HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_HARC_03.11.2021Notice of Meeting for the
Historic and Architectural Rev iew Commission
of the City of Georgetown
March 11, 2021 at 6:00 P M
at Virtual
T he C ity of G eorgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you
require as s is tance in partic ipating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reas onable
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O ffic e, at leas t three (3) days prior to the sc heduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or C ity Hall at 808 Martin
Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626 for additional information; T T Y users route through R elay
Texas at 711.
The r egular me e ti ng wi ll c onve ne at 6:00pm on M ar c h 11, 2021 via
te le confe re nc e. To participate , ple ase c opy and paste the we blink into your
browse r:
Weblink: http://bit.ly/3rzS v48
Webinar I D: 941-7668-5787
P assword: 638030
To participate by phone:
Call in numbe rs: (346)248-7799 or Toll-F r ee : 888-475-4499
P assword: 638030
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1. Submit written comme nts to pl anning@geor getown.or g by 5:00p.m. on the
date of the mee ting and the Re cor ding S ec re tary will r e ad your c omments
into the r ec ording during the item that is being discussed.
2. L og onto the me e ting at the link above and "r aise your hand" dur ing the
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3. Use your home /mobile phone to call the toll-fre e numbe r
To join a Zoom mee ting, c li ck on the l ink pr ovi de d and join as an attende e.
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ide ntify you whe n you are c all e d upon). To spe ak on an ite m, c li ck on the
"R aise your H and" option at the bottom of the Zoom me eti ng webpage onc e
that i tem has opened. Whe n you ar e cal le d upon by the R e cor di ng Se cr etar y,
your de vi ce wil l be re mote ly un-mute d by the Administr ator and you may
spe ak for thre e minute s. P l e ase state your name c le arl y, and whe n your time
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harm are not allowed and wil l re sult i n you be ing imme di atel y r emove d fr om
the mee ting.
Regular Session
(T his R egular S es s ion may, at any time, be rec es s ed to c onvene an Exec utive S es s ion for any purpose
authorized by the O pen Meetings Act, Texas G overnment C ode 551.)
A Discussion on how the H istoric and Architectural Review Commission virtual conference will be conducted,
to include options for public comments and how the public may address the Commission -- Sofia Nelson,
C N U -A, P lanning Director
B T he His toric and Architec tural R eview C ommis s ion, appointed by the Mayor and the C ity C ouncil, is
respons ible for hearing and taking final ac tion on applic ations , by is s uing C ertific ates of Appropriatenes s
based upon the C ity C ounc il adopted Downtown Design G uidelines and Unified Development C ode.
Welcome and Meeting Procedures:
· S taff P resentation
· Applicant P res entation (Limited to ten minutes unles s stated otherwise by the C ommission.)
· Q uestions from C ommission to S taff and Applicant
· C omments from C itizens*
· Applicant R es ponse
· C ommission Deliberative P rocess
· C ommission Action
* O nce s taff and the ap p licant have ad d res s ed q ues tio ns from the C o mmis s io ners , the C hair o f the
C ommission will open the pub lic hearing. T he c hair will ask if anyo ne would like to s peak. To speak, clic k
on the "R ais e Your Hand " optio n at the b o tto m of the Zoom meeting web p age. Yo ur d evic e will be
remotely un-muted and you may s p eak for three minutes . P leas e s tate yo ur name and address clearly. A
speaker may allot their time to another s p eaker for a maximum of 6 minutes . If a memb er of the
public wis hes to allot their time to ano ther s peaker, they may d o s o when their name is called by the C hair.
P lease remember that all comments and questions mus t b e addressed to the C o mmis s io n, and p leas e be
patient while we o rganize the s p eakers d uring the pub lic hearing portion. W hen yo ur time is over, your
device will be muted again.
•After everyo ne who has asked to speak has spoken, the C hair will clos e the pub lic hearing and p ro vide a
few minutes of rebuttal time to the applic ant if they s o c hoose.
P ublic Wishing to Address the B oard
O n a s ubjec t that is posted on this agenda: P lease fill out a speaker regis tration form whic h can be found at the
Board meeting. C learly print your name, the letter of the item on which you wish to speak, and pres ent it to the
S taff Liais on, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be c alled forward to speak when the Board
cons iders that item.
O n a s ubjec t not posted on the agenda: P ersons may add an item to a future Board agenda by filing a written
request with the S taff Liais on no later than one week prior to the Board meeting. T he reques t must include the
Page 2 of 67
s peaker's name and the spec ific topic to be addres s ed with sufficient information to inform the board and the
public . F or Board Liaison c ontact information, pleas e logon to
http://government.georgetown.org/c ategory/boards -commissions /.
C At the time of posting, no pers ons had s igned up to address the Board.
L egislativ e Regular Agenda
D C ons ideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the F ebruary 11, 2021 regular meeting of
the His toric and Architec tural R eview C ommis s ion. - Mirna G arcia, Management Analys t
E C ons ideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the F ebruary 25, 2021 regular meeting of
the His toric and Architec tural R eview C ommis s ion. - Mirna G arcia, Management Analys t
F P ublic Hearing and possible action on a request for a Historic Landmark Designation for the site
and building loc ated on approximately 0.1899 ac res situated in the Barney C . Low S urvey, Abstract No.
385, for the property generally loc ated at 1208 Wes tinghouse R oad (2020-1-HL). Britin Bostick,
Downtown & Historic P lanner
G P resentation and dis cus s ion of Historic O verlay Zoning Dis tric t Des ignations .
H Updates , C ommis s ioner questions, and c omments . - S ofia Nels on, P lanning Director
Adjournment
Ce rtificate of Posting
I, R obyn Densmore, C ity S ecretary for the C ity of G eorgetown, Texas, do hereby c ertify that this Notic e of
Meeting was posted at C ity Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626, a plac e readily
acc es s ible to the general public as required by law, on the _____ day of _________________, 2021, at
__________, and remained s o posted for at leas t 72 c ontinuous hours prec eding the s cheduled time of said
meeting.
__________________________________
R obyn Dens more, C ity S ec retary
Page 3 of 67
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review
March 11, 2021
S UB J E C T:
C onsideration and pos s ible ac tion to approve the minutes from the F ebruary 11, 2021 regular meeting of
the Historic and Arc hitectural R eview C ommission. - Mirna G arc ia, Management Analyst
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
N/A
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Nat Waggoner, P MP, AI C P
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
minutes Backup Material
Page 4 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 5
Meeting: February 11, 2021
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Minutes
February 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Teleconference Meeting: https://bit.ly/3a2FjiL
The regular meeting convened at 6:00PM on February 11, 2021 via teleconference at:
http://bit.ly/3b9PBhl
To participate by phone: Call in number: (346)248-7799 or Toll-Free: 888-475-4499
Password: 742129
Public Comment was allowed via the conference call number or the “ask a question” function on
the video conference option; no in-person input was allowed.
Members present: Amanda Parr, Chair; Art Browner; Catherine Morales; Karalei Nunn; Faustine
Curry; Terry Asendorf-Hyde; Pam Mitchell; Robert McCabe; Steve Johnston
Staff present: Britin Bostick, Historic Planner; Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst; Nat Waggoner,
Long Range Planning Manager
Call to order by Commissioner Parr at 6:00 pm.
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any
purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Discussion on how the Historic and Architectural Review Commission virtual conference will
be conducted, to include options for public comments and how the public may address the
Commission. – Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager
B. The Historic and Architectural Review Commission, appointed by the Mayor and the City
Council, is responsible for hearing and taking final action on applications, by issuing
Certificates of Appropriateness based upon the City Council adopted Downtown Design
Guidelines and Unified Development Code.
