Historic and Design Review Commission Meeting - August 19, 2026

The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jay Maurice Gibbs with a quorum present. The commission considered consent agenda items, several individual cases, and a historic significance review. The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 were approved unanimously with staff stipulations. (Items 4, 7, and 9 were pulled for individual discussion.)
• Approved addresses: 1979 Pape Farms, 3101 Broadway, 229 Madison, 415 Wix, 1601 Buena Vista, and 515 Queen's Crescent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11 (507 West Craig Place): Three speakers supported a finding of historic significance:
  • Jennifer Koshpin, representing the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association, argued the home meets criteria 3, 5/12, and 11, emphasizing its economic heritage and working-class roots.
  • Celia Mendoza, architect and property owner in Alta Vista, presented Zillow photos and suggested the house may be from 1911, using salvaged materials typical of the era. She noted prior landmark designations without owner consent in 2019.
  • Henry Krauss, from Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association, warned of demolition by neglect and speculation, stating this is a well-maintained property and not a hardship case.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – VIA Silver Line Bus Stations: VIA Metropolitan Transit presented plans for new stations, agreeing to consolidate elements, reduce communication box heights, and change colors. Discussion focused on the placement of ticket vending machines and validators, and whether a custom housing could incorporate both units. Commissioners noted aesthetic concerns, especially in historic districts, and suggested holistic design approaches. The item was approved with staff stipulations (unanimous).
• Item 7 – 544 Hammond Avenue (Porch Reconstruction): Applicant Michelangelo Valdez requested standard weatherized decking rather than tongue-and-groove to allow drainage, citing budget constraints. Staff recommended tongue-and-groove per porch guidelines. After discussion, the commission approved replacing in-kind (matching existing materials) subject to submission of detailed railing/balustrade drawings. Vote: 10-1 (Commissioner Savino opposed because of drainage concerns with wood).
• Item 9 – 219 Refugio Street (Multiple Modifications): Applicant Candid Rogers proposed a carport with corrugated metal siding, metal fencing, and rear addition. Debate centered on the fencing material (metal vs. wood) and rear addition siding. Commissioner Group moved to approve with amendments: allow metal fencing for front/side yards but keep wood siding requirement for rear addition. The motion passed 9-2 (Commissioners Savino and Velasquez opposed). The front window size and design remain under staff stipulations.
• Item 11 – 507 West Craig Place (Historic Significance Review): The Alta Vista Neighborhood Association requested a finding of historic significance to prevent demolition. OHP staff recommended denial due to lack of integrity. After extensive testimony and debate, a motion to approve historic significance failed (4 ayes, 6 nays). An alternate motion to deny historic significance passed 7-3 (Commissioners Savino, Mazuka, Group, Fetzer voted no). The property will not be referred to City Council for landmark designation.
• Item 12 – 7303 Old Corpus Christi Road (Multifamily Residential): The applicant agreed to use a modified prototype with front doors facing Old Corpus Christi Road for the two easternmost lots. Commissioner Fetzer raised concerns about neighborhood interaction. A motion to approve with staff stipulations and requiring 66% of units to have front-facing doors passed 9-1 (Commissioner Group opposed, citing design concerns).
• Item 13 – 207 Lavaca Street: Continued to the September 2, 2026 meeting as the applicant was not present.
• Item 14 – 206 Lavaca Street (Caliche Block Home Modifications): The applicant proposed widening the front entry, modifying the porch roof, and exposing caliche block. Commissioner Group moved to deny widening (item 1), approve porch modifications with stipulations 2.2/2.3 (shed roof, standing seam metal, tongue-and-groove decking), and approve removal of faux stucco with requirement to apply hydraulic lime plaster on the sides and around the corner to protect caliche. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals with staff stipulations: Consent agenda items; VIA Silver Line stations; 544 Hammond porch (repaired in-kind); 219 Refugio Street modifications (with amendments on fencing and siding); 7303 Old Corpus Christi Road multifamily (with 66% front-facing doors requirement).
• Denial: 507 West Craig Place – no finding of historic significance.
• Partial approval: 206 Lavaca Street – front entry widening denied; porch and stucco removal approved with conditions.
• Continued: Item 13 (207 Lavaca Street) to September 2, 2026.
• Next meeting: The annual Home Repair Fair announced for September 12, 2026.