[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6583163,"mediaKeyId","3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97","parentId",3074643,"title","Commission hears briefing from fire marshal on recent Fourth Street fires; public sessions planned","audioSeconds",714,"startMs",1209000,"endMs",1923000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97&start=1209&end=1923","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97/thumbnail_1209000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583163/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Commission-hears-briefing-from-fire-marshal-on-recent-Fourth-Street-fires-public-sessions-planned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583163-e9e4099dc27cc1ab346bbc2f4d502a24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176474&Signature=hsYK~Ess~wy8N4SqyJmsUAMZ-JE-ye5Jm9vA5brGL3eiUnA~o2pNC4J7OV1gn0JamvcWVQlTDLLuE01uW~PNVaJziUwm3LJnC-ipV5aazWIr6bvWDWQn26FigE~fUY~SOrb5~tG7Ax7GY90Qfe72UGolL8c4Q-PW8BIg9s3EUWY72y1yeoXR7ZDRjqN680W2CD7InsjnhgZAmQixc1exjGmCnKWNfQdqzFXm8~Pmp9m8KO-RZtD6jAn~9HYHU23ZI-U5pXqZPLuP4wvwbKNWcL6hFi8GXiM4U8Q1i85J2JimofynIjTquwHT-yLEnT0OMvtbX~Unz85uVhjsrSiGzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Galveston","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Galveston Landmark Commission on April 21 held a discussion with Fire Marshal Chris Harrison about recent fires affecting properties on Fourth Street and planned public outreach about fire safety for historic buildings.

Daniel, a staff member, said the commission placed the item on the agenda to allow questions and noted the city and the Galveston Historical Foundation will host informational sessions focused on fire sprinklers and safety at the Wortham Auditorium, Rosenberg Library, on April 23 at 5:30 p.m. and April 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Chris Harrison, the city fire marshal, said the official cause of the investigated fires remains “undetermined,” meaning investigators have not been able to identify a single origin or to rule out other possible causes. “Officially, the case when we left is not determined,” Harrison said.

Harrison explained that if a heavily damaged building is declared unsafe it can be demolished under public‑safety procedures rather than coming before the commission. He said property owners have opportunities to make decisions about repair, demolition or sale before the court system declares the structure unsafe. “If something's declared unsafe, then it's because it's a public health and safety concern, then we just approve the demolition,” Harrison said.

Commissioners and residents asked about firefighting operations, water pressure and construction types such as balloon framing; Harrison described operational practices including placing pumpers to boost pressure when ladder trucks require sustained supply lines and said firefighters preplan for local construction types. He also said retrofits and best practices can reduce vulnerability in older buildings. The city and Galveston Historical Foundation will present the planned public sessions as teachable moments about fire safety in historic structures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Galveston - Landmark Commission - Apr 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Fire marshal Chris Harrison told the Landmark Commission investigators have not determined the cause of the recent fires on Fourth Street; the city and Galveston Historical Foundation plan public information sessions on fire safety and sprinklers.","taxTitle","Galveston , Galveston County, Texas","taxId",5145,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":44,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583167,"Commission forwards National Register opinion for St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church",302,907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97&start=907&end=1209","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97/thumbnail_907000.jpg","/articles/6583167/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Commission-forwards-National-Register-opinion-for-St-Augustine-of-Hippo-Episcopal-Church","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583167-740a686fadbad892374d3f650cff3114/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176474&Signature=AlefLc4XifYxSUy9BV2cMbZ8iH6WeiWaU-oI637PAEHoDNd9i1BTXVuRWRlZLRfL0E0r1ebPip9MEv-XChQCRlIMOdlhDGk16WM70-~8JJJawGNywAQBl6M3J35ALwsXa8zWr5kdhRbISTaLXrie6bYCbafkcColobc-H2n9rKSPoyDnX3upsloKF1Vfy31KbV4tI1VPT-a3KnNpOspwxxQO7LpVm627fMAlWYpJeZ1rDlyba3O~qMQSY943nJ6nDmk24LTjnJcwyTbiDqVaAReK~xo-hhldrzNR6Mnbgo5FjpZ13du0TSSd1oWC2xqlv6FNyFMoWPEB4qgulrJHdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Landmark Commission voted April 21 to adopt a resolution forwarding its opinion on the National Register nomination for St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church to the Texas Historical Commission for review.

