HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 - HL15-08TO: HONORABLE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
J. SCOTT WILLIAMS, DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 19, 2016
DEVELOPMENT -VICES TECHNICAL REPORT OF
HISTORICrSUBDISTRICT
�'------------
��— Grapevine 5�
0APPLICANT: Laura Hoffman
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Lake
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LH,1635
The subject property is located at 318 East Worth
Street and platted as Lot E 60'2, W 15'E 75'N 118'
Hall -Johnson Syd A7D�FW
2, Block 33, City of Grapevine Addition.
ID
soGlade Rd. 1 _i
The applicant is requesting a Historic Landmark Subdistrict designation for property located
at 318 East Worth Street and platted as Lot E 60'2, W 15'E 75' N 118'2, Block 33 Cit roof
Grapevine Addition.
The Historic Preservation Commission, at their October 28, 2015 meeting, adopted the
preservation criteria for the subject property.
Laura Hoffman submitted an application for Historic Landmark designation, HL15-08, for
her residence located at 318 East Worth Street in the City of Grapevine. This house is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is included in the Original Grapevine
Township boundary of the City of Grapevine. This area encompasses some of the most
concentrated and intact collections of late nineteenth and early twentieth century houses in
the city of Grapevine. The surrounding contributing sites with structures erected between
HL15-08.4
ca. 1889 and ca. 1950, represent the efforts of many of Grapevine's leading merchants
and professionals, as well as farmers and wage earners during the period of significance.
This area provides some of the city's best examples of buildings associated with people
and events that made significant contributions to the history of Grapevine.
This Bungalow style house was built in 1934 by Lon L. Oxford and Kate Millican Oxford.
Lon owned the Phillips 66 Gas Station and Tourist Court on Northwest Highway just east of
Main Street that was open 24 hours a day. Vegetable truck farming and the delivery of
manufactured ice were also prominent businesses for Grapevine whose population was
approximately 1,000 at that time. Kate Oxford was very active in the Grapevine Garden
Club. Their son, Eugene (Gene) Oxford, married Zena Keeling who published The
Grapevine Sun after her father, Ed Keeling, died. After the deaths of Kate and Lon in
1980, their home was sold to Albert and Bettie Harwell.
PRESENT ZONING AND USE:
The property is currently zoned "R-7.5" Single Family Residential and is currently used as a
residential structure.
HISTORY OF TRACT AND SURROUNDING AREA:
The subject property and the surrounding properties to the north, south, east, and west
were zoned "R-1" Single Family District prior to the 1984 City Rezoning.
SURROUNDING ZONING AND EXISTING LAND USE:
NORTH:
"R-7.5"
Single Family Residential — residential structures
SOUTH:
"R-7.5"
Single Family Residential — residential structures
EAST:
"R-7.5"
Single Family Residential — residential structures
WEST:
"R-7.5"
Single Family Residential — residential structures
The subject tract is located within "Zone A" Zone of Minimal Effect as defined on the
"Aircraft Sound Exposure: Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport Environs" Map. Few
activities will be affected by aircraft sounds in "Zone A" except for sound sensitive activities
such as auditoriums, churches, schools, hospitals, and theaters. The applicant's proposal
is an appropriate use in this noise zone.
HL15-08.4 2 -
The Master Plan designates the subject property as a "RU Residential Low Density land
use. The applicant's proposal is in compliance with the Master Plan.
/Sb
HL15-08.4 3
Exhibit F
W A uel'.'
HISTORIC LANDMARK SUBDISTRICT APPLICATION
1. APPLICANT/AGENT NAMEU?R - - "NtQ
COMPANY NAME
ADDRESS 3' sT V,�U FG -r
CITY/STATE/ZIPRA,t�EVli�IE
WORK PHONE 214 557. FAX NUMBER
2. APPLICANT'S INTEREST IN SUBJECT PROPERTY QV,�t-ACR-
3. PROPERTY OWNER(S) NAME 5AMG-
ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP
WORK PHONE FAX NUMBER
4. ADDRESS OF PROPERTY FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION
318 �A'SF No-RfI H E -G -T
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 2 , BLOCK 33 ADDITION M65
SIZE OF SUBJECT PROPERTY s ACRES SQUARE FEET
:• � � �• is ■ 1
5. PRESENT ZONING CLASSIFICATION
6. PRESENT USE OF PROPERTY L ®,
7. SIGNATURE TO AUTHORIZE A ZONE CHANGE REQUEST AND PLACING A HISTORICAL
LANDMARK SUBDISTRICT REQUEST SIGN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY.