Welcome and Meeting Procedures:
- Staff Presentation
- Applicant Presentation (Limited to ten minutes unless stated otherwise by the Commission.)
- Questions from Commission to Staff and Applicant
- Comments from Citizens*
- Applicant Response
- Commission Deliberative Process
- Commission Action
*Once staff and the applicant have addressed questions from the Commissioners, the
Chair of the Commission will open the public hearing. If a member of the public would
like to provide comments on the agenda item under discussion, the chair will ask if
anyone would like to speak. To speak, please identify yourself by either
Page 5 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 5
Meeting: February 11, 2021
entering your name, address and item number on the Q/A chat on your
screen. When your name is called you will have up to 3 minutes. A speaker may allot
their time to another speaker for a maximum of 6 minutes. If a member of the
public wished to allot their time to another speaker, they may do so when their name is
called by the Chair. Please remember that all comments and questions must be
addressed to the Commission, and please be patient while we organize the speakers
during the public hearing portion. After everyone who has asked to speak has
spoken, the Chair will close the public hearing and provide a few minutes of rebuttal
time to the applicant if they so choose.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future Board
agenda by filing a written request with the Staff Liaison no later than one week prior to
the Board meeting. The request must include the speaker's name and the specific topic to
be addressed with sufficient information to inform the board and the public. For Board
Liaison contact information, please logon
to http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-commissions/.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
C. At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to address the Board.
Legislative Regular Agenda
D. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the January 28, 2021 regular
meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. – Mirna Garcia, Management
Analyst
Motion to approve the minutes by Commissioner Johnston. Second by Commissioner
Morales. Approved (7-0).
E. Presentation and Discussion of three components of the Design Guidelines Update project:
1. 2020 Certificate of Appropriateness report, sharing the number of applications and most
frequent project types as well as a selection of HARC-approved finished projects.
Bostick provided an overview of accomplishments as highlighted in the Planning
Department Annual report:
https://georgetowntx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=4b776ed4
e1b44913be866b257ebe783e
2. The results of the survey that was collected as part of the Design Guidelines Update Open
House in December 2020.
Bostick provided the Commission an overview of tasks completed to date in
support of the Design Guidelines:
Page 6 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 5
Meeting: February 11, 2021
• Post Oak Preservation Solutions hired as the project consultant (September
2020)
• Design Guidelines Update presented to HARC (October 2020)
• Design Guidelines Update presented in the November Tuesday Talks webinar
• Design Guidelines Update presented to the Main Street Advisory Board
(November 2020)
• Design Guidelines Update presented in the December 8, 2020 City Council
Workshop
• Design Guidelines Update Open House on December 16, 2020
• Design Guidelines Update Survey conducted December 16-December 30,
2020
Bostick provided the Commission an overview of the December 2020 open house:
December Survey Results
• Open House on December 16, 2020 included a live survey
• Open house was recorded and posted with the same survey, open
December 16-30, 2020
• 104 total survey responses
• Open House YouTube video has had 105 views
3. The SWOT analysis of the current Design Guidelines provided by the project consultant,
Post Oak Preservation Solutions.
Commissioners Parr and Morales shared concern that the survey captured negative
sentiments toward “contemporary” building styles when the facades may just have
not been attractively designed. The Watkins Building (commercial infill
construction recently completed at 815 S. Main St.) was brought up as an example
of good contemporary design, although it was noted that the placement (location)
of the building makes a difference in how compatible design is perceived.
Whether buildings are directly abutting each other (shared party wall) or have
space between them was also noted as a key part of overall building design, as
well as the appearance and quality of the materials. Commissioner Parr expressed
a desire to be more specific about materials quality and appearance – some of the
commercial infill has not had the desired outcome, and there were questions about
whether synthetic materials could be specified for better appearance or removed
altogether in favor of materials that are more like the historic materials around the
Square.
Page 7 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 4 of 5
Meeting: February 11, 2021
Commissioner Morales - Requested that the online version of the Design
Guidelines be fully HTML tagged/indexed or searchable for improved ease of use
as a digital document; concerns about light pollution and light spillover – not just
dark skies issues, but commercial light spill onto residential properties, which has
come up as an issue in a few recent projects.
Commissioner Morales – Expressed concern about protecting people’s views and
sunlight from neighboring development – not making people have to stare at a
brick wall. This is part of ongoing concerns about the transition from commercial
to residential along the east boundary of the Downtown Overlay District, although
that same concern (but less of a focus thus far) applies to the west boundary of the
Downtown Overlay District.
Britin shared that photometric plans and UDC lighting requirements are reviewed
as part of the commercial site development plan. However, there are instances in
which lighting on the building exterior – particular at the rear of a building – has
been installed after the project, which is more of an enforcement issue, but this is
all still in support of better guidance for exterior lighting. Parking lot lighting is
also a concern and an opportunity for additional guidance for fixture styles.
The Commission generally agreed on changes that make the document easier to
use by the community, separating residential and commercial and adding
information that helps people navigate requirements – what IS NOT required to
have a COA, for example?
Commissioner Morales – Suggestion to have a review of the document by a
“hacker” – someone who can use an exploitative approach to find the potential
weaknesses in the new document. As context, it was expressed that people keep
pushing the limit on what is allowed, and concern that people will be better able to
be held to a higher standard of design after this document was adopted.
Similar suggestion to have a homeowner review document and give feedback for
ease of use on a mock residential project.
Commissioner Mitchell asked staff to pay special attention to transition areas
between Downtown and Old Town. Applicable in other areas where you have
residential and nonresidential abutting.
F. Updates, Commissioner questions, and comments – Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning
Manager
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Nunn. Second by Commissioner Morales.
Page 8 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 5 of 5
Meeting: February 11, 2021
Meeting adjourned at 7:29pm
________________________________ _________________________________
Approved, Amanda Parr, Chair Attest, Terri Asendorf-Hyde, Secretary
Page 9 of 67
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review
March 11, 2021
S UB J E C T:
C onsideration and pos s ible ac tion to approve the minutes from the F ebruary 25, 2021 regular meeting of
the Historic and Arc hitectural R eview C ommission. - Mirna G arc ia, Management Analyst
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
.N/A
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Nat Waggoner, P MP, AI C P
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Minutes Backup Material
Page 10 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 3
Meeting: February 11, 2021
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Minutes
February 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Teleconference Meeting: https://bit.ly/35f0rPn
The regular meeting convened at 6:00PM on February 25, 2021 via teleconference at:
https://bit.ly/35f0rPn
To participate by phone: Call in number: (346) 248-7799 or Toll-Free: 888-475-4499
Password: 639236
Public Comment was allowed via the conference call number or the “ask a question” function on
the video conference option; no in-person input was allowed.
Members present: Amanda Parr, Chair; Art Browner; Catherine Morales; Karalei Nunn; Faustine
Curry; Terry Asendorf-Hyde; Pam Mitchell
Staff present: Britin Bostick, Historic Planner; Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst; Nat Waggoner,
Long Range Planning Manager
Call to order by Commissioner Parr at 6:00 pm.
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any
purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Discussion on how the Historic and Architectural Review Commission virtual conference will
be conducted, to include options for public comments and how the public may address the
Commission. – Sofia Nelson, Planning Director
B. The Historic and Architectural Review Commission, appointed by the Mayor and the City
Council, is responsible for hearing and taking final action on applications, by issuing
Certificates of Appropriateness based upon the City Council adopted Downtown Design
Guidelines and Unified Development Code.
Welcome and Meeting Procedures:
- Staff Presentation
- Applicant Presentation (Limited to ten minutes unless stated otherwise by the Commission.)
