010 1953 57 yes 1415 N Center St 3/26/2010 1955 55 no 1301 Mansfield Webb Rd 5/13/2010 1930 80 no 1819 W Park Row Dr 5/18/2010 1960 50 no 504 Kelly Terrace 6/1/2010 1956 54 no 6524 S Cooper St 6/21/2010 unknown - no 1112 Roosevelt St 7/1/2010 1950 60 no 1214-A Roosevelt St 6/28/2010 1954 56 no 1216 Roosevelt St 6/28/2010 1954 56 no 702 N. Center St 7/6/2010 1950 60 no 504 Echols St 7/13/2010 1942 68 yes 1912 Valley Ln 9/14/2010 1960 50 no 600 Murray Ave 10/13/2010 1951 59 no Dangerous Structures These properties were reviewed and released to the City of Arlington for appropriate action. Commissioners assisted with applications by visiting sites and preparing case notes for deliberation at LPC meetings. City code compliance officers provided case information related to LPC review of dangerous structures. Address LPC Date 1415 N Center St 1/14/2010 1114 Altman Dr (accy structure) 2/25/2010 2513 Miriam Ln 2/25/2010 1527 Reever 2/25/2010 1511 Daniel Dr 2/25/2010 431 N Elm St 3/11/2010 1310 Biggs Terr 3/11/2010 5808 Myers Rd 4/8/2010 1409 Biggs Terr 4/8/2010 513 Indiana St 9/9/2010 1809 Edna St 10/14/2010 508 Indiana St 11/11/2010 21
landmark preservation commission Grant Funding Historic Preservation Fund The City of Arlington s Historic Preservation Fund was established from the insurance proceeds from the historic Cooper House, which was destroyed by fire in 1998. Annual grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations are distributed from the fund s accrued interest. In 2010, Arlington Baptist College / Top O Hill Terrace received $11,156 in grant funds for repairs to buildings, markers for a walking tour, and signage for the site. Grant work was completed in February 2011. CLG Grant Application An application for grant funding for Commission training was made to the Texas Historical Commission in November 2010. If approved, the grant will be used to host a preservation training seminar in Arlington, inviting local commissioners from area cities to attend. 22
2010 annual report Photo Credits and Sources Cover: Landmark Preservation Commission files 3 & 7: Clayton Husband 8: Landmark Preservation Commission files 9: Clayton Husband 11: Ron Reber and Landmark Preservation Commission files 15-16: Clayton Husband and Landmark Preservation Commission files 17: Clayton Husband and Ron Reber 18-19: Clayton Husband and Landmark Preservation Commission files 20: GSBS Architects and Dylan Briggs 22: Vickie Bryant and Landmark Preservation Commission files 23
City of Arlington Community Development & Planning Department 101 West Abram Street Arlington, Texas 76010