O:\ZCU\FORMS\APPHIST 10/10
www.ci.grapevine.tx.us
The State of --r(5 )4
County of --I —tk Ir ,& Vj
Before me �61>( 0-'6I2UU-'A'I on this day personally appeared
known to me or proved to me on the oath of
orthrough- Dvivev-� i (description of
identity card or other document) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument
and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein
expressed.
Given under my hand and seal of office this
The State of
County of
3 day of A.D. 901
otary Signature
Before me on this day personally appeared
known to me (or proved to me on the oath of
orthrough (description of
identity card or other document) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument
and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein
expressed.
Given under my hand and seal of office this day of A.D.
SEAL
Notary Signature
0:\ZCU\FORMS\APPHIST 10/10
www. ci. grapevine.N. us
Exhibit F
:•1�i P►T�:7(�:�I��irl
O:\ZCU\FORMS\APPHIST 10/10
www.ci.g rapevine.tx. us
318 East Worth Street
Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine Township Revitalization Project, Inc.
City of Grapevine
636 S. Main
Grapevine, Texas 76051
October 28, 2015
Page 1
Table of Contents
PREFACE
1. SITE
■ Setbacks
■ Driveways, Parking Lots
■ Service and Mechanical Areas
■ Fences
■ Preservation
■ Exterior Finishes
■ Windows
III. EMBELLISHMENTS
■ Awnings -Canopies
■ Exterior Lighting
IV. NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
■ Infill
■ Additions to Historic Buildings
Preface
318 East Worth Street
The Oxford House at 318 E. Worth Street was constructed c. 1934. It has a bungalow form that has
been altered over the years. This style was the most popular residential style in Grapevine and
across the country during the early decades of the 20'" century. It represents the increasing
urbanization of Grapevine during this period. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from 1935 and 1947
indicate that it originally had a front -gabled rectangular form with a projecting front gabled porch. The
maps also indicate that the house had a porte cochere extending from the east elevation.
The Oxford House is located within the boundaries of the Original Town Residential Historic District
which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Because of the cumulative effect
of alterations to the house, it was determined to be noncontributing to the historic district. However,
the garage was counted as a contributing building. The house has a cross -gabled roof sheathed with
composition shingles. A side -gabled wing extends from the west elevation. The porte cochere has
been extended further to the east and can shelter two cars. Windows on the front elevation are
paired 1/1 units. The original porch columns have been replaced with decorative metal supports.
These same supports are found at the east end of the porte cochere. A driveway of mixed materials
runs along the east side of the house. Landscaping around the house is minimal with shrubs flanking
the front porch.
This land tract was originally surveyed on September 18, 1871 by James H. Smith, Special Deputy for
C.A. Sams, Surveyor of Tarrant County. William Dooley claimed 80 acres under a pre-emptive land
grant of the Robertson 3rd class from the Peters Colony land on August 12, 1870. This property is
located in the City of Grapevine Addition that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is
included in the Original Grapevine Township boundary. This area encompasses some of the most
concentrated and intact collections of late nineteenth and early twentieth century houses in the city of
Grapevine. The surrounding contributing sites with structures erected between ca. 1889 and ca.
1950, represent the efforts of many of Grapevine's leading merchants and professionals, as well as
farmers and wage earners during the period of significance. This area provides some of the city's
best examples of buildings associated with people and events that made significant contributions to
the history of Grapevine.
This property sits on the south side of East Worth Street near the intersection of Smith Street and
East Worth Street.
The Oxford House is located in what was once known as the Jenkins and Yates Addition to the
Original Town of Grapevine. In July 1889, town pioneers J.E.M. Yates and Zeb Jenkins had Blocks
30 to 35 inclusive and lots 9 to 22 of Block 14 platted as the Yates and Jenkins Addition. Although
early deed records frequently used the name "Yates and Jenkins," recent records of the Tarrant
County Tax Assessor's and County Clerk's Offices and the Tarrant Appraisal District use the name
City (or Town) of Grapevine. In 1899, Earl Yates, the son of J.E.M. and Kate Yates, and his wife, also
named Kate, moved into a house at 405 Smith Street that was built by Kate's father, Charles C. Estill.
Their property was located at the southeast intersection of Smith and Worth streets (Young, p. 408).
Between 1930 and 1945, the Yates sold three parcels of land to the east of their house to L. L.