- Questions from Commission to Staff and Applicant
- Comments from Citizens*
- Applicant Response
- Commission Deliberative Process
- Commission Action
*Once staff and the applicant have addressed questions from the Commissioners, the
Chair of the Commission will open the public hearing. If a member of the public would
like to provide comments on the agenda item under discussion, the chair will ask if
anyone would like to speak. To speak, please identify yourself by either
Page 11 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 3
Meeting: February 11, 2021
entering your name, address and item number on the Q/A chat on your
screen. When your name is called you will have up to 3 minutes. A speaker may allot
their time to another speaker for a maximum of 6 minutes. If a member of the
public wished to allot their time to another speaker, they may do so when their name is
called by the Chair. Please remember that all comments and questions must be
addressed to the Commission, and please be patient while we organize the speakers
during the public hearing portion. After everyone who has asked to speak has
spoken, the Chair will close the public hearing and provide a few minutes of rebuttal
time to the applicant if they so choose.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future Board
agenda by filing a written request with the Staff Liaison no later than one week prior to
the Board meeting. The request must include the speaker's name and the specific topic to
be addressed with sufficient information to inform the board and the public. For Board
Liaison contact information, please logon
to http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-commissions/.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
C. At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to address the Board.
Legislative Regular Agenda
D. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
for rooftop HVAC, mechanical or communication equipment that result in modifications to
the building facade at the property located 410 E. University Avenue, bearing the legal
description Block 2 of the Hughes Addition. (2020-30-COA) – Britin Bostick, Downtown &
Historic Planner
Motion to approve by Commissioner Morales. Second by Commissioner Nunn. Approved (6-
0).
E. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the
addition of a porch, patio or deck at the property located at 208 S. Austin Ave., bearing the
legal description Lot 4, Block 9, City of Georgetown. (2021-1-COA) – Britin Bostick,
Downtown & Historic Planner
Motion by Commissioner Curry to approve as presented, 2nd by Commissioner Hyde. 6-0 in
favor.
F. Recognition of HARC Commissioner service.
No action taken.
Page 12 of 67
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 3
Meeting: February 11, 2021
G. Updates, Commissioner questions, and comments – Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning
Manager
No action taken.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Browner, 2nd by Nunn. 6-0 in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 6:41pm
________________________________ _________________________________
Approved, Amanda Parr, Chair Attest, Terri Asendorf-Hyde, Secretary
Page 13 of 67
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review
March 11, 2021
S UB J E C T:
Public Hearing and possible action on a reques t for a Historic Landmark Designation for the s ite and
building located on approximately 0.1899 acres s ituated in the Barney C . Low S urvey, Abs trac t No. 385,
for the property generally loc ated at 1208 Wes tinghouse R oad (2020-1-HL). Britin Bostick, Downtown &
His toric P lanner
IT E M S UMMARY:
Overview of Applicant’s Request:
T he applic ant is requesting approval of a Historic Landmark Designation for the Johns on House, whic h is
es timated to have been cons tructed c . 1868 by the J. J. Johns on family, S wedish immigrants who s ettled in
Texas in the 1850s and began farming their own homes tead in Williams on C ounty in 1866, with the s tone
two-s tory farmhouse located c los e to what is now Wes tinghouse R oad.
S taff’s Analysis:
S taff has reviewed the request in ac cordance with the Unified Development C ode (UDC ) and other
applicable codes. S taff has determined that the proposed request meets 3 of the 5 c riteria es tablished in
UDC S ec tion 3.06.070 for a His toric Landmark Des ignation, as outlined in the attached S taff R eport.
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
None. T he applicant has paid the required application fees .
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Britin Bostick, Downtown & His toric P lanner
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Staff Report Cover Memo
Exhibit 1 - Location Map Backup Material
Exhibit 2 - Future Land Use Map Backup Material
Exhibit 3 - Zoning Map Backup Material
Exhibit 4 - His toric Resource Surveys Backup Material
Exhibit 5 - National Regis ter of Historic Places Nomination Form Backup Material
Exhibit 6 - Letter of Intent Backup Material
Staff Pres entation Pres entation
Page 14 of 67
Historic & Architectural Review Commission
Planning Department Staff Report
2020-1-HL
Johnson House Page 1 of 8
Report Date: March 5, 2021
Case No: 2020-1-HL
Project Planner: Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner
Item Details
Project Name: Johnson House
Project Location: 1208 Westinghouse Road, within City Council district No. 1.
Total Acreage: 0.1899 acres
Legal Description: Approximately 0.1899 acres situated in the Barney C. Low Survey, Abstract No.
385.
Applicant: Galleria Walk, Inc., c/o Brad Walters
Property Owner: Charles J. Johnson
Request: Zoning Map Amendment to designate the subject property as a Historic
Landmark.
Case History: This is the first public hearing of this request.
Page 15 of 67
Planning Department Staff Report
2020-1-HL
Johnson House Page 2 of 8
Overview of Applicant’s Request
The applicant is requesting approval of a Historic Landmark Designation for the Johnson House,
which is estimated to have been constructed c. 1868 by the J. J. Johnson family, Swedish immigrants
who settled in Texas in the 1850s and began farming their own homestead in Williamson County in
1866, with the stone two-story farmhouse located close to what is now Westinghouse Road.
Site Information
Location:
The subject property is located on the south side of Westinghouse Road, at the intersection of
Westinghouse Road and Blue Ridge Drive. The house proposed for Historic Landmark Designation is
the historic J. J. Johnson House, the two-story limestone farmhouse constructed by the Johnson family
in the late 1860s. Although the historic house has been vacant for several years, the property is still
occupied as a primary residence and farmed by the fourth generation of the J. J. Johnson family.
Physical and Natural Features:
The most prominent site feature is the two-story limestone farmhouse facing toward the southeast. The
historic house is situated within the 0.1899-acre subject property, part of a larger agricultural tract that
slopes downward toward the south and which has been planted for crops since at least the late 1860s.
Future Land Use and Zoning Designations:
The subject property has a Regional Center Future Land Use designation and is currently zoned
Agriculture (AG). A request to rezone the subject property to Local Commercial (C-1) upon annexation
has been submitted via 2020-12-ANX, which is being considered concurrent with this application.
Surrounding Properties:
Surrounding properties along Westinghouse Road are currently undeveloped land, government
offices, single-family and multi-family development.
The current zoning, Future Land Use designation, and existing uses of the adjacent properties to the
north, south, east and west are outlined in the table below:
DIRECTION ZONING DISTRICT FUTURE LAND USE EXISTING USE
North
General Commercial (C-3)
High Density Multi-Family
(MF-2)
Regional Center Undeveloped/Multi-family
under review
East Business Park (BP) Mixed Density
Neighborhood Undeveloped
South
ETJ
Residential Single-Family
(RS)
Regional Center
Mixed Density
Neighborhood
Undeveloped
Single-Family
Neighborhood
West Local Commercial (C-1) Regional Center DPS Office
Page 16 of 67
Planning Department Staff Report
2020-1-HL
Johnson House Page 3 of 8
Property History:
According to public records, on November 28, 1853 George Washington Glasscock sold 295 acres of
land to Swante M. Swenson for $450. On July 7, 1866 Swenson sold 147.5 acres of land to Johan (J. J.)
and Hedda Johnson for $225. The current owner Charles Johnson remembers being told that the very
first house on the farm was a small wooden house, which was later used as an outbuilding, but that the
stone house was built by J. J. and Hedda early in their ownership. Staff estimates the construction date
to be c. 1868 based on the materials used and the owner’s history. Although the Historic Resource
Survey estimates a construction year of 1860, public records indicate the house was constructed after
the purchase by the Johnsons in 1866. J. J. Johnson continued to acquire farmland near his original
property, and public records indicate he was farming a few hundred acres south of Georgetown by the
mid-1880s.
