HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_08.14.2025Minutes of the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Georgetown Historic and Architectural Review Commission met on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at
6*00 PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Evan Hein, Phil Rotheram, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist, Stuart Garner,
Michael J Walton
Public Wishing to Address the Board
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table at the entrance to the meeting room. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you
wish to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward to
speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the
meeting being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. if you wish to
speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted time to speak, No more than six
minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor granting time to another speaker must also submit a form
and be present at the meeting.
A request must be received by the Advisory Board or commission
Liaison prior to the dav the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to
address the Board or Commission members, No action can be taken.
1. Regular Session
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the July 24, 2025,
meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission -- Erica Dunlop, Planning
Specialist
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the July 24, 2025, meeting • the Historic and Architectural •- Commission.
Motion Approved: 5- 0
Voting For: Phil Rotheram, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist, Stuart Garner, Michael J
Walton
Voting Against: None
1. B 609 S Church Strea (2025-4-REZ)
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezon
.16 Acres out of Lot 7, Block 11, Glasscock Addition, from the Old Town Overlay zonin
district to the Downtown Overlay zoning district, for the property generally located at 60
S Church Street (2025-4-REZ) -- Olivia Beams, Historic and Downtown Planner I
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commission and commented that the applicant shared that no changes will be made to
the structure. Howell explained that the applicant was interested in leasing the building to
professional services like an accounting firm or eye care doctor.
Commissioner Powell inquired about the impact on the properties in the rear. Beams
shared that a buffer yard will be required between the residential area behind and to the
north of subject property. Commissioner Powell asked if there was control of future
allowed uses that may want to change the exterior of the structure if the property were to
be sold. Beams explained that the uses within the mixed -use downtown zoning district are
generally used to serve the neighborhoods and added that changes to the exterior of the
home would be under HARC's purview.
Chair Walton highlighted that the set of criteria and their corresponding labels Of
$Acomplies, partially complies, does not comply" within staffs presentation were n
what HARG typically sees during meetings. Chair Walton recommended utilizing
different labels as the intent was different from what is typically presented to HARI
Alternate Commissioner Blomquist asked if the neighbors were approached with this
request. Howell explained that the neighbors north of the property were approachei,
Moved by Evan Hein; seconded by Robert Blomquist to Approve the request to the city
council.
Motion Approved: 5- 1
Voting For: Evan Hein, Phil Rotheram, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist, Stuart Garner
Voting Against: Michael J Walton
1. C 408 E. 6th Street (2025-25-COA)
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA) for a new addition does not comply with the zoning standards of the historic
overlay district and a 12'-Y encroachment into the required front setback, and the
replacement of a historic architectural feature with a non -historic architectural feature for
the property located at 408 E 6th Street, bearing the legal description of a portion of Lots
I and 2, Block 30, Glasscock Addition (2025-25-COA) -- Olivia Beams, Historic and
Downtown ■
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Shirley Wofford, owner, approached the podium to address the commission and sharel
that she began to engage in conversations with her neighbors on their front porches.
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a front porch.
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appreciation to the commission and staff. Wang shared that the reasons to taking on a
project within downtown were to enhance the structure the character of the street which
includes walkability. Wang expressed that the intent was to align with the neighbors'
porches and to not design beyond the encroachment of where they were. Wang's initial
design was not to mimic the current character of the home. Wang highlighted that the
•i were single pane with no energy efficiency. After staff feedback of the initial
design, Wang redesigned the exterior including the color of the shutters. Wang expressed
that they changed the proposed window materials because the initial materials were vinyl.
Wang explained that the gable was redesigned to a shed roof that would be more
compatible with the ranch style. Wang reiterated that the intent was not to exceed the
neighbor's setback encroachment. Wang concluded with a comment that Wofford would
be opened to keeping aluminum windows even though the cost would be higher.
anricartorn-on me cnang Ign since Tne posting oT
the meeting's agenda. Wang explained that the updated design accommodated the
shutters to fit under the •#
Commissioner Hein asked if the existing porch overhang was an original and inquired
about whether historical photos of this feature existed. Beams explained that the
structure was not surveyed in 1984 because it was not historic at the time and clarified
that the 2016 survey did not include references to any change in the porch overhang.
Commissioner Hein believed that the update to the addition minimized the visual impact
and did not diminish the character defining style of the home.
Chair Walton asked if the deck on the far left of the home would be removed. Wang
confirmed that the deck would be removed. Chair Walton recommended documenting
the existing porch and the proposed porch with regards to the setback.
Clarification was provided again on changes to the request since the agenda posting of
this meeting.
Chair Walton opened the public hearing.
Helen Baker, 407 East 6th Street, approached the podium to address the commission and
explained that she moved to Georgetown because she enjoyed the appearance of the
town. Baker shared that she noticed that most homes in the area had a front porch. Baker
explained that porches promote interconnection and interaction. Baker shared that there
was nothing distinctive about the house in question and felt that adding a gabled porch
would make the house more attractive.
Susan Mankus, 510 Ash Street, approached the podium to address the commission and
shared that she met the owner of the home from her front porch. Mankus shared that front
porches allow for connections within the community. Mankus expressed support for the
request.
Bill Russell, 315 East 6th Street, approached the podium to address the commission
and shared his history with the area. Russell explained that the addition does not
disrupt the historic nature of the neighborhood and would enhance it. Russell
expressed support for the request.
Chair Walton closed the public hearing and opened the floor to a motion.
Moved by Evan Hein; seconded by Robert Blomquist to Approve with the condition to
include the 17-foot -wide porch to properly frame the shutters within the porch.
Motion Approved: 6- 0
Voting For: Evan Hein, Phil Rotheram, Jennifer Powell, Robert Blomquist, Stuart Garner,
Michael J Walton
Voting Against: None
LD Discussion Items
General updates, and Commissioner questions and comments -- Allyson liams,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Allyson liams provided an update of the property located at 1813 South Main Street
and process updates which included the tracking of HARC approved COA projects,
review of demolition by neglect, and review of relocation COA process.
liams provided project Updates for previously approved HARC COAs at 203 South
Myrtle Street, 906 South Elm Street, 1218 South Church Street, and 401 South College
Street.