AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
ZC-21-02 (200 West MLK Drive Local Historic Landmark Designation) Hold a public hearing and consider a request by the City of San Marcos (Historic Preservation Commission) to designate the property at 200 West MLK Drive, currently the location of the Calaboose African American History Museum, as a local historic landmark. (A. Brake)
Body
Meeting date: February 9, 2021
Department: Planning and Development Services
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: N/A
City Council Strategic Initiative:
N/A
Comprehensive Plan Element (s):
☐ Economic Development
☐ Environment & Resource Protection
☐ Land Use
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities
☐ Transportation
☐ Core Services
☒ Not Applicable
Master Plan:
N/A
Background Information:
The building was originally built to serve as the Hays County Jail in 1873. After the new jail was built in 1884, located on the property behind the Calaboose, the subject property housed African American prisoners. The building was enlarged during World War II with a wood-framed addition. A San Marcos Daily Record newspaper clipping from November 1943 states that “renovations have started on the old city jail building…and when completed will be the Negro USO club.” The property was designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1990. Preservation Texas, under Executive Director, Evan Thompson, has provided staff with a report that details more of the site’s history as the location of the original Hays County Jail through the use of the existing building as a USO club; attached as background.
The building, a contributing structure to the Dunbar District, is now home to the Calaboose African American History Museum, founded by longtime San Marcos resident, the late Johnnie M. Armstead, in 1997. Calaboose is another word for prison or jail.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Speakers in favor or opposed:
1. Lisa Marie Coppoletta - in favor
Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission Meeting held January 7, 2021:
A motion was made by Commissioner Perkins, second by Commissioner Arlinghaus to recommend approval of the request as it met Section 2.5.4.5 of the San Marcos Development Code.
The vote passed with a 5-0 vote.
For: Perkins, Dake, Holder, Arlinghaus, and Kennedy
Against:
Absent:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Staff finds the request to designate the property as a local historic landmark meets Section 2.5.4.5 of the San Marcos Development Code and recommends approval of the designation.