The Johnsons’ nephew and niece F. G. and Matilda Johnson bought the farm, including the farmhouse,
from J. J. and Hedda on December 8, 1900 for $5,000 cash, plus an additional $1,000 to be paid when J.
J. and Hedda vacated the property. The senior Johnsons continued to inhabit the property, with each
part of the Johnson family living in their half of the house. J. J., Hedda and F. G. Johnson had all passed
by 1918, leaving Matilda and her children Carl, Oscar and Hannah as the heirs to the family property.
Hannah and her husband Ben Lawson became the sole owners in 1941 and owned and occupied the
property until 1981 when the current and fourth generation owner, Charles Johnson (Carl’s son),
inherited the property from his aunt and uncle.
Johnson Family History & Role in Georgetown’s History:
According to the English Translation of Swedes in Texas in Words and Pictures, 1838-1912, “John Johnson
and his wife came to Texas at the beginning of the 1850’s. They married in 1854. In 1878, they celebrated
their silver anniversary, and the author was present. They have lived in the Brushy Settlement since
their marriage. Mr. Johnson died in 1903, and he is buried in the Palm Valley cemetery. His widow,
DPS Office
Teravista
Page 17 of 67
Planning Department Staff Report
2020-1-HL
Johnson House Page 4 of 8
Hedda Johnson, is now very old, and she lives near the old “homestead,” called the Johnson Place, a
large two-story stone building four miles south of Georgetown. They only had one child, who died
young. Johnson and his wife were charter members of the Lutheran congregation in Palm Valley and
did much for the church at its founding.”
On July 19, 1900 J. J. Johnson bought the northwest quarter of Block 13 of the Lost Addition to the City
of Georgetown, which was on the southeast corner of the intersection of Austin Ave. and W. 10th
Streets. J.J. paid A. R. Stromberg $1,875.00 for the property, which included a large one-story house.
The 1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows an L-shaped wood frame house with a front porch and L-
shaped porch on the north side, and a barn or shed behind the house along 10th Street. Hedda Johnson
sold the house to Walter Behrens for $1,900 on January 25, 1910. The Sanborn map from the next month
shows a shed addition to the barn, with a slightly different footprint for the house. It is not known if
she lived there or if the property served as her house in town, or as a rental property. In the 1960s the
house was demolished for the construction of a Piggly Wiggly grocery, which now is now the Keller
Williams real estate office.
Charles Johnson remembers his family owning three farms at one point in time, one of which is now
the property known as St. Helen’s Catholic Church. A 1930s right-of-way map shows that F. G. Johnson
owned farmland on the east side of Georgetown, where St. Helen’s Catholic Church is today. This
property is described in a deed dated January 30th, 1917 as being 103 acres, part of a 300-acre tract and
located along the Georgetown and Circleville public road (today’s SH 29). Johnson bought the property
from Joe M. and Amy Stromberg for $15,000, most of which was paid with cash. The deed further states
that the 300-acre tract was conveyed to J. S. Chism by G. W. Glasscock, and the 103 acres being the same
land conveyed to Joe M. Stromberg by H. E. Stromberg and his wife. O. E. Johnson (F. G. and Mathilda’s
son) and his wife Cecelia bought the property from F. G. Johnson’s widow Mathilda on January 22,
1934 for $10 and the payment of the $2,200 note with interest. The Johnsons rented the farm to J. E. Peck
beginning September 1, 1936, and Peck stated in an affidavit that he occupied the farm until December
1939. The Johnsons had sold the farm to Hannah and Ben Lawson on July 1, 1937 for the $2,200 note
and an additional $500 cash plus a $1,300 note, which the Lawsons paid the following year. The
Lawsons owned the farm until July 5, 1972 when they sold it to Walter A. Peterson and Joe B. McMaster
for about $96,730. Milton A. Rister joined as a third partner in late December 1972, and in June 1975 the
103 acres was sold to University Acres Incorporated. In 1978 15.6 of those acres were sold to the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Austin, and the property became the current St. Helen’s Catholic Church.
Public records show that J. J. Johnson owned several other properties in Georgetown and its
surroundings, including a property in the Eubank Addition in the south part of Old Town, a property
on 3rd St. between Austin Ave. and Main St. and property along Brushy Creek. He is also recorded as
having purchased property as a trustee of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church at Brushy.
Comprehensive Plan Guidance
Future Land Use Plan:
The 2030 Plan Framework lists a series of goals, the fourth of which is “Goal 4: Guide, promote, and
assist the preservation and rehabilitation of the City’s historic resources. The City of Georgetown has
historic properties and resources that exist within the Downtown and Old Town Historic Overlay
Districts, in established areas of the City and on former agricultural land that was once well beyond the
Page 18 of 67
Planning Department Staff Report
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Johnson House Page 5 of 8
formal city boundaries. These properties and resources help tell the story of our community and play
an active role in the places our residents and visitors enjoy. To retain these places for future generations
and to protect Georgetown's built heritage, the City seeks to partner with the community to protect our
identified historic resources, encourage best practices for their stewardship and support uses and
policies that contribute to our ability to retain these important places for the future.” Designating the
Johnson House as a Historic Landmark provides an opportunity to protect this structure that has been
listed on the National Register of Historic Places similarly to if it were located within a Historic Overlay
District, so as the area around it changes and develops it can be protected for the future.
Other Master Plans: Overall Transportation Plan
Blue Ridge Drive, a proposed collector that was identified on the OTP, is nearing completion and
intersects with Westinghouse Road directly in front of the subject property. Blue Ridge Drive does not
have a proposed extension through the subject property, however.
Proposed Zoning district
The City of Georgetown recognizes that as a matter of public policy the protection, enhancement, and
perpetuation of landmarks and districts of historical and cultural importance and significance is
necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. Historic
overlay districts are created to:
• Protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of
Georgetown's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage;
• Foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
• Protect and enhance Georgetown's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to
the economy thereby provided;
• Insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city that is
sensitive to its historic resources;
• Promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most
appropriate use of historic properties within the city; and
• Encourage stabilization, restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values by
offering incentives for rehabilitation and preservation.
Historic Landmark Designation is a type of zoning overlay that is applied in addition to the base
zoning of the property. The purpose of the historic landmark designation is to protect, preserve and
enhance buildings or structures of historical, architectural or cultural importance or value to the City
of Georgetown. Accordingly, exterior modifications to designated Historic Landmarks require
approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness in accordance with UDC Sec. 3.13, similar to the existing
Downtown and Old Town Historic Overlay District, however in the case of a Historic Landmark the
base zoning for the property provides development standards and use restrictions for that property.
As the subject property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a rehabilitation or
adaptive reuse of the property that is found to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
Rehabilitation would qualify to apply for state and federal historic preservation tax credits as long as
the property is income-producing. Although the local historic landmark designation does not affect
the owner’s ability to apply for the tax credits, and owner-occupied residential properties do not
qualify for the tax credits, the zoning and use of the property as a commercial or income-producing
Page 19 of 67
Planning Department Staff Report
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Johnson House Page 6 of 8
property would potentially position a future project for the tax credits while the local landmark
designation would provide the zoning protections to maintain the required standards for the exterior
modifications to the structure during and after any proposed rehabilitation or adaptive reuse.
Intergovernmental and Interdepartmental Review
The proposed rezoning request was reviewed by all applicable City Departments to determine the
appropriateness of the requested zoning on the subject property. No comments were issued regarding
the zoning request.
