Presenter
Presenter
Christopher J. Looney, Director of Planning and Community Development
Contact Info
clooney@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of the first reading of an ordinance granting rehabilitation tax relief to the property addressed as 195 Jahn Street, a Local Historic Landmark known as the Brietzke Haus.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Case No.: HLC-17-014
Council District: 6
Owner/Applicant: David A. & Sandra K. Huddleston
P.O. Box 310647
New Braunfels, TX 78131
(830) 625-7502
Staff Contact: Amy McWhorter, Historic Preservation Officer
(830) 221-4057
amcwhorter@nbtexas.org
The subject property comprises 0.24 of an acre and is situated at the corner of South Castell Avenue and Jahn Street. The subject property is currently zoned “C-2” (Central Business District) and is occupied by the original 1902 Brietzke family home.
This structure is a t-plan dwelling formed by a central hipped block with projecting wings with Queen Anne stylistic influences. The structure has a metal roof with narrow eave overhang with decorative milled brackets. The front-facing gable end has a cut-away bay window with decorative millwork in the cut away sections and fish scale shingles in the gable end. The secondary gable end (facing Castell Avenue) has a returned eave and shuttered window with a decorative wooden pediment above. Character-defining features of the structure include the overall form of the structure, the cut away bay window, the original wooden windows and the decorative mill work that is characteristic of the Queen Anne style.
In April of 2017, City Council designated the property a local historic landmark known as the Brietzke Haus. The applicant has completed substantial repairs to the property and is requesting rehabilitation tax relief pursuant to Section 66-57.1 of the City’s Code of Ordinances. The qualified repairs completed by the applicant include the following:
• Limited demolition
• Electrical Wiring
• Plumbing
• Repair of walls and subfloors
• Exterior Paint
• Exterior Doors
• Mechanical Equipment (HVAC)
• Replacement Roof
• Foundation repair
Determination Factors:
In making a determination on rehabilitation tax relief, the following factors are to be considered:
§ Whether the subject property has been designated as a local historic landmark (City Council approved the designation of the subject property on April 10, 2017).
§ Whether the improvement(s), renovation(s) or restoration(s) to the structure total at least ten percent of the property value reflected on the appraisal district tax rolls (The property is currently appraised at $175,570, requiring a minimum expenditure of $17,570. The applicant has provided receipts totaling more than this required expenditure on eligible expenses).
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
|
Yes |
City Plan/Council Priority: 2006 Comprehensive Plan Pros and Cons Based on Policies Plan |
Pros: Goal 64D Adopt historic preservation policies that encourage the responsible rehabilitation of substandard homes and the revitalization of existing neighborhoods. The proposed tax relief is offered to encourage the rehabilitation of historic landmark properties. The applicant has completed substantial rehabilitation of the property and successfully applied to have the property designated as a local landmark. Cons: None |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The tax relief will freeze the appraised value of the structure for City ad valorem tax collection for a period of five years. Therefore, exact value of the fiscal impact is contingent upon future, undetermined appraised values.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Historic Landmark Commission held a public hearing on June 13, 2017 and recommended approval of the designation (7-0-0, Commissioners Hoffmann and Gonzalez absent).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of rehabilitation tax relief for the property located at 195 W. Jahn Street as the property meets all requirements for such relief as specified in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Article III, Section 66-57.1. This tax relief tool continues to provide an incentive for property owners to rehabilitate, designate and protect historic structures which maintains the heritage of our community.
Attachments:
1. Map
2. Application
3. Before and after Photos
4. Article III, Sec. 66-57-1
5. Excerpt from the June 13, 2017 Historic Landmark Commission minutes
6. Ordinance