Discussion and Possible action on the historic designation by the City of Laredo Landmark Board on certain LISD Schools

Outline of presentation Overview of the City of Laredo Historic District/Landmark Board –Order # 382 & justification designating five LISD campuses as Locally Significant Historic Landmarks –Procedural requirements for designation –Appeal process Environmental Issues – Dr. Oscar Cartas Architectural Issues – Jorge Cabello Educational Issues – Dr. Cecilia Moreno Committee Recommendations

City of Laredo Historic District/Landmark Board On December 6, 2001 via Order # 382 the City of Laredo Historic District/Landmark Board as petitioner approved the designation as locally significant historic landmarks the following LISD campuses: –Bruni Elementary –Heights Elementary –Memorial Middle –L. J. Christen Middle –R & T Martin High School

Justifications by the Landmark Board for the designation: Consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings; Consistent with the City of Laredo Historic Urban Design Guidelines; Does not adversely affect residential property; Serves to protect the historic building’s integrity; Save the heritage of Laredo; Does not impair the essential character of the neighborhood, and; Conforms with the purpose and intent of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Procedural Requirements by the City of Laredo Historic District/Landmark Board

Creating “Historic Districts” and Designating “Locally Significant Historic Landmarks” Section – Designating locally significant historic landmarks –The Historic District/Landmark Board is authorized to designate individual sites and structures as locally significant historic landmarks subject to the provisions of the code.

Requirements for Designation - Locally Significant Historic Landmarks Shall be a recorded Texas Historic Landmark or listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places; or Shall have documentation establishing its contribution to the historic and cultural heritage of the city; or Shall have documentation establishing its archaeological or architectural significance; and Shall retain sufficient structural and architectural integrity to permit rehabilitation, restoration and or preservation as determined by the Building Official; and Shall be endorsed in writing by the Webb County Historical Commission and the Webb County Heritage Foundation.

Procedures for Designation A public hearing shall be held to receive testimony for and against – Thursday December 6, 2001 at 2:00 City Chambers Room The Board shall make finding concerning the following and entered into the minutes of the meeting; –The Site or structure meets the requirements for local designation; –The designation as a locally significant historic landmark is necessary to assist in the preservation of the City’s historic and cultural heritage, and; –The designation conforms with the purposes and intent of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Procedural Requirements An application for designation as a locally significant historic landmark shall be submitted to the City Department of Planning on a form approved by the board, and shall contain the following: –The name, address and telephone number of the individual or entity seeking designation –The location and address of the property to be designated –The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property if different from that of the applicant –Documentation substantiating the historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological significance of the property –Letters of endorsement from the Webb County Historical Commission and the Webb County Heritage Foundation Upon receipt of an application the building official or designee shall inspect the property and shall prepare a report concerning the structural and architectural integrity of any structure

Appeal Process The designation of any structure or site as a locally significant historic landmark may be appealed to City Council within 6 months of such designation, subject to such procedures as the council shall establish. Following a public hearing, the Council shall make a final determination concerning the designation.

Environmental Issues Dr. Oscar Cartas – LISD Director of Safety and Occupational Health Kent Burcham – Principal of Burcham Environmental Services, Inc.

Architectural Issues Jorge Cabello, PE – Construction Project Manager –Support facilities Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Systems Structural Energy conservation Heat losses/gains Asbestos abatement – floor tile, mastic, caulking, exterior fascia panels –ADA issues – ramps, elevators, accessibility for approaches to doors

Renovation – vs. – New Construction (Bruni Elementary School) New Construction Asbestos Abatement:$ 150,000. Total Demolition:$ 150,000. Subtotal:$ 300,000. Square footage 13,600 SF Cost per square foot:$ 22.06/ SF New Building Cost:$ 65.00/ SF Total Cost:$ 87.00/ SF Anticipated Cost:$ 1,183,200. Renovation Environmental Clean-up:$ 200,000. Asbestos Abatement:$ 150,000. Selective Demolition:$150,000. Bracing, shoring:$ 50,000. Subtotal:$550,000. ADA Elevator:$120,000 Total:$670,000. Square footage 13,600 SF Cost per square foot:$ 49.26/ SF Renovation Cost:$ 55.00/ SF Total Cost:$ / SF Anticipated Cost:$ 1,418,000. $234,800. Minimum Projected Cost Difference

Educational Issues Dr. Cecilia Moreno – Administrative Assistant for Instruction – Wellness Older school buildings do not support current educational needs –Classroom sizes too small –Lighting and ventilation levels not adequate –State of the Art Technology deprived

Committee’s Recommendation Remove the Locally Significant Historic Landmarks designation for Bruni Elementary and Memorial Middle Schools with the understanding that he District will create an Historical Landmark Allowance of $ 25,000 for the creation and implementation of a historical landmark. An ad hoc committee comprising of the Project Architect, LISD Construction department, community members that reside within the district, and campus administration shall be formed to research and recommend to the LISD School Board and the City of Laredo Historical Landmark Board different schemes for the construction of the building’s landmark. Agree with the designation of Locally Significant Historic Landmarks at the following campuses, Heights Elementary School, L. J. Christen Middle School, and R & T Martin High School. Renovations to the interior of the structures shall be conducted as required to accommodated instructional program requirements. Committee further recommends to have periodic meetings between LISD and City of Laredo to discuss any matter pertinent to the historical designation

Question and Answer Session