Approval Criteria
Staff has reviewed the proposed rezoning request and has found that it complies with the criteria
established in UDC Section 3.06.070 for a Historic Landmark Designation, as outlined below:
HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT APPROVAL CRITERIA
1. Character, interest, or value of the building structure or site because of
its unique role in the development, heritage or cultural characteristics
of the City, County, State or Nation.
Complies
The subject building was constructed by Swedish immigrants J. J. and Hedda Johnson following
their purchase of farmland in 1866 in what was then a rural area between Georgetown and Round
Rock. The Johnsons only had one child who died young, and the size of the two-story limestone
house for such a small family – as well as the difficulty of construction with the chosen materials –
exemplifies not only the Johnsons’ early success in farming but their dedication to constructing a
home with permanence. Most residential structures at the time and through the next several
decades – including the homes of Swedish settlers – were constructed of wood and were smaller in
size or were a single story. The orientation of the house, the two-story height and the full-length
porch on the second floor take advantage of the hilltop view to the south toward Round Rock from
what is now called Rabbit Hill.
2. Occurrence of a notable historical event at the building, structure or
site. Does Not Comply
Although the building and site are associated with notable persons and have distinctive
architectural design, materials and construction methods, the building and site are not known to
have had a notable historical event.
3. Identification of building, structure or site with a person or persons
who contributed notably to the culture and development of the City,
County, State, or Nation or society.
Complies
The Johnsons arrived in Texas in the early 1850s and the family has farmed in Williamson County
and what is now Georgetown continuously since at least 1866 – for four successive generations. As
immigrants from Sweden the Johnsons worked to establish a homestead that could support
themselves as well as other family who emigrated to Texas in the late 1800s and were charter
members of the Lutheran Congregation in Palm Valley, an area between Georgetown and Round
Rock that was home to many early Swedish settlers.
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Planning Department Staff Report
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Johnson House Page 7 of 8
HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT APPROVAL CRITERIA
4. Distinctive elements of architectural design, detail material, or
craftsmanship that make it an established or familiar visual feature,
or the related distinctiveness of a craftsman, master builder or
architect, or a style or innovation, including but not limited to:
a. Architectural style of the building or structure;
b. Architectural period of the building or structure;
c. Textures and colors of materials used in the building or
structure;
d. Shape of the building or structure;
e. Roofline of the building or structure;
f. Porch and entrance treatments of the building or structure;
g. Height and mass of the building or structure; or
h. Relative proportions of the building or structure (width to
height, width to depth).
Complies
The two-story limestone farmhouse with full-length porches and interior stone walls is a unique
and valuable example of a local adaption of a popular architectural style. The “I-House” was a
well-known and popular style of house with a symmetrical façade, center hallway, and two-room
“hall and parlor” configuration with bedrooms above. Some versions of the house had rear
extensions for dining or kitchen areas, and this particular house had a one-story rear addition when
indoor plumbing became available. The owner has shared that in this house the kitchen and parlor
occupied the first floor with a large bedroom spanning the entire second floor. Some interior
functions may have changed over time, but the stone interior walls have remained in place since
the house was constructed.
I-Houses were named in the 1930s by Fred Kniffen because of the prevalence of the style in rural
areas of the Midwest – Indiana, Illinois and Iowa – although the style was common across the
eastern half of the US in the mid-19th century. There have been a handful of I-Houses identified in
Georgetown, although this is the only local example of an I-House being constructed from
limestone. Most I-houses are constructed from wood, especially for those constructed after the
railroad made the transport of milled lumber much easier and less expensive than the previous
wagon routes. Stone construction would have been difficult and expensive for a house of this size
in the late 1860s, and it was likely more difficult to quarry the stone than to mill lumber locally.
5. Archaeological value in the sense that the building, structure or site
can be expected to yield, based on physical evidence, information
affecting knowledge of historic or prehistory.
Does Not Comply
The building and site are not expected to yield archaeological information.
The subject property is one of the oldest remaining residential structures in Georgetown, and as a
limestone I-House it has an architectural style, materials and construction that are unique in
Georgetown. It is one of the few remaining historic farmhouses within the city and is one of the few
remaining properties in continuous family ownership since the 1860s. Designating the building and
immediately surrounding site as a historic landmark provides the opportunity to protect the subject
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Planning Department Staff Report
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Johnson House Page 8 of 8
property as its surroundings develop with new uses and structures, and to commemorate the role of
the Johnson family, prominent early members of the Swedish farming and faith community, in local
history. UDC Sec. 3.06.070 requires that the City Council make a finding that the proposed Historic
Landmark Designation meets at least one of the five criteria above in order to approve a request for
designation. Staff’s finding is that the request meets three of the five criteria for designation.
Meetings Schedule
March 11, 2021 – Historic & Architectural Review Commission
March 23, 2021 – City Council First Reading of the Ordinance
April 13, 2021 – City Council Second Reading of the Ordinance
Public Notification
As required by the Unified Development Code, all property owners and registered neighborhood
associations within a 300-foot radius of the subject property were notified of the Zoning Map
Amendment request (19 notices), a legal notice advertising the public hearing was placed in the Sun
Newspaper on February 21, 2021 and a sign was posted on-site. To date, staff has received 0 written
comments in favor, and 0 in opposition to the request.
Attachments
Exhibit 1 – Location Map
Exhibit 2 – Future Land Use Map
Exhibit 3 – Zoning Map
Exhibit 4 – Historic Resource Surveys
Exhibit 5 – National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Exhibit 6 – Letter of Intent
Page 22 of 67
Location
2020-1-HL
Exhibit #1
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Page 23 of 67
Mixed Density
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Plan
2020-1-HL
Exhibit #2
Site
Parcels
City Limits
Georgetown ETJ
Future Land Use
Community Center
Employment Center
Institutional
Mining
Mixed Density Neighborhood
Neighborhood
Open Space
Parks and Recreation
Regional Center
Rural Residential
Special Area
Thoroughfare
Existing Freeway
Existing Major Arterial
Existing Minor Arterial
Existing Collector
Proposed Freeway
Proposed Major Arterial
Proposed Minor Arterial
Proposed Collector\Proposed Rail
Page 24 of 67
MF-2
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Exhibit #3
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City Limits
Courthouse View Overlay
Old Town Overlay
Historic Overlay
Downtown Overlay
SPO Overlay
Gateway Overlay
Parcels
Georgetown ETJ
Zoning
AG -Agriculture
BP - Business Park
C-1 - Local Commercial
C-3 - General Commercial
CN - Neighborhood Commercial
IN - Industrial
MF-1 - Low-Density Multi-family
MF-2 - High-Density Multi-family
MH - Manufactured Housing
MU-DT - Mixed-Use Downtown
OF - Office
PF - Public Facility
RE - Residential Estate
RL - Residential Low-Density
RS - Residential Single-Family
TF -Two-Family
TH -Townhouse
Zoning
Page 25 of 67
TEXAS HISTORIC SITES INVENTORY FORM —TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION (rev.8-82)
1. County Williamson 5. USGS Quad No. 3097-312 Site No. `(It)
City/Rural
2. Name
Georgetown GE UTM Sector 627-3383
J. J. Johnson Farm 6. Date: Factual Est 186•-)
Address Rabbit HillRoad, 7. Architect/Builder J. J. Johnson
3.7 mi, south of County Courthouse Contractor
3.Owner Johnson 8. Style/Type I-house
Address 9. Original Use residential
4. Block/Lot Present Use residential
10.Description Two-story stone dwelling with I-house plan; exterior wails with stucco
veneer; gable roof with lock-seam metal coverino; front elevation faces east;
two exterior stone chimneys with corbeled cap; wood-sash double-hung windows
with 6/6 lights; single-door entrance with transom and sidelights; five-bay
11. Present Condition good
12.Significance Primary area of significance: architecture, historical associations.