Oxford. All three parcels were described as being a part of Lot 2, Block 33. The first parcel
purchased in 1930 was sold to Oxford for $350. The second parcel was sold in 1933 for $50 dollars
and the third parcel was sold in 1945 for $150. Considering the cost of each, it seems reasonable to
assume that there were no substantial improvements on any parcel when purchased by Oxford. The
1921 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for Grapevine shows no improvements on this parcel. The
Sanborn Map from 1935 shows the footprint of a rectangular -shaped bungalow with a porte cochere
attached to the east elevation on this parcel which corresponds to the historic appearance of this
house.
This Bungalow style house was built in 1934 by Lon L. Oxford and Kate Oxford. According to their
granddaughter, Charlotte Oxford Bevers (daughter of Charles Oxford), the house was big and had
two front doors; one door opened into the living room, and one opened into the front bedroom. A
hallway led to the den. The house had a big kitchen and dining room and a big living room. A
screened porch extended along the back of the house where the wringer washing machine was
located; clothes were hung on the clothesline to dry. During the holidays Kate had the help of a black
lady named Ella whom Charlotte loved to be around. The Oxfords had three children, Charles,
Eugene and Dolores.
Lon owned the Phillips 66 Gas Station and Tourist Court on Northwest Highway just east of Main
Street. The tourist court had four rooms and accommodated many truck drivers, according to
Charlotte. The business was open 24 hours a day and Lon had postcards made promoting the
business. During 1939, the City of Grapevine began to regulate traffic, signs, signals and speed limits
and the erection of filling stations and automotive service stations providing for safety to the public.
Vegetable truck farming and the delivery of manufactured ice were also prominent businesses for
Grapevine whose population was approximately 1,000 at that time. The Oxfords were on the cutting
edge of Grapevine's development just prior to World War II. Lon purchased property around
Grapevine and owned one of the first television sets in Grapevine which had a screen measuring
approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. He put a magnifier screen over the small screen which increased
its size to approximately 10 inches by 10 inches.
Kate Oxford was very active in the Grapevine Garden Club and grew award winning irises. She also
won awards for arranging flowers and playing bridge. The Oxford's son Charles married Alta Mae
Gerth of Smithfield and lived on Eckley Street nearby. Charlotte, their daughter, was the only Oxford
grandchild for many years. Lon and Kate took Charlotte with them on many vacations throughout the
United States. She also practiced her piano lessons at her grandparents' house. Eugene (Gene)
Oxford, Lon and Kate's son, was a typesetter; he married Zena Keeling who worked in the newspaper
business and later published The Grapevine Sun after her father, Ed Keeling, died. Dolores married a
soldier who was killed in World War II; she later married Bill Allredge. Kate Oxford died of cancer.
Lon, who was a very charming man, married again but the marriage did not last for long. Lon died
and in 1980 their home was sold to Albert and Bettie Harwell.
Retain the historic relationships between buildings, landscaping features and open space. Avoid
rearranging the site by moving or removing buildings and site features, such as walks, drives and
fences that help define the residence's historic value.
'3:11V 1[Ii:V
Building setbacks should be consistent with adjacent buildings or with the style of the building.
Setbacks are an important ingredient in creating an attractive streetscape. Buildings should be set
back to aline that is consistent with their neighbors and land use. For example, a residential setback
should retain the setback of adjacent and nearby structures, with landscaping along the street right-of-
way.
Residential buildings with a commercial use in residential areas should be set back in a manner
consistent with setbacks of neighboring or similar residential structures.
Maintain building orientation pattern, with the front facade facing the street. Maintain spacing patterns
between buildings.
Driveways should be located perpendicular to the street; no circular drives shall be allowed (unless
proven with historic documentation) in front or corner side yard, so that the character of the
landscaped yard can be reinforced.
New parking lots for commercial uses should not be located adjacent to sidewalks in the district.
Off-street parking lots should not be allowed to interrupt the continuity of landscaped front or corner
side yards. This is important to both the preservation of historic character, and to the strengthening of
the residential district.
Screen existing parking lots from streets and pedestrian areas in the Historic District. Existing parking
lots located adjacent to streets and sidewalks may be screened to the height of car hoods. This will
provide a certain level of continuity of the building fagade line; it will screen unsightly views; and it will
provide a level of security by allowing views to and from the sidewalk.
FENCES
Historically, fences around historic houses defined yards and the boundary around property and
gardens. Wood picket fences, wood rail fences and barbed wire or decorative wire fences were the
common fence types in Grapevine. Traditionally, picket fences surrounded the front of the house
while rail and wire fences surrounded the agricultural portions of the property. Maintain historic
fences.
