Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission Meeting - August 10, 2026
Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission Meeting - August 10, 2026
The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC) met on August 10, 2026, to consider two cases: a request for a certificate of appropriateness (COA) to demolish a contributing structure in the Carver Heights Historic District, and a request for a COA for new construction in the same district. Both motions passed unanimously (8-0). Commissioners also approved the minutes from the July 13, 2026 meeting and received an announcement about an upcoming preservation plan update meeting.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of July 13, 2026 Minutes: Vice Chair Kelly Gardner moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Brisendine. The motion passed 8-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Case HCLC-26-184 (5536 Bong Drive): Michael Forbes of Tri-Nite Construction Management spoke on behalf of the property owners, stating the house is unlivable due to mold, water damage, and structural issues. He noted that three contractors advised demolition over renovation, and the family has financing for a new build but not for renovation. He also expressed concern that a neighborhood association member solicited renovation work during a site visit.
- Hazel Curry, a co-owner, confirmed the property is too damaged to renovate and stated the family wants to tear it down and rebuild.
- Staff received two letters: one in support of demolition from the Historic Carver Heights Neighborhood Association, and one in opposition to demolition from Historic Fort Worth Inc.
- During discussion, the public hearing was reopened briefly for Mr. Forbes to answer questions about salvaging materials and construction timelines.
Discussion Items
- Case HCLC-26-184 – Demolition at 5536 Bong Drive: Staff presented that the property is a contributing structure in the Carver Heights Historic District and retains all seven aspects of integrity. Staff observed foundation shifting, roof leaks, water intrusion, and failing siding, but concluded the property is not damaged beyond repair. Staff recommended denial without prejudice based on insufficient evidence of loss of significance or unreasonable economic hardship. Commissioners discussed that while demolition may be inevitable, the application lacked formal economic hardship documentation. A motion to deny without prejudice was made by Vice Chair Kelly Gardner, seconded by Commissioner Brisendine, and passed 8-0, allowing the applicant to return with a combined demolition and new construction COA.
- Case HCLC-26-185 – New Construction at 1300 Bessie Street: Staff recommended approval subject to conditions on siding reveal, window placement, porch column spacing, and submission of revised drawings. No public testimony was offered. A motion to approve with staff conditions was made by Commissioner Brisendine, seconded by Commissioner Halton, and passed 8-0.
Key Outcomes
- HCLC-26-184: Motion to deny demolition without prejudice passed 8-0. The applicant may reapply with a complete economic hardship application or a combined demolition and new construction COA.
- HCLC-26-185: Motion to approve new construction COA with staff conditions passed 8-0.
- Announcement: The first preservation plan update meeting will be held September 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the LMA Shambley Library.
- Vote Tallies: All votes were 8-0 in favor of the motions.
Meeting Transcript
That's gonna be interesting. Like it's a real ROV or ABA. There's some out on the the desktop. Um California. Um we have to rebuild that bubbles. That's whole bottle that's we have um turbine. And what we were finding was our trades are really high so especially. Thank you so much. Thank you. And if you'd like to grab the well, I'll tell you how to look going on over there. Oh, it's my head on that. I have more stuff well, first of all. She just creates for us, we would have really patient. She does uh you ready, Laura? Yes, staff ready. Okay. Uh by my watch, it's two of six, so I'm gonna call to order the meeting of the City of Fort Wars Historic and Cultural Landmarks for August, twenty twenty six. And we will get um started. Are there any announcements from oh I'm sorry, we need to have the statement of the open meetings act. Don't forget about me, Chair Herring. Oh my goodness. Welcome to the August tenth, two thousand twenty-six Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission. Our commission requires a quorum of six members to be present and available for voting. The following board members are present today. Chair Rick Herring, Vice Chairwoman Anna Katrina Kelly Gardner, Commissioner Estris Tucker, Commissioner Roger Sheffalo, Commissioner Corey Malone, Commissioner Brian Ketchum, Commissioner Tim Halton, and Commissioner Graham Bresentine. Staff present today are Laura Lie Willett, Nathan Bevel, Andres Hernandez, Trey Quaz, Hi Wan Kim, and myself, Laura Young. Today's meeting agenda can be found online at WW.Fortward Texas.gov. Speaker registration forms must have been turned in prior to the start of the meeting. Today's public hearing is being documented by video conference recording, which will be available on the city's website. To achieve a timely and orderly meeting, the HCLC requests that the following rules of procedure be respected. Each case will be called in the sequence listed on the agenda unless otherwise directed by the chair. All ensuing dialogue shall be directed to the HCLC only. After each staff presentation, the applicant and other proponents will be given a total of seven minutes to speak. Opposition may then speak for seven minutes. Continuation beyond the speaker's allotted time will be subject to the chairman's sole discretion and approval. All other meeting procedures will adhere to HCLC adopted rules of procedures to the extent practicable. Following the official close of each case hearing, the HCLC will remain an open session to discuss and vote upon the item in question. During this time, no further public testimony or commentary will be allowed unless directed by the chair. A closed executive session may be held with respect to the posted agenda items to enable the HCLC to receive advice from legal staff. For additional information on any case on today's agenda, you may contact the development services department by calling 817-3928000. Thank you for your attention. Thank you very much for that. And do we have any announcements from staff? Yes, just a couple. And then I also wanted to remind y'all our first meeting for the preservation plan update is going to be Wednesday, September 16th at the LMA Shambley Library between 6 and 8 p.m. I hope to see y'all there. All right, and thank you. And on that note, uh welcome, Nathan. We're certainly glad to have you. And for the first meeting, uh, the one you just announced on September 16th.
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