Arlington planning panel approves reduced landmark overlay for 1225 California Lane

The Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 3 to approve zoning case ZA25-3, a request to rezone 1225 California Lane from a landmark preservation overlay planned development to light industrial with a reduced landmark preservation overlay.

Alex Van Amberg, planner in Planning and Development Services, told commissioners the site is about 0.476 acres and is bordered by industrial uses to the north and east and commercial uses to the west. He said the Landmark Preservation Committee had earlier recommended keeping the overlay but staff and the applicant worked on a revised boundary that would preserve the historic home while making the rear of the lot available for light-industrial research and development uses.

Applicant Lipin Ta Hong, who said he is co-owner of ProgenaTec Inc. and a bioengineering professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, told the commission he spent more than $100,000 in repairs after buying the property and supports a reduced LPO that preserves the house. “We would like to keep the historic property while transforming the backside of the property into the medical device facility,” he said.

Under the approved plan, the reduced LPO would include the portion of the lot containing the house; the rear portion would not require review by the Landmark Preservation Committee for future development. Staff said the official metes and bounds for the modified overlay will be provided before the item goes to city council.

There were no public speakers opposed. Commissioner Winkles moved to approve the case and Commissioner Blake seconded; Chair Dr. Ignacio Nunez recorded the vote as 9–0 in favor. The commission’s action is a recommendation that will be considered by the City Council at a later date.