New fences. Simple wood picket fences, wood and wire and wrought iron fences are appropriate.
Avoid chain-link fences, privacy fences and concrete block fences for the street sides of property.
Wood privacy fences may be allowed when installed in the rear yard and behind the front fagade of a
property. Utilitarian/privacy fences should not be installed in front of a historic building or beyond the
line of the front fagade of a historic building.
Replacing fences. If replacement is required due to deterioration, remove only those portions of
historic fences that are damaged beyond repair and replace in-kind, matching the original in material,
design and placement. If replacement is necessary for non -historic fences, or new fences are
proposed, locate and design the fence in such a way that will compliment the historic boundary of the
property without concealing the historic character of the property.
SERVICE AND MECHANICAL AREAS
Service and mechanical areas and equipment should be screened from the street and other
pedestrian areas.
All garbage and equipment storage areas should be screened from the street.
Mechanical equipment, including satellite dishes, shall not be located in front or corner side yards or
should be set back from the edges of roofs, and screened so that they are not visible to pedestrians
and do not detract from the historic character of buildings.
BUILDING FABRIC
PRESERVATION
Preserve, stabilize, and restore original building form, ornament and materials.
Any missing or severely deteriorated elements may be replaced with replicas of the original. Ensure
that roof, window, porch and cornice treatments are preserved, or when preservation is not possible
duplicate the original building element.
When rehabilitating, remove non -historic alterations.
Often, "modern" renovations conceal the original facade details. If not, the original style may be
recreated through the use of historic photographs.
Where replication of original elements is not possible, a new design consistent with the original style
of the building may be used.
Reconstruction of building elements should reflect the size, scale, material and level of detail of the
original design.
Preserve older renovations that have achieved historic significance. Older structures or additions
may have, at some time, been renovated with such care and skill that the renovation itself is worthy of
preservation. Usually, such renovations may date from before 1940.
EXTERIOR FINISHES
Original wood finishes should be maintained and painted or, when necessary, replaced in kind.
Modern synthetic siding materials such as vinyl or metal bear little resemblance to historic siding
materials. The application of such modern synthetic materials often involves the removal of original
decorative elements such as cornice, corner boards, brackets, window and door trim, etc. New
synthetic siding shall not be installed; removal of existing such materials is not required, but strongly
encouraged, to restore historic patina, finish and appearance.
Original asbestos siding should be maintained and painted, or when necessary, replaced with
synthetic siding to match the existing asbestos siding. The removal of asbestos siding over existing
wood siding is not required, but strongly encouraged, to restore historic patina, finish and appearance.
Original masonry surfaces should be maintained and not be painted, unless severe deterioration of
the brick or stone can be shown to require painting. If the color or texture of replacement brick or
stone cannot be matched with existing, painting may be an appropriate treatment
Paint colors should be complimentary to each other and the overall character of the house. When
possible, research the original paint color and finishes of the building's historic period; the right colors
respect the historic building.
The Historic Preservation Commission shall adopt, as necessary, a paint palette(s) appropriate to the
district's character, which may be proposed and approved through the Minor Exterior Alteration
application process. Any colors proposed outside the adopted palette may be reviewed by the
Commission in the regular Certificate of Appropriateness process.
g#mw.
Original window framing and lites (panes of glass) configurations should be preserved and maintained
or replaced in kind.
When replacement is necessary, do so within existing historic opening. Replacement of non -original
windows should consider the use of historically appropriate wood windows. Use same sash size to
avoid filling in or enlarging the original opening. Clear or very slightly tinted window glass may be
used. No reflective or heavily tinted glass shall be used.
Should the owner wish to install security bars, they should be installed on the interior of windows and
doors.
Storm windows. The use of interior storm windows is encouraged. Storm windows are available
which can be installed on the interior of windows. This helps to preserve the exterior historic
character of the building.
Should storm windows need to be installed on the exterior of the historic windows, storm windows
constructed of wood and configured to match the historic sashes (i.e. one over one sashes) are
recommended.
If metal storm windows are installed, paint to blend with surrounding elements.
EMBELLISHMENTS
F-111 lkiII►Le��•�1TC•7�I�3
New awnings and canopies should not be installed above windows or doors.
•
Lighting is an important element in residential areas. Fixtures should be consistent with the historic
character of the house.
Appropriate incandescent light fixtures to the style of the district should be used.
Avoid exposed lighting of any kind unless part of a historic fixture.