Outstanding and rare example of finely crafted, stone, I house; one of earliest
remaining structures built by Swedish immigrants in the area; has remained in
13. Relationship to Site: Moved Date or Original Site :(describe)
14. Bibliography 15. Informant Mr. Johnson
16. Recorder A. Tayl or IHHM Date y 1984
DESIGNATIONS
TNRIS No. Old THC Code B&W 4 x
35mm Negs
YEAR
PHOTO DATA
5s Slides
El RTHL Iii HABS (no.) TEX
DRWR ROLL FRME
to
to
to
ROLL FRME N R: CI Individual ii Historic District
I( CI Thematic ID Multiple-Resource
NR File Name
70 70 15
Other
CONTINUATION PAGE No. 2 of
TEXAS HISTORIC SITES INVENTORY FORM—TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION (rev.8-82)
1. County iliiamsor. WM 5. USGS Quad No.
UTM Pt
30q7-3 i 2 Site No 900
City/Rural
2.Name
Georget n GE
J. 3. Johnson Farm Acreage
#10. Description (cont'd): two-story porch with shed roof across east eleva-
tion: chamfered wood posts, turned wooden balustrade; jigsawn brackets. Out-
buildings include servants' house (see attached form), frame shed, and board-
and-batten barn.
#12. Significance (cont'd): the family of original owner, J. Johnson, and
has served as operating farm for over 100 years.
Page 26 of 67
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Properties Documented with the THC Form in 2007 and/or 1984 That Have Not Changed Preservation Priority
County Williamson Local District:
Address:1208 Westinghouse Rd 2016 Survey ID:600066 A
City Georgetown 2016 Preservation Priority:High
SECTION 1
Basic Inventory Information
WCAD ID:R039947Property Type:Building Structure Object Site District
Date Recorded 1/18/2017Recorded by:CMEC
EstimatedActual Source:2007 surveyConstruction Date:1860
I-House
Bungalow
Other:
Center Passage ShotgunOpen2-roomModified L-plan
Rectangular
T-plan
Four Square
L-plan
Irregular
Plan*
International
Ranch
No Style
Post-war Modern
Commercial Style
Other:
Pueblo Revival
Prairie
Art Deco
Spanish Colonial
Craftsman
Moderne
Gothic Revival
Neo-Classical
Mission
Tudor Revival
Beaux Arts
Monterey
Shingle
Folk Victorian
Renaissance Revival
Romanesque Revival
Colonial Revival
Exotic Revival
Log traditional
Italianate
Eastlake
Greek Revival
Second Empire
Queen Anne
Stylistic Influence(s)*
Note: See additional photo(s) on following page(s)
General Notes:Per owner (Charles Johnson) --11 acres of original 214 acres remain (land formerly used for cotton/hogs; now
for hay/oats). Barn was built in 1902 by Johnson's great uncle, garage is c.1925, & a small house on the
property has collapsed. Historic photos show the house before rock walls were stuccoed & addition to rear.
High Medium
Priority:
Low
Vernacular
High Medium Low
ID:2001a
ID:900
*Photographs and Preservation Priority have been updated in 2016, and the year built date has also been reviewed. However, the plan and style
data are sourced directly from the 2007 survey.
2007 Survey
1984 Survey
Current/Historic Name J. J. Johnson Farm
ID:600066 A2016 Survey High Medium Low
Explain:Excellent and/or rare example of its type or style, and/or has significant associations; retains sufficient integrity
Latitude:30.583278 Longitude -97.671673
None Selected
None Selected
Photo direction: South
Page 27 of 67
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Properties Documented with the THC Form in 2007 and/or 1984 That Have Not Changed Preservation Priority
County Williamson Local District:
Address:1208 Westinghouse Rd 2016 Survey ID:600066 A
City Georgetown 2016 Preservation Priority:High
Additional Photos
SouthwestPhoto Direction
SoutheastPhoto Direction
Page 28 of 67
NPS Fonn lO.WJO-i
04t2)
OMB No. 1024-0018
Expires 10-31-87
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register off Historic Places
Inventory—Nomination Form
rcci^y9«l
Continuation sheet Item number all Page 64
1. County _
City/Rural
2. Name
TEXAS HISTORIC SITES INVENTORY FORM-TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION (rev.8-82)
Williamson I WM I 5. USGS Quad No
UTM Sector 627-3383
6. Date:
Georgetown
J. J. Johnson Farm
WM
GE
3097-312 Site No. 900. Photo
60
Address. Rabbit Hill Road.
Factual .
7. Architect/Builder
Est. 1860
J. J. Johnson
3.7 mi. south of County Courthouse Contractor
3 Owner C.J .Johnson
Address Route 3 Box 125-L. Georgetown
4. Blocl</ljDt see site plan 78626
8. Style/Type _
9. Original Use
Present Use
I-house
residential
residential
10 Description Two-Story stone dwelling with I-house plan; exterior walls with stucco
veneer: gable roof with lock-seam metal covering; front elevation faces east:
two exterior stone chimneys with corbeled cap: wood-sash double-hung windows
with 6/6 lights: single-door entrance with transom and sidelights; five-bay
good 11. Present Condition .
12 Significance Primary area of significance; architecture, historical associations.
Outstanding and rare example of finely crafted, stone, I house; one of earliest
remaining structures built by Swedish immigrants in the area; has remained in
13. Relationship to Site: Moved Date or Original Site x (cJescribe) rural setting south
of town
14. Bibliography Tax rolls 15. Informant.
16. Recorder
Mr. Johnson
A. Taylor/HHM Date July 1984
TNRIS No.
NR:
Other
• RTHL
• Individual
• Tfiematic
NR File Name
DESIGNATIONS
Old THC Code
• HABS (no) TEX
B&W 4x5s
PHOTO DATA
Slides.
• Historic District
• Multiple-Resource
35mm Negs
YEAR DRWR ROLL FRME ROLL FRME
70 3 to 70 15
to
to
CONTINUATION PAGE No iof
TEXAS HISTORIC SITES INVENTORY FORM-TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION (rev.8-82)
1 County Williamson
City/Rural
2 Name J.
Georgetown
J. Johnson Farm
_WM 5. USGS Quad No 3097-312
UTM Pt. 14/627380/3383960
Site No.
Acreage less than one acre
9QQ_
#10. Description (cont'd): two-story porch with shed roof across east eleva-
tion; chamfered wood posts, turned wooden balustrade; Jigsawn brackets. Out-
buildings include servants' house (see attached form), frame shed, and board-
and-batten barn.
#12. Significance (cont'd): the family of original owner, J. J. Johnson, and
has served as operating farm for over 100 years.
Page 29 of 67
NPS Fonii 10-900-1
CM2)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register off Historic
Inventory—Nomination Form
OMB No. 1024-0018
Ex pi res 10-31-87
Fcr^PS u» only
received
d8t« «r>{ered
IHHMMiMlRSMMHHRRt
Continuation sheet Item numljer all Page 65
Page 30 of 67
NPS Form 10-900.1
CW2)
OMB No. 1024-0018
Expires 10-31-87
United States Department of the Interior
National Parle Service
National Register off Historic Places
Inventory—Nomination Form
Continuation sheet Item numtjer Page
Multiple Resource Area
Thematic Group
Name Georgetown MRA
State Williamson uounty, ihXAb
Nom.ination/Type of Review
21. Hawnen, A. W., House
22. Harper-Chesser House
Date/Signature
ZnUr.^. la IM T^eper r
Attest
eeper
Attest
7f7f^
23. Hyer, Dr. Robert, House gub»ta»tlva H«Tle» Keeper 7^ J^/]y)^[hMl,.7)l
Attest
24. Imhoff House
Attest
25 IrVine, George, House -t1<eei eeper
Attest
26. Johnson, J.J., Farm
27_ Lane-Riley House
SqlnrtnintlTe Revle* Keeper r^L/^ ^ ^AAW^/^^
Attest
^•^^•t^ ^eper^^^^4
Attest
.-28. Leake,Will & Mary, House Lgfi ttiTlew Keeper .^pT/^y TT^^/Yji/Zt^,^
29. Love, Frank & Mellie,
House
30. Leavell, John, House
Attest
Attest
Keeper^^/^^ •'
^,>7/ft
Attest Page 31 of 67
WASO Form -177
("R" June 1984)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET
Johnson, J. J.^ Farm (Georg;etown MRA)
wruiamson "County
TEXAS
[Zl resubmission
n nomination by person or local government
LU owner objection
• appeal
Substantive Review: CZl sample O request
Working No.
