Historic & Cultural Landmarks Commission - Regular Meeting

You didn't win the nomination. They're all like that. I can't touch the ground.

Just swing your feet like we're at the park. Yeah, it won't do anything.

Oh, there we go.

Teamwork. How's everybody doing?

Good.

Your feet touch the ground like mine.

As you can tell, we have a lot of fun.

Now I can touch the ground, sort of.

Yeah, he's coming. It's okay.

Maybe this one. There we go. Just give us a couple minutes. Technical issues. Thank you.

We ready?

Ready.

Okay. All right, so we will call the September 14th Historic Landmark Commission meeting to order. And we will have Laura, she will read our introduction for us.

Good afternoon and welcome to the September 14th, 2026 Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission. Our commission requires a quorum of six members to be present and available for voting. The following board members are present today. Vice Chairwoman Anna Katrina Kelley Gardner, Commissioner Stephanie Musi, Commissioner Walter Peoples, Commissioner Estris Tucker, Commissioner Roger Sheffalo, Commissioner Corey Malone, Commissioner Thomas Oliver, Commissioner Tom Holden, and Commissioner Graham Bresentine. Staff present today are Lorelei Willett, Nathan Beville, Amara Campos, Francisco Vega, Trey Qualls, Hywon Kim, and myself, Laura Young. Today's meeting agenda can be found at www.fortwoodtexas.gov. SPEAKER REGISTRATION FORMS MUST HAVE BEEN TURNED IN PRIOR TO THE START OF THE MEETING. TODAY'S PUBLIC HEARING IS BEING DOCUMENTED BY VIDEO CONFERENCE RECORDING WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE. TO ACHIEVE A TIMELY AND ORDERLY MEETING, THE HCLC REQUESTS THAT THE FOLLOWING RULES OF PROCEDURE BE RESPECTED. EACH CASE WILL BE CALLED IN THE SEQUENCE LISTED ON THE AGENDA UNLESS DIRECTED BY THE CHAIR. All answering dialogue shall be directed to the HCLC only. After each staff presentation, the applicant and other proponents will be given a total of seven minutes to speak. Opposition may then speak for seven minutes. Continuation beyond the speaker's allotted time will be subject to the chairman's sole discretion and approval. All other meeting procedures will adhere to HCLC adopted rules and procedures to the extent practicable. Following the official close of each case hearing, the HCLC will remain in open session to discuss and vote upon the item in question. During this time, no further public testimony or commentary will be allowed unless directed by the chair. A closed executive session may be held with respect to the posted agenda items to enable the HCLC to receive advice from legal staff. For additional information on any case on today's agenda, you may contact the Development Services Department by calling 817-392-8000. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you so much, Laura, for that. And do we have any announcements?

Thank you, Vice Chair Kelly Gardner. We do have just a few announcements. Our preservation plan update meetings, the first one is happening this week on Wednesday evening at the LMA Shambling Library. It's open to the public. Anybody can come. Please come help us direct the preservation program for the next 10 years. And then our second meeting is going to be a virtual option on October 1st from 12 to 1.30 in the afternoon. So if you would like an invite to that, please email myself or designreview at fortworthtexas.gov. Also, happy Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts tomorrow. This city is going to have a celebration on Thursday, September 24th from noon to one here in the council chamber. So register, stop by. It's supposed to be a good time. And then the Historic Fort Worth Inc. is hosting their 2026 Canty Lecture and Preservation Awards on Wednesday, October 21st at the Women's Club of Fort Worth. Staff is also going to have a table at the registration table at this event for collecting input about the preservation plan from attendees or if anybody would like to come and just talk to staff without registering and paying for this event, you can definitely come and do that as well. That's all staff announcements. Thank you so much, Lorelei.

All right, now next in order is the approval of the August 10th meeting minutes. Would anybody like to make a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Okay, a motion was made by Commissioner Tucker and a second by Commissioner Musi. All in favor? Aye. Aye.

Aye. Okay, all in favor? Anyone opposed? Seeing none. Okay, motion approved nine to zero. Thank you.