The Secretary of the Interior's guidelines for new buildings in historic districts encourage similarity of
form and materials, but not actual replication. New construction proposals and the rehabilitation of
non -historic buildings will be reviewed based on these Criteria. Judgement will be based on the
compatibility of the design within the context of the property's adjacent and nearby historic buildings.
The design of new buildings should have key elements of the building's historic period of significance
including massing, scale, fenestration and materials.
Infill buildings should not be absolute reproductions, and appear as clearly contemporary. Only when
a previously demolished historic Grapevine building can be accurately replicated may a reproduction
be considered.
Infill buildings between historic buildings should be similar in setback, roof form, cornice line and
materials, to one of the adjacent buildings. Relate height of new building to the heights of adjacent
structures. Avoid new buildings that tower over existing ones.
Horizontal wood siding (either novelty, tongue and groove, shiplap or equivalent) and brick are
appropriate exterior building finishes for the historic house. Fake brick or stone or gravel aggregate
materials shall never be used.
Additions to historic buildings should replicate the style of the main building if possible; otherwise they
should adhere to the general style with simplified details.
As a minimum, new additions should reflect the massing, roof shape, bay spacing, cornice lines and
building materials of the primary structure.
All new wood or metal materials should have a painted finish except on some 20th century buildings
where the use of unpainted aluminum or steel was part of the original design and should be
maintained.
A new addition should, if at all possible, be located at the rear of the historic building. If this is not
possible, the addition may be added to the side if it is recessed at least 18 inches from the historic
building facade or a connection is used to separate old from new.
New vertical additions should be set back from primary facades so as not to be readily apparent from
the facing street.
When reproducing elements that were originally part of a historic building they should be replicated
when evidence of the actual detail has been documented by photographs, drawings, or remaining
physical evidence. If no evidence exists, elements typical of the architectural style may be used.
Historic photographs can provide information on the original elements of the building.
GRAPEVINE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FORM
1. Name
Historic Oxford House
And/or common
2. Location
Address 318 E. Worth Street land survey
Location/neighborhood Original Town block/lot Block 33, Lot E60'2-W15'E75'N118'2
tract size acres
3. Current zoning
R7.5
4. Classification
Category
Ownership Status
Present Use
district
_public X occupied
_agriculture
_museum
X building(s)
X private _unoccupied
_commercial
_park
_structure
_work in progress
_education
X residence
_site
Accessible
_entertainment
_religious
_X_yes: restricted
_government
_scientific
_yes: unrestr.
_industrial
_transportation
_no
_military
_other
5. Ownershi
Current owner: Laura Hoffman phone:
Address: 318 E. Worth Street city: Grapevine state: TX zip: 76051-5409
6. Form Preparation
Name & title Susan Kline, consultant; Betsy Deiterman, 2015 HPP Intern; Sallie Andrews, HPP
consultant.
organization: Grapevine Township Revitalization Project
Contact: David Klempin phone: 817/410-3197
7. Representation on Existing Surveys
_Tarrant County Historic Resources x National Register of Historic Places
_Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
_other _Texas Archaeological Landmark
for office use only
8. Date Recd: Survey Verified: Yes No
9. Field Chk date:
0
10. Nomination
_ Archaeological _ Structure _ District
Site _ Structure & Site
11. Historic Ownership
original owner Lon L. and Kate Millican Oxford
significant later owr
12. Construction Dates
original 1934 according to the Tarrant Appraisal District
alterations/additions undetermined
13. Architect
original construction: unknown
alterations/additions: unknown
14. Site Features
natural
urban design: single-family residence in subdivision originally latted in 1889
15. Physical Description
Condition Check One: Check One:
excellent deteriorated unaltered Original site
x good ruins x altered Moved (date:_)
fair unexposed
Describe present and original (if known) physical appearance; include style(s) of architecture,
current condition and relationship to surrounding fabric (structures, objects, etc.). Elaborate on
pertinent materials used and style(s) of architectural detailing, embellishments and site details.
318 E. Worth Street
The Oxford House at 318 E. Worth Street was constructed c. 1934. It has a bungalow form that has
been altered over the years. This style was the most popular residential style in Grapevine and
across the country during the early decades of the 20th century. It represents the increasing
urbanization of Grapevine during this period. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from 1935 and 1947
indicate that it originally had a front -gabled rectangular form with a projecting front gabled porch. The
maps also indicate that the house had a porte cochere extending from the east elevation.
The Oxford House is located within the boundaries of the Original Town Residential Historic District
which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Because of the cumulative
effect of alterations to the house, it was determined to be noncontributing to the historic district.
