February 17, 2003

Galveston Landmark Commission 

The Galveston Landmark Commission voted 4-0-1, with Jami Durham abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve a certificate of appropriateness for alterations to a dilapidated  house at 1511 Church Street.  The building is owned by Galveston Historical Foundation.

"This house has been a blight in the neighborhood for a long time," said GHF Executive Director Marsh Davis, explaining that the project was taken on as a demonstration project despite it's deteriorated condition.

"I applaud y'all for taking the challenge," said Commissioner Robert Peralez.

"It is a definite challenge," said Landmark Commission Chair Bob Brown.

Leslie Sommer of GHF said the foundation hopes to have the building in condition to be on the Historic Homes Tour in May, in hopes of selling it so that it can be returned to the tax rolls.

The commission voted 4-1, with Brown abstaining because he is the architect on the project, to allow Juliet Staudt to leave supporting structures in place at 2208 - 2218 Strand, until after the Mardi Gras celebration.  The poles, which had not been properly permitted, were deemed necessary to support a canopy that is being installed in a previously approved project.

"I apologize," said Staudt about the failure to obtain proper prior approval.  "I'm very sorry."

She will return to the commission after Mardi Gras with plans for completion of the project.

The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for construction of a two-story garage apartment behind a historic home at 1527 Broadway, owned by Dwight and Sandra Perrio.

The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for plans by Jason Sheaffer to complete the connection of houses at 2006 and 2008 Avenue M 1/2.

"It is one residence," Sheaffer explained.  "We have made a lot of progress in turning this property around.

The commission discussed several items in workshop following the action agenda.

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