jetober

Brie I am sorry you felt it necessary to respond to my post in such a manner. I was simply posting to help those in the neighborhood who don't necessarily feel this is good preservation practice, which is what I thought this forum was for. I am disappointed that you have chosen a public forum to make false and slanderous accusations and assumptions about me. For the record, I have not served on the HAHC but was an employee at the City of Houston for three years. I did NOT send this email, in fact this is the first time I have seen or heard of it. I would appreciate it if in the future you gathered the correct facts before posting anything online. If there are any issues you wish to discuss privately, you already have my email and are more than welcome to send me a message any time.

Hello, I just wanted to let those who are interested in preserving the character of our historic districts that an appeal for 1811 Harvard (proposed addition and alterations to the existing structure) is this Thursday at the Planning Commission at 2:30 p.m., City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby St. The staff’s report for the Certificate of Appropriateness (attached to the previous post) clearly shows they do not meet all the criteria: Criteria 1 “proposed activity must retain and preserve the historical character of the property.” The proposed addition, which encroaches on a large portion of the existing structure, increases the mass by almost 250%, clearly not preserving the historical character of this contributing structure. Criteria 4 “proposed activity must preserve the distinguishing qualities of character of the building, structure, object, or site and its environment.” The proposed addition is unlike any contributing structure in the district, it significantly minimizes the existing historic house and negatively impacts the character of the building and its environment. The incompatible alteration to the existing south side fenestration, which can clearly be seen from the public right-of-way, is creating an appearance that does not exist in the district. Criteria 9 “proposed design for any exterior alterations or addition must not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural material and must be compatible with the size, scale, material and character of the property and the area in which it is located.” There is a significant amount of historic materials being removed with both the addition and changes to the south side elevation and clearly this addition is NOT compatible with the size and scale of any contributing structures in this district. The HAHC and the Planning Commission needs to hear from residents within the district who no longer want incompatible, inappropriate and overbearing homes such as this. There are countless other projects that were approved by the HAHC that are fantastic examples of compatible and livable additions that add value to both the neighborhood and the historic district. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please consider sending an email to the Planning Commission voicing your opposition? I have drafted a letter that you are more than welcome to copy, I think short and to the point is the best approach. I have no doubt that the Preservation staff is honest enough to count and include all letters, both for and against, with their packet to the Planning Commission. Please send emails to Diana DuCroz at Diana.DuCroz@houston tx.gov Dear Commission Members, I am writing to voice my opposition of the proposed addition and alterations to 1811 Harvard within the Houston Heights Historic District East. As a resident within the district, I feel this addition does not meet the criteria as outlined in the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The mass and scale are grossly out of proportion, the removal of important historic material and the very visible incompatible alteration of the south side fenestration do not satisfy Criteria 1, 4 or 9. This proposed addition and alterations are not in keeping with the historic character of our district and I strongly urge you NOT to grant the Certificate of Appropriateness. Thank you for your time and service. Name, Houston Heights Historic District East