However, the garage was counted as a contributing building. The house has a cross -gabled roof
sheathed with composition shingles. A side -gabled wing extends from the west elevation. The porte
cochere has been extended further to the east and can shelter two cars. Windows on the front
elevation are paired 1/1 units. The original porch columns have been replaced with decorative metal
supports. These same supports are found at the east end of the porte cochere. A driveway of mixed
materials runs along the east side of the house. Landscaping around the house is minimal with
shrubs flanking the front porch.
This land tract was originally surveyed on September 18, 1871 by James H. Smith, Special Deputy
for C.A. Sams, Surveyor of Tarrant County. William Dooley claimed 80 acres under a pre-emptive
land grant of the Robertson 31d class from the Peters Colony land on August 12, 1870. This property
is located in the City of Grapevine Addition that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It
is included in the Original Grapevine Township boundary. This area encompasses some of the most
concentrated and intact collections of late nineteenth and early twentieth century houses in the city of
Grapevine. The surrounding contributing sites with structures erected between ca. 1889 and ca.
1950, represent the efforts of many of Grapevine's leading merchants and professionals, as well as
farmers and wage earners during the period of significance. This area provides some of the city's
best examples of buildings associated with people and events that made significant contributions to
the history of Grapevine.
This property sits on the south side of East Worth Street near the intersection of Smith Street and
East Worth Street.
16. Historical Significance
Statement of historical and cultural significance. Include: cultural influences, special events and
important personages, influences on neighborhood, on the city, etc.
The Oxford House is located in what was once known as the Jenkins and Yates Addition to the
Original Town of Grapevine. In July 1889, town pioneers J.E.M. Yates and Zeb Jenkins had Blocks
30 to 35 inclusive and lots 9 to 22 of Block 14 platted as the Yates and Jenkins Addition. Although
early deed records frequently used the name "Yates and Jenkins," recent records of the Tarrant
County Tax Assessor's and County Clerk's Offices and the Tarrant Appraisal District use the name
City (or Town) of Grapevine. In 1899, Earl Yates, the son of J.E.M. and Kate Yates, and his wife,
also named Kate, moved into a house at 405 Smith Street that was built by Kate's father, Charles C.
Estill. Their property was located at the southeast intersection of Smith and Worth streets (Young, p.
408). Between 1930 and 1945, the Yates sold three parcels of land to the east of their house to L. L.
Oxford. All three parcels were described as being a part of Lot 2, Block 33. The first parcel
purchased in 1930 was sold to Oxford for $350. The second parcel was sold in 1933 for $50 dollars
and the third parcel was sold in 1945 for $150. Considering the cost of each, it seems reasonable to
assume that there were no substantial improvements on any parcel when purchased by Oxford. The
1921 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for Grapevine shows no improvements on this parcel. The
Sanborn Map from 1935 shows the footprint of a rectangular -shaped bungalow with a porte cochere
attached to the east elevation on this parcel which corresponds to the historic appearance of this
house.
This Bungalow style house was built in 1934 by Lon L. Oxford and Kate Oxford. According to their
granddaughter, Charlotte Oxford Bevers (daughter of Charles Oxford), the house was big and had
two front doors; one door opened into the living room, and one opened into the front bedroom. A
hallway led to the den. The house had a big kitchen and dining room and a big living room. A
screened porch extended along the back of the house where the wringer washing machine was
located; clothes were hung on the clothesline to dry. During the holidays Kate had the help of a black
lady named Ella whom Charlotte loved to be around. The Oxfords had three children, Charles,
Eugene and Dolores.
Lon owned the Phillips 66 Gas Station and Tourist Court on Northwest Highway just east of Main
Street. The tourist court had four rooms and accommodated many truck drivers, according to
Charlotte. The business was open 24 hours a day and Lon had postcards made promoting the
business. During 1939, the City of Grapevine began to regulate traffic, signs, signals and speed
limits and the erection of filling stations and automotive service stations providing for safety to the
public. Vegetable truck farming and the delivery of manufactured ice were also prominent businesses
for Grapevine whose population was approximately 1,000 at that time. The Oxfords were on the
cutting edge of Grapevine's development just prior to World War II. Lon purchased property around
Grapevine and owned one of the first television sets in Grapevine which had a screen measuring
approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. He put a magnifier screen over the small screen which
increased its size to approximately 10 inches by 10 inches.
