Presenter
Presenter
Caleb Gasparek, Historic Preservation Officer
Contact Info
cgasparek@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
Subject:
Title
Approval of the second and final reading of an ordinance to designate the property currently addressed as 210 South Castell Avenue as a historic landmark to be known as the Producer’s Co-Op.
Body
Background:
Case No: HST20-302
Council District: 5
Applicants/Owners: Ronald B. Snider, Fredrick Heimer and Michael Meyer
(210) 273-8118
ronsnider28@gmail.com
Staff Contact: Caleb Gasparek, Historic Preservation Officer
(830)221-4086
CGasparek@nbtexas.org
City Council held a public hearing on February 22, 2021 and unanimously approved the first reading of the applicant’s requested landmark designation rezoning ordinance.
The subject property is an irregularly shaped through-lot with frontage on South Castell Avenue, West Coll Street, and Hill Avenue. The property is directly adjacent to the Downtown Historic District and directly north of the Sophienburg Hill Historic District.
Designating the property as a historic landmark, per the applicants’ request, will not alter the underlying C-2 zoning of the property. If approved, the property would have a Historic Landmark (HL) zoning overlay district, though with regards to site plans, uses, setbacks, and other development land use regulations, such property shall be governed by its C-2 base zoning district.
Surrounding Zoning and Land Use:
North - C-2 / Downtown Commercial District & Downtown Historic District
South - SND-1 & C-1A / Special Neighborhood District 1, Neighborhood Business District, & Sophienburg Hill Historic District
East - M-1 / Light Industrial District
West - C-2 / Downtown Commercial District & Downtown Historic District
Historic Context:
The Producer’s Co-Op of New Braunfels was established on November 1st, 1944 to provide agricultural products to Comal and other surrounding counties. The Co-Op experienced rapid growth following its establishment, and by 1946 required additional space for its operations.
Sanborn maps from 1907 to 1922 indicate that the site was previously occupied by the Dittlinger Cotton Gin. A railroad track led directly to the cotton gin for the loading and unloading of products. By 1922 only a small portion of the Dittlinger Cotton Gin remained, though a timber frame warehouse owned by local contractor A.C. Moeller had been erected in the rear of the lot adjacent to the railroad track. The Producer’s Co-Op purchased the warehouse building in 1946. That same year the Co-Op hired local architect Jeremiah Schmidt to design an 80-foot x 80-foot warehouse to meet their growing needs. A building permit issued on August 9th, 1946 indicates that the building was originally valued at $29,000, and was built by local contractor Edwin Hanz. The Schmidt building was added on to in the rear several times after it was constructed in 1947, though the primary structure on Castell designed by Schmidt remains unchanged. The Producer’s Co-Op remains in business to this day.
Architecturally, the Producer’s Co-Op building is one of the few intact late Art Deco/Moderne style buildings in New Braunfels. Identifying characteristics include glass-block windows, stucco exterior, flat roof, and horizontal grooves or lines on the façade.
Request:
The applicants/owners applied for/requested this landmark designation for the subject property. The applicants/owners are, therefore, in support of this rezoning.
Staff Analysis:
According to Chapter 66 of the New Braunfels Code of Ordinances, a historic landmark may be designated if it meets at least 1 of the 6 criteria as established in subsection 56 “Criteria for the designation of historic landmarks and districts.”
1) Possesses significance in history, architecture, archaeology, or culture.
The Producer’s Co-Op has significance in its association with the agricultural history of the community following WWII. Architecturally, the Schmidt building is indicative of the late Art Deco/Moderne style.
2) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, state, or national history.
The Producer’s Co-Op is significant in its contribution to local agricultural history.
3) Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
While the site is mostly associated with the Co-Op itself, founding members of the Co-Op include prominent members of the community.
4) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
N/A
5) Represents the work of a master designer, builder, or craftsman.
Associated with locally renowned architect Jerimiah Schmidt and contractor Edwin Hanz.
6) Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.
The Producer’s Co-Op is a familiar feature along Castell Ave. and the downtown area.
Recommendation:
The proposed Landmark Designation was reviewed by both the Historic Landmark Commission and the Planning Commission at their regularly scheduled meetings in January and February, 2021. Both Commissions voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council.
Staff concurs with the recommendation of both Commissions. The Producer’s Co-Op is a staple of Downtown and not only is a good example of the late Art Deco/Moderne style, but is also significant in its association with local architect Jeremiah Schmidt and the development of agriculture following WWII.
Notification:
Public hearing notices were sent to 17 owners of property within 200 feet of the request. The City has received one response in favor at this time.
Resource Links:
• Chapter 66, Sec. 54 “Designation of Historic Landmarks” <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH66HIPR_ARTIIIHILAPR_S66-54DEHILA>
• Chapter 66, Sec. 56 “Criteria for the Designation of Historic Landmarks and Districts” <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH66HIPR_ARTIIIHILAPR_S66-56CRDEHILADI>
Attachments:
1. Application
2. Location Map
3. Land Use Maps (Zoning, Existing, and Future Land Use)
4. Sanborn Maps
5. Photographs
6. Notification List and Map
7. Producer’s Co-Op Ordinance