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Commission reviews options to preserve Park Place service station fragment
Summary
Commissioner Black presented research on a circa 1939–1940 stone fragment from the Park Place service station and recommended further study. He supplied field measurements, preliminary cost estimates for excavation/relocation, and suggested outreach to possible repositories; staff will follow up on permits and utilities.
Commissioner Black presented a research summary and initial measurements for a stone fragment that remains from the Park Place service station, a circa 1939–1940 roadside structure once owned by DeWitt Clinton Sockwell.
Black described the fragment’s historic context—its vernacular/folk-art construction, association with early local infrastructure, and family interest after his granddaughter Joyce Kenas alerted staff—and recounted his site measurements. Using those measurements and city estimate models, he reported a verbal cost figure during the presentation (transcribed as "3.74 73") and said that accounting for below‑grade portions would increase the figure toward just under $5,000. He told the commission those figures are preliminary and recommended professional subsurface measurement and a conservation estimate before any removal or resetting.
Commission discussion covered potential display locations (North Lakes Park, North Branch Library, the county museum), whether TxDOT permits for work along US 380 would apply, the possibility of collaborating with the Public Art Committee, and funding options including crowdfunding or donations. Staff acknowledged that TxDOT permitting and utility easements will need review and said staff will return with permit, utility and cost information for the matrix item.
The commission agreed to add the Park Place fragment to the project matrix for further staff research and possible future action.