Thank you. So we'll move to our first case. It is a determination case. It's HCLC 26-226 at 1215 Bessey Street. Thank you.

The City of Fort Worth Development Services Department requests a determination as to whether the primary structure located at 1215 Bessie Street can be reasonably rehabilitated. The structure is considered a contributing structure in the Terrell Heights Historic District and was constructed circa 1916 in the National Folk style. The structure has a steeply pitched, tipped roof with a front-facing gable, 117 wood siding, and some wood and vinyl windows with a full-length front porch. Architectural styles in the district represent those styles most popular for working in middle-class families during that time, namely bungalow, craftsman, national folk, and folk Victorian styles with a few period revival styles scattered throughout the district. A fire was reported on February 19th, 2026, and the structure is now considered a Cat 1 substandard and hazardous structure. The structure is vacant and was boarded and secured by code compliance in May 2026. Overall, the structure is in fair condition. The exterior envelope of the structure shows some signs of damage that is mostly relegated to a non-historic addition at the rear building. Damage is such as fire and smoke damage, breached and fire damage siding, breached and charred roof, fire and smoke damage doors and windows. When assessed with the seven aspects of integrity, staff finds that it still meets all seven aspects of integrity. The fire in February 2026 caused some damage to the interior, which includes charred ceiling joist and burned drywall. Openings were made in the gable and the roofline. However, on inspection, the fire damage was mostly towards the rear of the structure and at a non-historic addition. The structure will require some significant repairs and cleaning of smoke damage, but overall, the structure is not damaged beyond repair. The openings in the roof should be closed and the building remains secure until repairs can be made and to restrict water intrusion and other damage from the elements. Staff, therefore, offer the following motion. That it be determined that 1215 Bessie Street can be reasonably rehabilitated to remain as a property contributing to the City of Fort Worth's historic heritage. Senior Code Officer Pomeo Campos is here. If you have any questions, this concludes the staff report.

Thank you, Lorelei. Do we have anyone here in the chamber to speak on behalf of this property? Seeing none, we'll move for commissioners. Any discussion before a motion is made? Okay, so we call for a motion for HCLC 26-109.

Okay.

I'll second that. Just to be clear, that's case 26-226.

I'm sorry, 26-226. I turned too quickly. Forgive me. Thank you. Okay, so we have a motion and a second. Second. I'm sorry, I didn't hear who seconded the motion. Okay, we had a motion by Commissioner Holden and a second by Commissioner Brizendine. Correct.

Vice Chair Kelly Gardner, how do you vote?

Yay.

Commissioner Malone? Yay. Commissioner Holden? Yay. Commissioner Brizendine? Yay. Commissioner Oliver? Nay. Thank you. Commissioner Tucker? Yay. Commissioner Musi? Yay. Commissioner Shuffalo?

Yay.

And Commissioner Peoples? Thank you. Motion passes 8-0. I mean, I'm sorry, 8-1, not 0.

Thank you, Lorelei. And the next case is an appeal case for HCLC-26-171 for 2132 Edwin Street.

Thank you. The applicant appeals the decision of the Historic Preservation Officer and requests a certificate of appropriateness to construct an addition that connects the garage and the primary structure, where typically garages are separate from the primary structure. Contributing structure at 2132 Edwin Street is a one-story minimal traditional style residence with a detached one-story three-bay garage located on the same lot The request is to construct a one-story addition to the rear of the residence that is also connected on two sides by the addition Since the first proposal the applicant has lowered the ridge line connecting the existing primary structure to the garage however per the mistletoe Heights design guidelines the connection of the addition to to the garage is not in line with the typical layout of primary residences and secondary structures within which are separated. Excuse me. The destruction of the established pattern of building orientations in the neighborhood and on the building site is also not a recommended action stated by the Secretary of Interior standards for her rehabilitation as it is incongruous with the neighborhood character. It is important to be able to understand the building relationships on a site and while the location of the addition in the rear of the property is generally in keeping with the design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehabilitation, connecting it to the existing garage disrupts the established pattern of historic character in the neighborhood. In order for the addition to be compatible with the existing site and neighborhood setting, the addition should be disconnected from the garage on both sides and oriented towards the rear of the property. Having regard to the foregoing, staff recommends the following, that the request for a certificate of appropriateness to construct an addition that connects the garage and the primary contributing structure be denied without prejudice because the request is inconsistent with the Mistletoe Heights Historic District Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior standards for the treatment of historic properties. Staff have received letters of opposition that are included in your packet, and this concludes your staff report. Thank you, Lorelei.

