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HDC_07 09 2018Page 1 of 11 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, July 9, 2018, 5:00 p.m. Board Room, City Hall Roll Call Quorum was present being six (6) in number. Members Present: Chair Ted Holder Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell Dick Kelley Dale Pekar Amber Jones Robert Hodge Members Absent: Lauren Frederick City Attorney: Sherri Latimer Staff Present: Brian Minyard Citizens Present: Ralph Wilcox Nancy Tell-Hall Approval of Minutes Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell made a motion to approve the June 11, 2018 minutes as amended. Commissioner Dick Kelley seconded and the motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent (Frederick). Notice requirements were met on all of the items except as noted in individual hearing items. Notice of public hearing was printed in a newspaper of general circulation, posted on the internet and emails were sent to interested citizens and the press to inform them of the agenda being posted online. Page 2 of 11 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. One. Location of the Block Realty Building DATE: July 9, 2018 APPLICANT: Ralph Wilcox, AHPP ADDRESS: 723 West Markham FILE NUMBER: NR18-004 REQUEST: Nomination of the Block Realty Building to the National Register of Historic Places PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 723 West Markham. The property’s legal description is Lots 1,2,3 and the west 2/3rd of lots 4,5 & 6 of Block 135 Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." Page 3 of 11 PROPOSAL: The Commission will review the Nomination of the Block Realty Building to the National Register. The nomination states: “The Block Realty Building is a two-story Mid-Century Modern Style commercial office building located at the southeast corner of W. Markham and State streets. The present day .52-acres comprise 723 W. Markham, where the building is located, and two southern lots formerly known as 718 and 720 W. 2nd Streets. The first-floor exterior features full glazing windows and spandrel glass that covers privacy areas such as restrooms and storage areas. The second floor features exposed aggregate tilt-up concrete panels. The building was designed by Gene Levy of present-day Cromwell Architects Engineers1 in 1964 in the Mid- Century Modern style with Miesian influences. A concrete block building used for storage is located in the upper parking lot near the eastern property line. It is uncertain when it was built. This building is non-contributing. This property has maintained a high degree of integrity from its construction in 1965. There has been one addition on the first floor where the south façade has an area filled under the soffit. The Corten2 steel I-beams were painted sometime between the late 1990s to the early 2000s.” NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C. Criterion C is defined as: Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. COMMISSION ACTION: July 9, 2018 Brian Minyard, Staff made a brief presentation to the Commission on the item. Mr. Minyard introduced Nancy Tell-Hall, the intern that wrote the nomination. She stated that she was going to write her thesis on the property where the block building stands. She mentioned her interviews with Gene Levy, the architect who designed the building, and the fact that Governor Isaac Murphy previously lived on the site. There were no other citizens there to make public comment. Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell made a motion to recommend the property for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Dick Kelly seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent (Frederick). 1 The firm was known as Ginocchio, Cromwell, Carter, & Neyland in 1964. 2 In 1964, the steel may have been known as CorTen. Today, it is known as Corten according to www.corten.com. Therefore, the name Corten will be used in the nomination. Page 4 of 11 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Two. Location of Cecil M. Buffalo, Jr. House DATE: July 9, 2018 APPLICANT: Ralph Wilcox, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program ADDRESS: 16324 Arch Street Pike FILE NUMBER: NR18-005 REQUEST: Nomination of the Cecil M. Buffalo, Jr. House to the National Register of Historic Places PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 16324 Arch Street Pike. The property’s legal description is Lots 1-4 of Section A of the Buffalo Subdivision, Pulaski County, Arkansas." Page 5 of 11 PROPOSAL: The Commission will review the Nomination of the Cecil M. Buffalo, Jr. House to the National Register. The nomination states “The Cecil M. Buffalo, Jr., House has good integrity from the time of its construction. Although the house and its plan do not match exactly Vollendorf’s plan in the New Homes Guide, the plan was likely modified slightly by the Buffalo family prior to the house’s construction. The largest change to the house was the addition of the current living room, which was done c.1977.3 However, even with the addition of the living room, the house clearly reflects Vollendorf’s “Baysweep” design. With respect to the interior of the house, although the finishes have been altered and updated since the house was constructed in 1968, the “Baysweep” plan designed by Vollendorf is very much apparent.” NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C. Criterion C is defined as: Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. COMMISSION ACTION: July 9, 2018 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation to the Commission on the item. Ralph Wilcox, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, stated that this was unique house with one addition. Chair Ted Holder asked if this was the only one like it in Arkansas. Mr. Wilcox stated it was as far as they knew. Chair Holder asked if he was a renowned architect. Mr. Wilcox said that the architect taught in Oklahoma and his designs were published nationwide in architectural publications of the day. His designs do appear in other states. Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell asked if it was designed by Vollendorf. Mr. Wilcox stated that he believes he did. Commissioner Amber Jones asked if it was inhabited. Mr. Wilcox relied yes. There were no other citizens there to make public comment. Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell made a motion to recommend the property for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Dick Kelly seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent (Frederick). 3 Buffalo, Shawn. Conversation with the author. 