Fed. Reg. Date:-^
Date Due:
Z 1985
.yi4/7Z.
Action: __r7^CCEPT _
. RETURN,
REJECT_
Federal Agency:
O appeal NR decision
Reviewer's comments • ^n<A4Uc(7crHY -^^'7\^U-J7' j^<U^/7C^-o-^-c<-^iy2^1^?S^
JU.J^(LJL4^C^l^,'yi.^ ^^^>a^i^^^-<.^V^ '^^<ji<^ ^ Recom./Critej^^^/^^J^!
Reviewer
Discipline
Date ///j^^(7
litWbe-!^^-.. ^:^i:7~^<^:7::pY^:^^
see contmuation sheet
Nomination returned for: nical corrections citec
substantive reasons discussed below
1. Name
2. Location
3. Classification
Category Ownership
Public Acquisition
Status
Accessible
Present Use
4. Owner of Property
5. Location of Legal Description
6. Representation in Existing Surveys
Has this property been determined eligible? • yes • no
7. Description
Condition
excellent
[Zl good
• fair
I I deteriorated
im ruins
I I unexposed
Check one
unaltered
altered
Check one
Zl original site
moved date.
Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance
[Zl summary paragraph
[Zl completeness
• clarity
I I alterations/integrity
• dates
I I boundary selection
Page 32 of 67
8. Significance
Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify t»elow
Specific dates Builder/Architect
Statement of Significance (in one paragraph)
summary paragraph
CZ completeness
IZ] clarity
CZl applicable criteria
justification of areas checked
O relating significance to the resource
Q context
• relationship of integrity to significance
im justification of exception
CZ other
9. Major Bibliographical References
X 10. Geographical Data
Acreage of nominated property
Quadrangle name
UTM References
y^^erbal boundary description and justification jOj^^y^^Ci--^.^ ^^-c.^ /CJ
11. Form Prepared By
12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification
The evaluated significance of this property within the state is:
national state local
State Historic Preservation Officer signature
title
13. Other
• Maps
CZ Photographs
• other
Ouestions concerning this nomination may be directed to.
Signed. Date Phone:
GPO 918-450
Comments for my item may be continued on an attached sheet
Page 33 of 67
Page 34 of 67
Page 35 of 67
October 29, 2020
City of Georgetown
Planning Department
Georgetown, Texas
RE: Letter of Intent for Historic Landmark Designation of the Johnson House
constructed circa 1860 and located at 1208 Westinghouse Road, Georgetown, Texas
The purpose of this letter is to outline the owner’s request for Historic Landmark
Designation for the Johnson House described below and in the attached documents.
The existing zoning district is AG – Agriculture. The proposed zoning district is C1 –
Local Commercial.
The Johnson House is an outstanding and rare example of a finely crafted, stone, I house
and is one of the earliest remaining structures built by Swedish immigrants in the Georgetown
area. The two-story stone dwelling with an I-house plan, currently has exterior walls with stucco
veneer, and a gable roof with lock-seam metal covering. The front elevation faces east with a two-
story porch with a shed roof facing east along the entire elevation. The porch has chamfered wood
posts, turned wooden balustrades, and jig sawn brackets. The home features two exterior stone
chimneys with corbeled caps and double-hung wood windows. The single-door front entrance
includes a transom window and sidelights.
The Johnson House has been designated by the Texas Historical Commission as a high
priority structure for preservation. Additionally, the Johnson House has been nominated to be
included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Sincerely,
Charles J. Johnson
Attachments:
Exhibit A – Field Notes
Exhibit B – Texas Historical Commission Report
Exhibit C - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Exhibit D – Location Map
Page 36 of 67
11
Johnson House
2020-1-HL
Historic & Architectural Review CommissionMarch 11, 2021
Page 37 of 67
2
Item Under Consideration
2020-1-HL
•Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Historic Landmark Designation for the site and building located on approximately 0.1899 acres situated in the Barney C. Low Survey, Abstract No. 385, for the property generally located at 1208 Westinghouse Road.
Page 38 of 67
3
DPS Office
Teravista
Page 39 of 67
4
DPS Office
Teravista
Page 40 of 67
5
DPS Office
Teravista
Page 41 of 67
6
DPS Office
Page 42 of 67
7
The Johnson House Historic Photo
Aerial photo of the J.J. and Hedda Johnson Farm, date unknown. The road that became Westinghouse Road is visible on the north side of the main house.
Page 43 of 67
8
The Johnson House Historic Photos
Photo of the south side of the main house prior to the house being covered in stucco. Date unknown.J.J. and Hedda Johnson. Date unknown.
Page 44 of 67
9
The Johnson House Historic Photos
Photos of the northwest side of the main house prior to the house being covered in stucco. Dates and names of the men in the photo unknown.
Page 45 of 67
10
The Johnson House –1984 National Register Photo
Page 46 of 67
11
The Johnson House –1984 HRS Photos
Page 47 of 67
12
The Johnson Family
Hannah, F. G., Matilda and Carl Johnson Hannah (Johnson) Lawson, Oscar Johnson and Carl Johnson, F. G. and Matilda’s Children
Page 48 of 67
13
The Johnson Family
Carl & Minnie Johnson (Charles Johnson’s Parents)Ben & Hannah Lawson (Charles Johnson’s Aunt & Uncle)
Charles Johnson
Page 49 of 67
14
Approval Criteria –UDC Section 3.06.060
Criteria for Rezoning Complies PartiallyComplies Does Not Comply
Character, interest, or value of the building, structure or site because of its unique role in the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, County, State or Nation;
X
Occurrence of a notable historical event at the building, structure or site;X
Identification of the building, structure or site with a person or persons who contributed notably to the culture and development of the City, County, State, Nation or society;
X
Page 50 of 67
15
Approval Criteria –UDC Section 3.06.060
Criteria for Rezoning Complies Partially Complies Does Not Comply
Distinctive elements of architectural design, detail material, or craftsmanship that make it an established or familiar visual feature, or the related distinctiveness of a craftsman, master builder or architect, or a style or innovation, including but not limited to:1.Architectural style of the buildings or structure;2.Architectural period of the building or structure;3.Textures and colors of materials used in the building or structure;4.Shape o the building or structure;5.Roofline of the building or structure;6.Porch and entrance treatments of the building or structure;7.Height and mass of the building or structure; or8.Relative proportions of the building or structure (width to height, width to depth).
X
Page 51 of 67
16
Approval Criteria –UDC Section 3.06.060
Criteria for Rezoning Complies Partially Complies Does Not Comply
Archaeological value in the sense that the building, structure or site can be expected to yield, based on physical evidence, information affecting knowledge of history or prehistory.
