PRESENTER
Katie Totman, HPO
SUBJECT:
Discuss and consider creating a survey and designation subcommittee and ways to be more proactive with local landmark and district designations.
INFORMATION:
The purpose of this proposal is to formally establish a Survey & Historic Designation Subcommittee under the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC). This subcommittee will focus on surveying properties/areas within the city limits of New Braunfels to identify eligible properties for historic designation, leading community efforts toward historic designation where appropriate. The work of this subcommittee will help preserve the rich heritage of our community while fostering public awareness and engagement in historic preservation efforts.
Purpose & Objectives
The Survey & Historic Designation Subcommittee will serve the following functions:
1. Conducting Neighborhood Surveys: Assist staff with the organization of and oversee volunteer-driven surveys of neighborhoods to document existing building stock.
2. Facilitating Historic Designation Efforts: Research and prepare reports for properties and districts that may qualify for local, state, or national historic designation.
3. Engaging Community Volunteers: Train and lead volunteers in data collection, photographic documentation, and historical research.
4. Coordinating with Stakeholders: Collaborate with city staff, local preservation organizations, and community members.
5. Reporting to the Main Commission: Provide regular updates on survey progress, findings, and potential designation opportunities.
Structure & Membership
The subcommittee will consist of 5-10 members, including:
• Chairperson: May be appointed by HLC chair or nominated and voted upon during a public HLC meeting. Oversees subcommittee activities, sets meeting agendas, and reports to the HLC.
• Volunteer Coordinator: Organizes and trains volunteers for fieldwork. City staff will assist with this.
• Research Coordinator: Focuses on gathering and analyzing historical data as it pertains to possible designations. City staff will assist with this.
• Community Outreach Representative: Engages with residents and local organizations to build support for preservation efforts. Staff will also assist with public outreach.
• Additional Members: May include HLC members and interested members of the community.
Work Plan & Timeline
1. Phase 1 - Planning (1-2 months)
• Recruit volunteers; this can be capped to a manageable number.
• Identify priority neighborhoods for surveys.
2. Phase 2/3 - Initial Survey Implementation/ Analysis & Designation Efforts (12-24 months, maybe longer)
• Conduct training sessions for volunteers.
• Deploy teams to collect data in designated neighborhoods.
• Maintain a database of findings and photographic records. (Survey123)
• Analyze survey results and determine properties/districts for potential designation.
• Engage with property owners and community stakeholders.
• Prepare applications for historic designation at local, state, or national levels.
3. Ongoing Work
• Continue surveying neighborhoods/properties within the city limits.
• Once the survey is complete, routinely update as needed.
• Educate the public on preservation initiatives.
Resources & Support Needed
To operate effectively, the subcommittee will require:
• Access to historic records and Survey123 (mapping tool)
• Administrative support from the commission and staff for organizing meetings and reports.
• Potential partnerships with universities, historical societies, and planning agencies.
Expected Outcomes
By establishing this subcommittee, the HLC and staff will:
• Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties that is coordinated with the statewide process for cultural resource surveys, which is in alignment with our requirements as a Certified Local Government through the Texas Historical Commission (SHPO).
• Strengthen community engagement in preservation.
• Improve the chances of securing historic designations.
• Foster a sense of local pride and historical awareness.
The creation of a Survey & Historic Designation Subcommittee aligns with the mission of the HLC to protect and promote the historic integrity of our community. It also aligns with both the city’s Comprehensive and Strategic plans which direct us to protect our historic structures, safeguard the character and integrity of our neighborhoods, and increase historic preservation programming and outreach.