Do we have anyone in the chamber to speak on this case? If so, come forth. State your name and your address for the record. Were you able to fill out a form by any chance?

No. This is my first time doing this, so I don't really know what's going on.

Okay.

My contractor was supposed to be here, too. He's not here. My name is Jess Brown. Address is 2132 Edwin Street. Yeah, basically born and raised in this neighborhood. I was fortunate to move back here and buy a house in the neighborhood. I want to start a family neighborhood here. And my wife and I both work from home. I have an office. And so I just need some more space. Obviously, with a child, I wanted to have the house connected. So one of us was back behind the garage in an office and not able to hear what's going on. So that's all I got. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Just a moment. Does anyone have any questions that they would like to ask? Thank you so much. Is there a discussion?

Any opposition?

Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't call you out.

It's okay. Okay. My name is Josh Lindsay. I live at 2238 Mistletoe Boulevard.

Okay.

I'm speaking today as a member of the Historic Committee of the Mistletoe Heights Neighborhood Association. The committee was formed to be a point of contact between the neighborhood and the Fort Worth Historic Preservation Office. We're interested in supporting the work of the Preservation Office in upholding the historic guidelines of the Mistletoe Heights overlay. and preserving the housing stock of this important neighborhood. We also help our neighbors understand the guidelines and help them communicate with the appropriate city offices. Our committee has reviewed the plans for 2132 Edwin and the staff report of the Historic Preservation Office. Our committee discussed these and noted the same issues, the scale of the addition in relation to the original house and the surrounding properties, the non-differentiation between the original structure and the addition, and the attachment of the garage to the house. We support the staff report. and would request that the HCLC uphold those recommendations. We appreciate all the modifications that have happened already, and we hope the city officials can work with the homeowner to come up with a solution that preserves the historic nature of this house and aligns more closely with the rules of the historic overlay. We'd like to thank the individual members of the HCLC for giving their time to help preserve Fort Worth. And thanks also to Historic Preservation Office for maintaining communication with us and helping us to understand the processes involved in these cases.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Any questions?

Anyone?

Okay. Thank you. I'd like to call the applicant back up for just a second. Thank you for being present and representing where you live. So I'm sure that you have been in communication with the staff, with Lorelei, would that be correct?

I believe my contractor has, yes.

Okay, the contractor has. Okay, so based on the guidelines of the district, We are going to back and speak for all of the commissioners as well. We are going to back what staff has recommended, which means that it would be denied without prejudice. Now, we haven't made that a motion yet. I just want to make sure that you understand what that means. It means that you can still work with staff to make those modifications where it would pacify the rules, it would follow the rules of the district. As we were conversing about it, we had many ideas in our heads, but ultimately it's your property and that your property is subject to the ramifications of the historic district. So that's why I just wanted to make sure that you understood that.

Okay. We're open to changing. We're not set on it being like this. I think the main thing is just we wanted to be able to connect the additions to the main house so we could, I guess, be present if there was a baby there.

Okay. Well, thank you so much again. Thank you all.

I appreciate it.

Any questions? Are we ready for a motion to be made?