X
Page 52 of 67
17
Public Notifications
•19 property owners within the 300’ buffer
•Notice in Sun News on February 21, 2021
•Signs posted on the property
•To date, staff has received:
•0 written comments IN FAVOR
•0 written comments OPPOSED
Page 53 of 67
20
Summary
•Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Historic Landmark Designation for the site and building located on approximately 0.1899 acres situated in the Barney C. Low Survey, Abstract No. 385, for the property generally located at 1208 Westinghouse Road.
•Per UDC Section 3.06.020.D, the Historic and Architectural Review Commission shall hold a Public Hearing… and make a recommendation to the City Council.
Page 54 of 67
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review
March 11, 2021
S UB J E C T:
P res entation and disc ussion of His toric O verlay Zoning District Designations.
IT E M S UMMARY:
S taff will make a presentation on the designation of Historic O verlay Dis tric ts, whic h inc ludes the
following:
T he proc es s to designate a His toric O verlay District
T he c riteria to des ignate a Historic O verlay Dis tric t
T he review requirements for c hanges to the property inc luded in a Historic O verlay Dis tric t
T he standards s pecific to the Downtown and O ld Town His toric O verlay Districts
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
N/A
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Britin Bostick, Downtown & His toric P lanner
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Staff Pres entation Pres entation
Page 55 of 67
Historic Overlay District
Designation
Historic & Architectural Review Commission
March 11, 2021
1Page 56 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
2
Training Goals
At the end of this presentation you should know:
•The process to designate a Historic Overlay District
•The criteria to designate a Historic Overlay District
•The review requirements for changes to the property included in a Historic Overlay District
•The standards specific to the Downtown and Old Town Historic Overlay Districts
Page 57 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
3
Process to Designate a Historic Overlay District:
•Application for Zoning Map Amendment submitted and deemed complete
•Staff reviews application and prepares report and presentation
•Application presented to HARC for a public hearing and recommendation
•Historic Overlay District Designations go to P&Z for recommendation if there is also a
requested change to the base zoning district
•For example, a request to rezone from Residential Single-Family or Office to Mixed-Use Downtown, since
all properties with Mixed-Use Downtown zoning also have to be in the Downtown Overlay District
•Application presented to City Council for a public hearing and decision
Page 58 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
4
Criteria to Designate a Historic Overlay District:
The City Council shall make the findings that one or more of the following criteria for designating a building, structure or site within the City limits a local Historic Landmark is met:
A.Character, interest, or value of the structures, site or area because of its unique role in the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, County, State or Nation;
B.Occurrence of a notable historical event at the structures, sites or area;
C.Identification of the structures, sites or area with a person or persons who contributed notably to the culture and development of the City, County, State, Nation, or society;
Page 59 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
5
Criteria to Designate a Historic Overlay District (Cont.):
D.Embodiment in multiple buildings in a site or area under consideration of distinctive elements of
architectural design, detail material, or craftsmanship related to a uniqueness to the area, or the
related distinctiveness of a craftsman, master builder or architect, or a style or innovation, including
but not limited to:
1. Scale of buildings and structures typical of the area;
2. Architectural style of the buildings and structures;
3. Architectural period of the buildings and structures;
4. Building materials typical of the area;
5. Colors and textures used in the buildings and structures typical of the area;
6. Typical relationships of buildings in the area to the street;
7. Setbacks and other physical patterns of buildings in the area;
8. Typical patterns of rooflines of buildings in the area; or
9. Typical patterns of porch and entrance treatments of buildings in the area; andPage 60 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
6
Criteria to Designate a Historic Overlay District (Cont.):
E.Archaeological value in the sense that the building, structure or site can be expected to yield, based
on physical evidence, information affecting knowledge of history or prehistory.
Page 61 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
7
Review requirements for changes to the property included in a Historic
Overlay District
UDC Sec. 4.08.030. -Certificate of Appropriateness Required.
All new buildings and changes to existing buildings located in a Historic Overlay District… are subject to the Certificate of
Appropriateness provisions of Section 3.13 of this Code. Any activity requiring review of a Certificate of Appropriateness per Section
3.13 of this Code will be subject to the Design Guidelines adopted by the City of Georgetown.
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Historic Overlay District Designation
8
UDC Sec. 4.08.070. –Standards Specific to the Downtown Overlay District.
A.Building Height
1.Building height in the Downtown Overlay District shall not exceed 40 feet, unless a Certificate of Appropriateness is approved by HARC in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.13 of this Code.
2.Buildings located along the portion of Austin Avenue that lies within the boundaries of the Downtown Overlay District shall be at least two usable stories in height with an overall building height of not less than 20 feet, subject to compliance with the Courthouse View Protection Overlay District of Section 4.10. However, HARC may approve a Certificate of Appropriateness in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.13 of this Code.
B.Setbacks
Building setbacks adjacent to public rights-of-way in the Downtown Overlay District shall generally be assumed to be zero feet or “built to” the right-of-way line. Such setbacks shall be reviewed on a case-by-case bases in accordance with the adopted Design Guidelines.
Page 63 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
9
UDC Sec. 4.08.070. –Standards Specific to the Downtown Overlay District.
C.Parking
There shall be no off-street parking requirement in Area 1 of the Downtown Overlay District, except as required
by Section 5.04.020.M.2 of this code. In Area 2 of the Downtown Overlay District, the parking standards of Table
9.02.030.A shall apply. Alternative parking plans, as described in Section 9.02.060 of this Code, may be
considered.
D.Signs
The sign standards shall be those contained within the Downtown and Old Town Design Guidelines. In the even
that no standards exist, the standards in this Code shall apply, and may be modified in order to more accurately
reflect the express language or the intent of the design guidelines in regard to yard signs.
Page 64 of 67
Historic Overlay District Designation
10
UDC Sec. 4.08.080. –Standards Specific to the Old Town Overlay District.
A.Parking
The parking standards of Table 9.02.030A shall apply. Alternative parking plans, as described in Section 9.02.060 of this Code, may be considered.
B.Signs
The sign standards contained within the Downtown and Old Town Design Guidelines shall apply. In the event thatno standards exist, the standards of this Code shall apply and may be modified in order to more accurately reflect the express language or the intent of the design guidelines with regard to signs.
C.Building Height.
1.Buildings within the Old Town Overlay District shall not exceed 30 feet in height. However, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be approved in accordance with Section 3.13 of this Code to allow utilization of the height limitation of the underlying zoning district.
2.Maximum building height at the prescribed setback of the underlying base zoning district shall not exceed 15 feet. For each additional three feet of setback from the property line, the building may increase in height by five feet. However, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be approved in accordance with Section 3.13 of this Code to allow building heights in excess of this requirement.
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Historic Overlay District Designation
11
UDC Sec. 4.08.080. –Standards Specific to the Old Town Overlay District.
D.Setbacks
Setbacks shall be that of the underlying base zoning district. However, for residential structures in the Old Town
Overlay District, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be approved in accordance with Section 3.13 of this Code to
allow a residential structure to encroach into a required setback.
E.Floor-to-Area Ratio
The floor-to-area -ratio (FAR) within the Old Town Overlay District shall not exceed 0.45, unless a Certificate of
Appropriateness is approved in accordance with Section 3.13 of this Code.
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Historic Overlay District Designation
12
To Recap:
•Historic Overlay Districts are recommended by HARC and decided by City Council
•The request must be found to comply with 1 of the 5 approval criteria
•Properties with Historic Overlay Districts are subject to COA application requirements
•The Design Guidelines apply to properties in the Historic Overlay Districts
•The Downtown and Old Town Historic Overlay Districts each have additional zoning
standards for building height, setbacks, parking and signs. The Old Town Overlay District
has additional standards for floor-to-area ratio.
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