13 March 2018. Page 6 of 11 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Three. DATE: July 9, 2018 APPLICANT: Ralph Wilcox, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program ADDRESS: 3615 W 25th Street FILE NUMBER: NR18-006 REQUEST: Nomination of the Garland Elementary School to the National Register of Historic Places PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 3615 W 25th Street. The property’s legal description is Two Acres in the Northwest corner of the Southwest of the Southeast , Section 8, TWP 1N, R 12W and lots 2, 3 and 4 of Block 4 of Everett Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." Location of Garland Elementary School Page 7 of 11 PROPOSAL: The Commission will review the Nomination of the Garland Elementary School to the National Register. The nomination states: “Garland Elementary School is significant at the local level under Criterion A for Education. Purpose-built by the Little Rock School District in 1924 to replace the smaller, wood-frame building formerly occupying the site, the building served as a school until 2001, after which it was used for administrative purposes for the Little Rock School District. As a neighborhood elementary school (for whites), the building reflects the social and demographic change of the surrounding neighborhood. The school was constructed in 1924 to replace the previous facility that burned. The previous school was in poor condition, resulting in repeated pleas from patrons to the school district to replace the building. The continued use of the school over time resulted in several additions, each of which reflect architectural trends in educational buildings as a result of changing theories. The original 1924 building contains Classical elements, used widely in schools at the time to translate the importance of education. The four classroom additions abutting the primary elevation are International style in their design, reflecting the utilitarian approach to school design in the 1950s. The simple additions, with key defining characteristics such as wide bands of windows and inexpensive material, are a stark contrast to the collegiate, Classical design of the original building.” NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A. Criterion A is defined as: Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. COMMISSION ACTION: July 9, 2018 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation to the Commission on the item. Chair Ted Holder asked for a clarification between Criterion A and Criterion C. Ralph Wilcox, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, explained that A is for historic events or trends while C is for architecture. This is for the continued use an educational facility. Commissioner Amber Jones asked about its architectural integrity. Mr. Wilcox stated that his staff had questions about the architectural integrity with the additions over the years, especially on the front of the building. The applicant is working with a federal tax credit and the National Parks Service has already deemed is contributory under criterion A. There were no other citizens there to make public comment. Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell made a motion to recommend the property for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Dick Kelly seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent (Frederick). Page 8 of 11 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Four. DATE: July 9, 2018 APPLICANT: Ralph Wilcox, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program ADDRESS: 25 River Valley Road FILE NUMBER: NR18-007 REQUEST: Nomination of the Thomas Gray House to the National Register of Historic Places PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 25 River Valley Road. The property’s legal description is “Lot 40, Block 0 River Ridge Manor Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." Location of the Thomas Gray House Page 9 of 11 PROPOSAL: The Commission will review the Nomination of the Thomas Gray House to the National Register. The nomination states: “Built in 1963, the Tom Gray House illustrates many characteristics of the Mid-Century Modern style. Referred to as the Contemporary style in McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses the Tom Gray House exhibits many of the characteristics of the style, including wide overhangs, contrasting wall materials and textures, and unusual window shapes and placements. “The Tom Gray House also illustrates many characteristics of the organic style of architecture. Some of the characteristics of organic architecture that it exhibits include a design that seems “to grow easily from its site and be shaped to harmonize with its surroundings,” and a design that “bring[s] out the nature of the materials [and] let[s] their nature intimately” into the design. The Gray House’s location on the side of a hill overlooking a wooded ravine allows it to nestle into the side of the hill and not dominate its site. Furthermore, Gray used natural materials such as fieldstone and wood, often in a rough and unfinished nature, so that the nature of the materials could easily be seen in the design for the property.” NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C. Criterion C is defined as: Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. COMMISSION ACTION: July 9, 2018 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation to the Commission on the item. Commissioner Dale Pekar asked if the carport was original. Ralph Wilcox, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, stated it was and is considered a contributing structure. The driveway is also contributing. Commissioner Robert Hodge asked if the homeowner initiated the nomination. Mr. Wilcox said that his office had approached the homeowner about a survey of the property. His office was aware of Thomas Gray and his architectural work. Commissioner Dick Kelly asked if there are other homes in that area that would be on the register. Mr. Wilcox said there was one other they were interested in getting on the register. This is the only house they know of that he designed. Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell asked about original features in the house. Mr. Wilcox stated the hardwood floors, fireplace, built in beds, some bathroom tiles, and the stairwell was all original to the house. The only major modification was the owners took down the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. There were no other citizens there to make public comment. Page 10 of 11 Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell, made a motion to recommend the property for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Dick Kelly seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent (Frederick). All of these items will be presented at the State Review Board hearing on August 1, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Heritage building at 1100 North Street. Other Matters Enforcement issues Staff reported the house at Sherman and 8th for enclosure of a porch. Staff has been in contact with the owner on this issue and they are working with the local agent to remove that. Staff will monitor it. Much more conversation would occur between the owner, agent and tenant before a Show Cause hearing would be held. A COA application may be filed on this. Certificates of Compliance Staff reviewed the one item: siding repair and painting at 1320 Cumberland. It also lies within the Capitol Zoning District and the staffs worked together to issue the permit. Citizen Communication There were no citizens that chose to speak during citizen communication. Adjournment There was a motion to adjourn and the meeting ended at 5:30 p.m. Attest: Chair Date Secretary/Staff Date Page 11 of 11