I just want to make just a comment before we get to the voting. I'm in Mistletoe Heights, and we have other representatives from Mistletoe. This process, unfortunately, my vote is not reflective of how I feel about you as residents of Mistletoe Heights. I want to make sure that's very clear. It's not against doing a renovation. It's not against any of that. my, you know, I'm bound by my duty and what I literally swore to when I volunteered to be on the HCLC. And because, you know, unfortunately in this process, just the initial steps, you know, things were kind of done out of order. And because of that, you know, unfortunately I'm going to have to vote against it, but I do highly, highly, highly, you know, just as has already been mentioned, to have you know you're you know I know you're you aren't the ones that you know drew the plans or did this you know it's the the contractor I would highly highly recommend that they work with Lorelei and city staff to get things in line so that it does work you know and you know Josh is here you know it's important in the process as a resource you know for your gc um that they you know essentially use the the free resources that are that are here to to get those things in line so that um so that we can't approve it because we i mean ultimately let's be real we want the you know we want this you know we want construction to happen we want you know you to get what you need for family you know we want that to all happen but um you know unfortunately we are bound by literally following the guidelines you know that's just where we're stuck um at least myself and um you know but as was mentioned you know the whoever makes the motion you know the motion is that not that this is a denial um to where you're just shut out you know the goal is that you know we we do see you back here and we do see you with a plan that city staff because ultimately a lot of times we'll lean on what city staff recommends um and so my hope is that something comes back that's been in that working relationship with city staff to bring something that we can check the box and say, okay, it meets, city staff is happy with it, therefore, hopefully then at that point, it's up to everybody's vote, but hopefully at that point in time, everybody says, good. But I just wanted to state that before I vote to not approve this, I just wanna be sure it's clear as to kind of why.

We definitely appreciate the expression of the character of this commission offered by Commissioner Brizendine. I think that is pretty much the sentiments that we all have. So that being the case, are we ready for a motion?

I'll make a motion to deny, on HCLC 26171, to deny without prejudice.

Okay, we have a first motion made by Commissioner Musi, and a second by Commissioner Holden for HCLC 26-171.

Vice Chair Kelly Gardner, how do you vote?

Yay.

Commissioner Malone? Commissioner Holden?

Aye.

Commissioner Brizendine? Aye. Commissioner Oliver? Aye. Commissioner Tucker?

Aye.

Commissioner Musi? Aye. Commissioner Shuffalo? Aye. And Commissioner Peoples? Thank you. Motion passes 9-0.

Okay. Our next case is a historic site tax exemption verification for HCLC 26-201.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

This is for Historic Site Tax Exemption for 1608 Fairmont Avenue, HCLC 26201. The residence in 1608 Fairmont Avenue is a contributing structure within the Fairmount Historic District constructed circa 1921. The property is a bungalow-style house with a deep porch Surrounding the front, supported by brick columns, transom windows over the doors and windows with decorative dental molding and decorative shingles in the front gable. The house features original wood windows and siding. In accordance with the City of Fort Worth Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, verification of completion of project, the following documentation has been provided to the Historic Preservation Officer. A sworn statement, of completion of the project, copies of all receipts for the costs of the project, documentation that all required inspections of the project have been performed by the Planning and Development Department, and proof that eligible costs are eligible, and proof that costs of the rehabilitation equals or exceeds the greatest of 20% of the structure prior to rehabilitation, or $3,000. Staff have verified the scope of eligible work and has been completed and request for the historic site tax exemption is being brought forward because if expenditures meet the 20% threshold required. The work was completed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's standards for the treatment of historic properties and the partial application approved by staff on May 12th, 2025. The request for a tax exemption meets the requirements of the City of Fort Worth zoning ordinance, having regard to the foregoing, staff recommends the following, that the eligible work is undertaken, is certified to meet the requirements of the City of Fort Worth zoning ordinance, and that the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission recommend the City of Council consider approving the request for the historic site tax exemption verification for the property located at 1608 Fairmount.

Thank you. Do we have anyone in the chamber to speak on behalf of this property? Seeing none, commissioners, do we have any discussion in reference to this case? Seeing none, that means we're ready for a motion.

I'll make a motion to approve the historic site tax exemption in HCLC-26-201. Okay, we have, go ahead.

We have a motion and a second. Our first motion is by Commissioner Brizendine. And our second motion is by Commissioner Thomas. And that's what we have.

All right. Commissioner Kelly, how do you vote?

Yay.

Commissioner Muzi?

Yay.

Commissioner Peebles? Commissioner Tucker?

