PRESENTER: Presenter
Katie Totman, Historic Preservation Officer
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SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance regarding historic landmark designation of the property currently addressed as 275 S. Sycamore Avenue in response to an application for a demolition permit
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DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The subject property is located at the northwest corner of S Sycamore and Lee Street. The primary structure is residential in use, clad with rock and has an irregular footprint including an attached half-circle enclosure on the east elevation. The structure features elements consistent with Ranch style architecture, albeit modest. These elements include a recessed entryway with protection from the roof, a large central pane picture window on the front façade, a broad low single-story shape, and an attached garage.
The applicant applied for a demolition permit to demolish the entire structure. Per the City’s code of ordinances, all demolition permits are reviewed to determine if the subject structure(s) is/are eligible for listing as a local historic landmark. The Historic Landmark Commission held a public hearing on July 9, 2024, and voted to initiate historic landmark designation on the primary structure.
Because historic landmark designation is a zoning overlay district, the process to designate a site or structure a historic landmark requires the same hearing process as a zoning change, which includes a recommendation from the Planning Commission after a public hearing. City Council will hold an additional public hearing per state law for rezoning requests. As the property owner is opposed to the designation request, a super-majority vote of the City Council is required to approve the landmark designation.
Historic Context: Based on the style and Sanborn Fire Insurance map evidence, the structure may have been built between 1949 and 1960. Additionally, Ranch style homes were popular in the United States between 1935 and 1975. The property was purchased in June 1949 by Leo and Margie LaQuatra and they lived in and owned the property until Leo’s death in 1974. The property was then sold to Boonie and Edward Mattern. Leo LaQuatra was originally from Italy and served in World War I as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Leo and Margie married in Bexar County in 1925.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Chapter 66, Section 66-56 of the City’s Code of Ordinances provides the criteria for the designation of historic landmarks. If the subject structure is recommended for designation, it will proceed through the public hearing process for consideration by City Council pursuant to the adopted ordinance.
A historic landmark or district may be designated if it meets at least one of the following criteria:
1. Possesses significance in history, architecture, archeology, or culture.
2. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, state, or national history.
3. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
5. Represents the work of a master designer, builder, or craftsman.
6. Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:
• Action 2.10: Identify and preserve non-protected architectural and cultural resources.
• Action 2.25: Increase resources for historic preservation.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
• Foster a sense of community for all City residents, preserve the City’s key historic and cultural assets, expand cultural programming, and take advantage of development opportunities that complement the City’s unique heritage.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Historic Landmark Commission held a public hearing on July 9, 2024, and voted to initiate historic landmark designation for the subject property in response to a demolition permit application (6-1-0); Chair Teresa Johnson and Commissioner Tom Tumlinson were absent.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 7, 2024, and voted unanimously to deny the application to historically designate the structure.
NOTIFICATION:
Public hearing notices were sent to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. The city has received four (4) responses in opposition and five (5) in favor.
Recommendation