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Historic Landmark Commission reviews local designation interest, South Ridge survey and upcoming events
Summary
Staff reported neighbor interest in local historic designation, recounted an owner declining preservation protections, updated commissioners on the South Ridge neighborhood survey and listed several public events tied to preservation outreach.
Commission staff reported on requests for local historic designation, the status of a neighborhood survey, and several upcoming outreach events at a Denton Historic Landmark Commission meeting.
Cameron, a staff member, summarized that the Historic Landmark Commission had received inquiries about potential local designations, including a property believed to be at 1600 Highland Park Road; staff said the address needed confirmation and that they would follow up. Staff also said neighbors on Woodland had expressed interest in joining the Veil Avenue Historic District and asked commissioners how the commission wanted the city to contact property owners.
One participant said they had followed up with the owner of Mister Frosty's (referred to as Ken); the owner declined preservation protections and indicated a desire to remove the building and replace it instead. That exchange was described to the commission by the participant as a brief conversation in which the owner shook his head and said he wanted to be able to tear it down and put something else up.
Staff said they are researching historic-preservation incentive programs used by other cities and plan to present that information to the commission in June or July. Staff also said they will return with a larger discussion on local designation and possible beautification standards.
On surveys and outreach, staff reported that the South Ridge Neighborhood Historic Resource Survey was completed on May 2 after a week of field work despite rain. Staff expects to receive initial survey feedback and recommendations for eligible properties and historic districts in early October and is updating the "Preserving Southbridge" page on the city website.
Staff listed several upcoming public events tied to preservation outreach: a historic bar tour led in part by Commissioner Treat (this Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.), the Justin Heritage Foundation Gaston House ice cream social (noon), an I00 (cemetery) tour starting at 6 p.m. tomorrow (meet at the front gates), and the Denton Vintage Short Film Festival at UNT FOA on the 30th (Friday, 6–8 p.m.). Staff reminded participants to bring water for outdoor events.
Staff also said they will revisit a 2019 list of properties gathered at a community meeting that were proposed for future landmark consideration; the GIS team will help clean the list to remove properties that have been significantly altered or demolished.