Kate Oxford was very active in the Grapevine Garden Club and grew award winning irises. She also
won awards for arranging flowers and playing bridge. The Oxford's son Charles married Alta Mae
Gerth of Smithfield and lived on Eckley Street nearby. Charlotte, their daughter, was the only Oxford
grandchild for many years. Lon and Kate took Charlotte with them on many vacations throughout the
United States. She also practiced her piano lessons at her grandparents' house. Eugene (Gene)
Oxford, Lon and Kate's son, was a typesetter; he married Zena Keeling who worked in the newspaper
business and later published The Grapevine Sun after her father, Ed Keeling, died. Dolores married
a soldier who was killed in World War II; she later married Bill Allredge. Kate Oxford died of cancer.
Lon, who was a very charming man, married again but the marriage did not last for long. Lon died
and in 1980 their home was sold to Albert and Bettie Harwell.
17. Bibliography
McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1995.
Original Town Residential Historic District, National Register of Historic Places nomination. Listed
1998.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Company
Tarrant County Clerk's and Tax Assessor's Offices, various records (copies on file)
Young, Charles H. Grapevine Area History. Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing Co., 1979.
18. Attachments
District or Site map Additional descriptive material
Site Plan Footnotes
_Photos (historic & current) Other (_)
Designation Merit
A. Character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural
characteristics of the City of Grapevine, State of Texas of the United States.
B. Location as the site of a significant historical event.
x C. Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and
development of the city.
D. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social or historical heritage of the city.
E. Portrayal of the environment of a group of people in an era of history characterized by a
distinctive architectural style.
x F. Embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen.
G. Identification as the work of an architect or master builder whose individual work has
influenced the development of the city.
H. Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which
represent a significant architectural innovation.
x I. Relationship to other distinctive buildings, sites or areas which are eligible for
preservation according to a plan based on historic, cultural or architectural motif.
J. Unique location of singular physical characteristics representing an established and
familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the city.
K. Archaeological value in that it has produced or can be expected to produce data
affecting theories of historic or prehistoric value.
L. Value as an aspect of community sentiment or public pride.
Recommendation
The Grapevine Township Revitalization Program requests the Grapevine Historic Preservation Commission to deem
this nominated landmark meritorious of designation as outlined in Chapter 39, City of Grapevine Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance.
Further, the Grapevine Historic Preservation Commission endorses the Design Guidelines, policy
recommendations and landmark boundary as presented by the City of Grapevine Development Services
Department.
Burl Gilliam, Chair
Grapevine Historic Preservation Commission
Scott Williams, Director
Development Services/Building Official
David Klempin
Historic Preservation Officer
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, DESIGNATING A HISTORIC
LANDMARK SUBDISTICT HL15-08 IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 39 OF ORDINANCE NO. 82-73 (APPENDIX "D" OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES), DESIGNATING THE AREA
LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT E 60'2, W 15'E 75'N 118'2,
BLOCK 33, CITY OF GRAPEVINE OF THE ABSTRACT 422
WILLIAM DOOLEY SURVEY AND MORE SPECIFICALLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN, IN A DISTRICT ZONED "R-7.5"
SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT REGULATIONS; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 318 EAST WORTH STREET
HISTORIC DISTRICT PRESERVATION CRITERIA;
CORRECTING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP; PRESERVING
ALL OTHER PORTIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE;
PROVIDING A CLAUSE RELATING TO SEVERABILITY;
DETERMINING THAT THE PUBLIC INTERESTS, MORALS
AND GENERAL WELFARE DEMAND A ZONING CHANGE
AND AMENDMENT THEREIN MADE; PROVIDING A
PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00); DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
1-16 i.5-- a
WHEREAS, an application was made by the Grapevine Historic Preservation
Commission requesting a historic landmark subdistrict designation by making application
for same with the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Grapevine, Texas as
required by State statutes and the zoning ordinances of the City of Grapevine, Texas and
all the legal requirements, conditions and prerequisites having been complied with, the
case having come before the City Council of the City of Grapevine, Texas after all legal
notices, requirements, conditions and prerequisites having been complied with; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Grapevine, Texas at a public hearing
called by the City Council did consider the following factors in making a determination as to
whether this requested historic landmark subdistrict designation should be granted or
denied; safety of the motoring public and the pedestrians using the facilities in the area
immediately surrounding the site; safety from fire hazards and measures for fire control,
protection of adjacent property from flood or water damages, noise producing elements
and glare of the vehicular and stationary lights and effect of such lights on established
character of the neighborhood, location, lighting and types of signs and relation of signs to
traffic control and adjacent property, street size and adequacy of width for traffic
reasonably expected to be generated by the proposed use around the site and in the
immediate neighborhood, adequacy of parking as determined by requirements of this
ordinance for off-street parking facilities, location of ingress and egress points for parking
