Abilene Landmarks Commission approves project proposal for 689 E. North 18th Street

The Abilene Landmarks Commission voted unanimously to approve a project proposal for interior and exterior repairs and a historic project tax reduction for the Mackenzie Johnson House at 689 East North 18th Street.

Staff presented the proposal and recommended approval. Carol Boyse, a staff member, told the commission the request covers "roof repairs including replacement of broken tiles, foundation repairs to include framework as necessary, replacement of cast iron and copper plumbing with PVC, exterior paint and stucco trim repairs." Boyse added that staff recommended approval of the proposal.

The project property, identified in the staff report as the Mackenzie Johnson House, was built in 1929 and described as a 1½-story, four-bay dwelling in the Mission/Spanish Revival style with original stucco exterior, a terracotta-tile tower roof and arched stucco porch posts. The house received a historic overlay in March 2023, the staff report states.

Applicant Martha Groves, who identified herself as the owner, described the house as an "old family home built by my great grandfather" and said family members remember gatherings there. Groves told commissioners she has received contractor bids for the listed work, has located a source for matching clay tiles and is seeking the tax reduction to help fund the restoration.

Commission discussion focused on what types of work qualify for the historic project tax reduction. Staff clarified that the project proposal format is used when a certificate of appropriateness is not required before filing for historic project tax reduction, citing city code procedure. Commissioners and staff said structural repairs such as plumbing and sewer lines can qualify: "All plumbing except for fixtures are covered," a staff member said, and commissioners referenced prior cases in which sewer lines qualified.

The commission took a formal vote on motion PP-2025-01 to approve the project proposal as presented. The vote was recorded as unanimous: Commissioners Hood, Kister, Butman, Allen, Partang and Lee voted yes. The motion was approved.

Next steps noted in the meeting: the applicant should keep detailed receipts for work that will be reviewed as part of the historic project tax reduction application. The staff report explained appeal rights: decisions on certificates of appropriateness may be appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission by written request to the planning director within 15 days of the meeting; historic project tax reduction decisions may be appealed to the City Council by written request to the city secretary within 10 days.

The commission closed the public hearing and adjourned the meeting.