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Commission grants waiver to retain 20‑foot front driveway at 1201 Marion Avenue
Summary
After hearing from the owner and reviewing bids, the Fort Worth HCLC voted 7‑0 Jan. 12 to grant a waiver allowing a 20‑foot front driveway at 1201 Marion Avenue in the Morningside Historic District, despite staff recommending denial on design‑guideline grounds.
The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission voted unanimously Jan. 12 to grant a waiver allowing a 20‑foot‑wide concrete driveway at 1201 Marion Avenue, an exception to the Morningside Historic District design guidelines.
Staff told the commission the front‑yard driveway did not comply with district guidance or Secretary of the Interior standards, and recommended denial with prejudice. Staff said corner‑lot driveways should extend from the side street and that front yards should not be overtaken with paving.
Resident Alex Abala, who identified himself as the owner at the hearing, told the commission he had two bids for reversing the work and that the lowest bid for removal was roughly $6,500 but that additional work to replace soil and restore landscaping would cost about $2,500 more; he also said he obtained permits and that an inspector approved the construction approach during work. "Everything was approved by the city of Fort Worth," he said.
Several commissioners expressed sympathy for the owner, saying there may have been miscommunication with city staff. Commissioner Joseph Austin moved to approve the waiver allowing the applicant to maintain the 20‑foot driveway; a second was recorded and the motion passed 7‑0.
Staff told the applicant and commission staff will remain available to discuss alternatives or additional communications going forward.
