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Boerne staff proposes to expand historic grant program citywide; commissioners give preliminary support
Summary
City staff proposed amending the Historic District Improvement Grant Program to allow landmark properties citywide to apply, to narrow eligible work to preservation of existing historic fabric, and to relaunch a medallion program. Commissioners signaled support and staff plans to forward changes to City Council.
Boerne staff proposed amendments to the Historic District Improvement Grant Program that would make local landmark properties outside the existing historic district eligible for grant funding, narrow eligible work to preservation-focused exterior and code-compliance improvements, and relaunch a local medallion (marker) program.
Staff told the Historic Landmark Commission the historic district, established in 1985, includes roughly 166 properties along the Hill Country Mile; since 2012 the grant program has approved 33 grants totaling about $200,000. The current grant reimburses commercial-property improvements on a sliding scale up to $14,500; the city currently budgets $35,000 annually for the program. Under the proposed changes, eligibility would expand to structures with local landmark designations anywhere inside Boerne city limits, and staff would focus grant-funded work on preservation of existing structures (façade, window, roof, foundation) and select code-upgrade items such as ADA compliance, electrical, plumbing and fire exits. The proposal would remove language that could have allowed new buildings or additions to qualify.
Staff also proposed renaming the program the “Historic Preservation Grant” and relaunching a medallion or marker program to recognize locally designated landmarks. Staff showed commissioners an original specimen medallion featuring the Krakovsky Tower (described as Boerne’s highest point) produced by local ceramicist Doug Oian and asked whether to retain the design or adopt a new symbol; commissioners expressed interest in exploring designs and suggested community engagement for a new symbol.
Commissioners asked about budget implications; staff said the city’s annual $35,000 allocation would remain subject to City Council review and that expanding eligibility could lead to more applicants. The commission expressed broad support for forwarding the proposed changes to City Council, with staff indicating a plan to bring the revisions forward in time for a May promotional launch during National Preservation Month.
No formal vote was recorded on the proposed amendments at the meeting; commissioners gave a general thumbs-up and requested continued staff outreach and marketing to encourage applications and local landmark nominations.