Aye.

Commissioner Malone?

Aye.

Commissioner Brissendine?

Aye.

Commissioner Oliver? Aye. And Commissioner Halden? Aye. Motion passes, nine to one. Sorry.

Oh, sorry. Commissioner Sheflo. Oh, my. It's okay. It's Monday. We all need a little grace today. I know I do. The next case is going to be HCLC 26-109-5504, McArthur Drive. And this is a new case.

And in this case, the applicant is requesting... a new building. The property is located at 5504 MacArthur Drive. This will be a new construction. The applicable historic Harbor Heights historic district guidelines include that new construction within a historic district shall not emulate historic building, but it should reflect the contributing elements and patterns found within the neighborhood and appropriate to the mid-20th century design of the neighborhood. The neighborhood has historically been a single family with minor commercial structures along Solicope Road. Sorry, I'm finding my spot. The applicable secretary interior standards include standard nine for new additions. And new additions adjacent related new construction will be taken in a manner that if removed, the essential form of integrity will be maintained. Opposed building is a new single story residence on a vacant lot. The lot is not the corner and the house follows the single family pattern, home, with a front porch and a small rear porch area and an attached garage and driveway. Overall, the massing, spacing, and building orientation all match the district. Based on the post-war development of the district, the front garage and driveway are appropriate designs. However, a contextual site plan showing the residents compared to the other contributing properties on the block base will need to be submitted to determine the setbacks consistent with the district. The proposed design does not have any outstanding features that makes it incompatible with the district, and the partial width front porch is a common feature in the district. The recessed facade is not typical and creates an inappropriate depth to the porch. We therefore are recommending a condition that narrows the porch to an appropriate depth. The roofline and pitch generally match the store patterns of the neighborhood. The fenestration is generally compatible with the style and window patterns. And the siding will all be at six inch cement fiber wood siding. Clarification should be made that the siding will be lapped and will have a smooth texture. There are six by six wood columns and posts for porch supports, and the protruding porch to the side It is a common feature in many of the houses in the district. Porch columns are evenly spaced across the facade as seen in other buildings within the district. Window details were not provided. It will be necessary for windows to match the style found in the district and that windows will have details typical of the district including appropriate trim, sills, and setbacks. Having regard to the foregoing, staff recommends the following. That the request for a certificate of appropriateness to construct a new residence at 5504 MacArthur Drive be approved subject to the following conditions. That a contextual plan be submitted to ensure appropriate setback is compatible with the block face. That the front facade be brought forward to an even plane so the porch will be a shallower depth to match historic patterns. that the windows be installed at an appropriate historic depth and not proud of the wall with drawings reviewed by staff prior to ordering an installation, that cement fiberboard siding have smooth finish, and that adjustments made to the drawings be submitted to the Development Services Department prior to the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness. That concludes the staff report.

Thank you. Is there anyone in the chamber to speak on behalf of this case? Seeing none, do we have any discussion amongst ourselves? Seeing none, we're ready for a motion.

Second.

Okay, we have a motion by Thomas... I don't know what I know. Oliver by Commissioner Oliver. And then we have a second by Commissioner Tucker.

Chair Kelly, how do you vote?

I vote yay.

Commissioner Musi, how do you vote?

Yay.

Commissioner Peoples, how do you vote? Commissioner Tucker, how do you vote?

Yay.

Commissioner Chifalo, how do you vote? Yay. Commissioner Malone, how do you vote? Yay. Commissioner Brizendine, how do you vote? Yay. Commissioner Oliver, how do you vote? Yay. Commissioner Halden, how do you vote? Nine to one. Motion passes.

Thank you so much.

Nine to one.

Nine to zero. Nine to zero. See, I'm telling y'all, it's one of those Mondays, right? Got it. But we made it through. And so, Lorelei, did you have anything else?

No, I didn't. I just wanted to say thank you.

And if y'all needed me, I was just going to stand up here. We love that. Yes. So that concludes the HCLC meeting for September the 14th, 2026. Thank you all for coming.

We are adjourned.

Thank you.