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Commission tables landmark review for 135 Oak Tree Drive pending more research and inspection
Summary
Staff research presented evidence the house at 135 Oak Tree Drive likely dates to the 1904–1909 period and may represent one of the earliest rural-era houses in the Longview subdivision. Commissioners voted to table the item to allow further archival work and a building inspection.
The Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission voted to table consideration of the house at 135 Oak Tree Drive so staff can complete archival research and obtain a building-inspection report.
Commission staff presented deed and plat research showing the property appears on a 1909 plat and that county real-estate records and local deeds indicate the house was likely constructed between about 1904 and 1909. Staff said the property occupies what was originally Lots 1–7 in Block 9 of the Longview Subdivision, an area that was largely rural and was not annexed into Webster Groves until 1936.
The property—s historical thread: Records staff found a chain of deeds showing transfers in the early 1900s, and the St. Louis County real-estate index lists a construction year of 1903 in one entry. Staff said Ernest Pipkin purchased several lots in the area in 1904 and was involved in efforts to extend Elm Avenue, which supports a circa-1904 construction window. Later owners included the Sieber family, who owned the property from 1926 and appear on the 1930 and 1950 census records at that location; Anna Sieber is recorded as dying at that address in 1954.
Property owner Tim Golan spoke to the commission and described multiple later alterations, including vinyl siding, mixed window types (aluminum, wood), an enlarged garage built in the 1980s, and possible non-original additions. He said city inspectors attempted to access the house previously but were unable to complete an inspection, and he has since rescheduled.
After discussion commissioners agreed additional archival digging (newspaper and deed sources, permit searches back to 1936) and a completed city inspection are needed before any determination about historical significance or landmark nomination. A motion to table the item until the next meeting carried by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will continue deed and newspaper research, search indexed building permits post-annexation (1936 onward), obtain the inspection report once access is available, and bring findings back to the commission.