and off-street locating spaces, and protection of public health by surfacing on all parking
areas to control dust, effect on the promotion of health and the general welfare, effect on
light and air, the effect on the transportation, water sewerage, schools, parks and other
facilities; and
WHEREAS, all of the requirements of Section 39 of Appendix "D" of the Code of
Ordinances have been satisfied by the submission of evidence at a public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further considered, among other things, the character
of the existing zoning district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses and with the view
to conserve the value of buildings and encourage the most appropriate use of land
throughout this city;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Grapevine, Texas does find that there is
a public necessity for the granting of this historic landmark subdistrict, that the public
demands it, that the public interest clearly requires the amendment, that the zoning
changes do not unreasonably invade the rights of those who bought or improved property
with reference to the classification which existed at the time their original investment was
made; and does find that the historic landmark subdistrict designation lessens the
congestion in the streets, helps secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; promotes
health and the general welfare; provides adequate light and air; prevents the overcrowding
of land; avoids undue concentration of population; facilitates the adequate provisions of
transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Grapevine, Texas has determined that
there is a necessity and need for this historic landmark subdistrict designation and has also
found and determined that there has been a change in the conditions of the property
surrounding and in close proximity to the property requested for a change since this
property was originally classified; and, therefore, feels that historic landmark subdistrict
designation for the particular piece of property is needed, is called for, and is in the best
interest of the public at large, the citizens of the City of Grapevine, Texas and helps
promote the general health, safety, and welfare of this community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the City does hereby designate a historic landmark subdistrict
(HL15-08) in accordance with Section 39 of Ordinance No. 82-73, being the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Grapevine, Texas same being also known
as Appendix "D" of the City Code of Grapevine, Texas, in a district zoned "R-7.5" Single
Family District Regulations within the following described property: 318 East Worth Street
and platted as Lot E 60' 2, W 15' E 75' N 118' 2, Block 33, City of Grapevine Addition of
the Abstract 422 William Dooley Survey, more fully and completely described in Exhibit "A",
attached hereto and made a part of hereof; and, in addition thereto, the adoption of the
318 East Worth Street Historic District Preservation Guidelines as conditions, regulations
and safeguards in connection with the said historic landmark subdistrict, a copy of said
criteria being attached hereto and labeled Exhibit "B".
ORD. NO. _ 2
Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to correct the official zoning
map of the City of Grapevine, Texas to reflect the "H" zoning designation.
Section 3. That in all other respects, the use of the tract or tracts of land herein
above described shall be subject to all the applicable regulations contained in said City of
Grapevine zoning ordinances and all other applicable and pertinent ordinances of the City
of Grapevine, Texas.
Section 4. That the zoning regulations and districts as herein established have
been made in accordance with the comprehensive plan for the purpose of promoting
health, safety, morals and the general welfare of the community. They have been
designed with respect to both present conditions and the conditions reasonably anticipated
to exist in the foreseeable future, to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from
fire, panic, flood and other dangers; provide adequate light and air; to prevent
overcrowding of land, to avoid undue concentration of population; facilitate the adequate
provisions of transportation, water, sewerage, drainage and surface water, parks and other
public requirements, and to make adequate provisions for the normal business, commercial
needs and development of the community. They have been made with reasonable
consideration, among other things, of the character of the district, and its peculiar suitability
for the particular uses and with a view of conserving the value of buildings and encouraging
the most appropriate use of land throughout the community.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall be cumulative of all other ordinances of the
City of Grapevine, Texas affecting zoning and shall not repeal any of the provisions of said
ordinances except in those instances where provisions of those ordinances are in direct
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
Section 6. That the terms and provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed to be
severable and that if the validity of the zoning affecting any portion of the tract or tracts of
land described herein shall be declared to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity
of the zoning of the balance of the tract or tracts of land described herein.
Section 7. That any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in a sum
not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) and a separate offense shall be deemed
committed upon each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
Section 8. That the fact that the present ordinances and regulations of the City of
Grapevine, Texas, are inadequate to properly safeguard the health, safety, morals, peace
and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Grapevine, Texas, creates an
emergency for the immediate preservation of the public business, property, health, safety
and general welfare of the public which requires that this ordinance shall become effective
from and after the date of its final passage, and it is accordingly so ordained.
ORD. NO. 3
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS on this the 19th day of January 2016.
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ORD. NO. 4