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Fort Worth historic commission unanimously approves Pulaski tax exemption, deems Verbena house irreparable and clears Cannon Street build with conditions
Summary
The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission on July 13, 2026, certified work at 966 E. Pulaski for a historic‑site tax exemption, determined that 1207 Verbena Street cannot be reasonably rehabilitated after an April fire, and approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new house at 936 E. Cannon with conditions; all votes were 10–0.
The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission on July 13 certified eligible restoration work at 966 East Pulaski for the city’s historic‑site tax exemption, determined that a heavily fire‑damaged bungalow at 1207 Verbena Street cannot be reasonably rehabilitated, and approved a certificate of appropriateness for new construction at 936 East Cannon Street with conditions on windows and the front door.
Lorelei Willett, a Development Services staff member, told the commission staff had reclassified 966 East Pulaski as a contributing property in the Terrell Heights Historic District after applicants removed perma‑stone and found original siding; staff recommended certification for the historic‑site tax exemption and noted two letters of support. Commissioner Brian Ketchum moved to approve the staff recommendation; Commissioner Graham Brisendine seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously, 10–0, to certify the work for tax‑exemption consideration.
On 1207 Verbena Street, staff reported that a fire on April 23, 2026, caused the main roof to cave in and the rear wall to collapse, leaving widespread fire and smoke damage. Staff said the structure met only four of seven integrity criteria used in the assessment and classified the building as a CAT‑1 substandard, hazardous structure; Senior Code Officer Romero Campos was available for questions. The commission accepted staff’s recommendation and voted 10–0 to determine that the structure cannot be reasonably rehabilitated to remain a contributing property.
For 936 East Cannon Street, staff presented plans for a one‑story residence designed to be compatible with the block’s historic massing and orientation and recommended approval subject to conditions: limit window types to two standardized sizes, revise the front door to a standard (non‑glazed) door, and submit any drawing adjustments to Development Services before issuance of a certificate of appropriateness. Commissioner Brian Ketchum moved to approve the staff recommendation; Commissioner Kelly Traeger seconded and the motion passed 10–0.
During general announcements, Willett said the city will update its 2003 preservation plan and invited the public to three workshops scheduled for Sept. 16 (in person), Oct. 1 (virtual lunch‑and‑learn), and Oct. 21 (evening lecture); staff provided an email (designreview@fortworthtexas.gov) for updates and invitations. The commission adjourned after the final case.
What happened next: the commission’s actions leave the Pulaski property eligible to pursue the city historic‑site tax exemption and potential state and federal tax credits; the Verbena determination clears the way for non‑rehabilitation outcomes (such as demolition or replacement) subject to any further city procedures; and the Cannon Street approval is conditional on the applicant submitting revised drawings that comply with the stated design requirements.
