DEPARTMENT: Office of Historic Preservation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Shanon Shea Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 2
SUBJECT:
Resolution to initiate landmark designation for 255 Brahan.
SUMMARY:
This resolution requests direction from City Council to move forward with historic landmark designation for the property at 255 Brahan. The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) voted to initiate an application for landmark designation on July 1, 2015.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The house at 255 Brahan was designed and built by local architect Charles T. Boelhauwe, known for his work on the Central Trust Company Building and the Sunken Gardens Theater. Boelhauwe's father-in-law, Otto Wahrmund, purchased the property in 1913. Wahrmund served at various times as the president, vice president, and general manager of the San Antonio Brewing Association (Pearl Brewery). The house was completed circa 1916 and is an excellent example of the Craftsman architectural style. It is a contributing resource located on a prominent corner within the potential Westfort Historic District and meets the criteria for local landmark designation outlined in the UDC.
A request for review of historic significance for 255 Brahan was submitted to OHP by a resident of the Westfort Conservation District. Consistent with the RID 2014-003, OHP processed the request from a citizen for review and scheduled the request on the HDRC agenda. The HDRC concurred with the applicant that the property is eligible for landmark designation and voted to initiate landmark designation. The property owner is not in favor of designation.
ISSUE:
The property at 255 Brahan meets the criteria and is eligible for landmark designation. If Council approves a resolution to proceed with landmark designation, then OHP would apply for a change in zoning to include a historic landmark overly for the property. The change in zoning requires approval from both the Zoning Comm...
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