PRESENTER: Presenter
Katie Totman, Historic Preservation Officer
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SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to add a local historic landmark designation and rezone approximately 0.21 acres of Lot 5, New City Block 3019 from R-2 HD (Single Family and Two-Family District with a Historic District overlay) to R-2 HD HL (Single Family and Two-Family District with Historic District and Historic Landmark overlays), currently addressed at 648 West Mill Street. (HST25-134)
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DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The request for historic landmark designation was initiated by the property owner. The property is in the Mill Street Historic District and a landmark designation will not add any additional restrictions on the property.
The structure at 648 W Mill is a one-story Craftsman style residential structure, built c. 1919 for William Suttle and his wife Nancy. Together, William and Nancy had three children. In 1920, census records indicate William worked for a local flour mill as a superintendent and in his later years he worked as a real estate and insurance agent. William was a veteran of the Spanish American War and died in 1968. Nancy was a member of the Order of the Easter Star; a Masonic appendant body open to both men and women. She served in a variety of officer positions in the 1920s and ‘30s. The property is inside the boundaries of the Mill Street Historic District. Existing styles in the immediate vicinity include Folk Victorian, German Vernacular and Craftsman. 648 W Mill is on the west side of W Mill and toward the southernmost end of the district.
ISSUE:
Per Chapter 66-54 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, proposed historic landmark designations shall follow the regular rezoning procedures and be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council for final determination.
In order for a property to be eligible for historic landmark designation, it must meet at least one (1) of six (6) eligibility criteria listed in Chapter 66 of the City’s Code of Ordinances. Following a review of the property staff found the following criteria:
1) Possesses significance in history, architecture, archaeology, or culture &
4) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:
• Action 2.2: Prioritize areas that are best suited for conservation and preservation.
• Action 2.5: Encourage diversification of commercial activity Downtown to build on and sustain existing historic resources and maximize structure utilization for economic expansion.
• Action 2.6: Consistently evaluate the areas designated historic for strategic expansion or new designations.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Objective - Adopt the new Land Development Ordinance that implements goals of our residents identified in Envision New Braunfels, including but not limited to protecting historic structures, preserving and increasing green space and tree canopy, protecting natural resources, and safeguarding the character, integrity, and stability of neighborhoods.
Performance Measures - Increased historic preservation programming and outreach; Increase National Citizen Survey overall satisfaction with “Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community.”
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
The Historic Landmark Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and unanimously recommended approval of the applicant’s request (9-0-0).
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 3, 2025, and unanimously recommended approval of the applicant’s request (7-0-0)
Staff concurs with the recommendation by the Historic Landmark Commission and the Planning Commission.
In addition to the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, as this is technically a rezoning, the following section of the Zoning Ordinance also applies.
Code of Ordinances Sec. 144-2.1 Changes and Zoning Amendments:
(b) Considerations for approving or denying a zoning change. In making a determination regarding a requested zoning change, the planning commission and the city council shall consider the following factors:
(1) Whether the uses permitted by the proposed change will be appropriate in the immediate area concerned, and their relationship to the general area and to the city as a whole;
(2) Whether the proposed change is in accord with any existing or proposed plans for providing public schools, streets, water supply, sanitary sewers, and other utilities to the area;
(3) How other areas designated for similar development will be, or are likely to be, affected if the proposed amendment is approved;
(4) Any other factors that will substantially affect the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare; and
(5) Whether the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Mailed notification as required by state statute:
Public hearing notices were sent to owners of 16 properties within 200 feet of the request. As of the date this agenda was posted, the city has received no responses in opposition.