Staff explained that, as a certified local government (CLG), the commission must review National Register nominations and forward its opinion to the Texas Historical Commission's National Register program. Staff provided a draft nomination and a draft resolution and said the State Board of Review will consider the nomination on May 17.

Robin Lowry, speaking on behalf of the congregation’s revitalization efforts, thanked the commission and described the congregation’s hope that the designation will help the community recognize the church’s role. “This church is…a beacon of light and hope for the community,” Lowry said.

Steph McDougall, the primary author of the nomination, addressed a question about the level of significance and explained that while local sources and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas recognize the church as the first Black Episcopal church in the state, the nomination was submitted at the local level because published academic corroboration required for state‑level significance was not available. “It's become increasingly difficult to nominate anything at the state level unless you have corroborating evidence that's been published in an academic journal or a book,” McDougall said.

The commission adopted the resolution according to staff recommendation by voice vote; no opposition was voiced during the hearing.","The commission reviewed and approved a resolution forwarding its opinion on the National Register nomination for St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church to the Texas Historical Commission; the State Board of Review will consider the draft nomination May 17.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583171,"Commission recommends license for minimal encroachments at 711 14th Street",286,613000,899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97&start=613&end=899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97/thumbnail_613000.jpg","/articles/6583171/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Commission-recommends-license-for-minimal-encroachments-at-711-14th-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583171-683f26d6ec75a10720d2fdb5c6ea805d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176474&Signature=UMx67QVk0AySsY87LjbxI8AHawIQrxZH5ggQifGjnV0LunR3~fuYJKMAB~B01ffWiIY578QNn63FtyyMW7PVM-pw4hALcD8ZUMQ1boJqDYkUJVRd-PnUvm-~CzmqgQXVDEDdneGqcFedoMH4hYL1-Ct14wXOmmZc5YEneNkIsaRwq7-Vqc1HTalicKXph~7~8uqgLUqu30moXZoO~cE1Qw-7XNQJBYQGfBHYPtP3EedXG2QqK8rhZOsAnYcysAK-BdKyxltnPzXK98xGY4cwVZCCFFX8Lk8LcFcXDuhz9XQMQz4bzg6E~aWWd6cNPpMW2BagWhGveGIqz0NJzvCKPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Landmark Commission voted April 21 to recommend approval of a license to use public right‑of‑way for existing encroachments at 711 14th Street, noting the encroachments are minor and have been in place for a long time.

Daniel, a staff member, told the commission that 26 public notices were sent and none were returned, and that no city department or private utility objections were recorded. He described the encroachments as an existing front entry porch that encroaches approximately 2 feet into the 14th Street right‑of‑way and the house itself encroaching roughly 2 feet 2 inches into the mid‑block alley to the south; about half of that distance is roof overhang rather than living area.

Architect Drax Easterwood, the applicant’s representative, said a survey performed for a replat revealed the encroachments and clarified measurements: “The actual house itself is into the alleyway by about 14 inches and then we have an overhang too,” Easterwood said. He asked the commission’s patience with repeated submittals for the same property and thanked staff for their attention.

Because there were no objections from reviewing departments and because staff judged the encroachments minimal and longstanding, staff recommended approval subject to specific and standard conditions. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; Planning Commission will consider the recommendation on April 22.","The commission recommended approval of a license to use right-of-way for existing encroachments at 711 14th Street after staff and the project architect said the encroachments are minimal and longstanding.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583177,"Commission designates 1623 Broadway a Galveston landmark",264,333000,597000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97&start=333&end=597","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97/thumbnail_333000.jpg","/articles/6583177/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Commission-designates-1623-Broadway-a-Galveston-landmark","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583177-fe4ab3e3a39d3ef19c43cacb6dd0eaf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176474&Signature=HJ-CKS-WmmK2VLR2x6r~aiMTc2bc7pb8IaFhiv6r5JEXGEy07lw4eD3HXgAILmBBKlMMrxFBBsKvWSRcNfGQxjlo8Fo8zg78QMF3bTSoMFhz7RMSppQdUGukm2Brje5xHGcyOuNXv4dY1mSdkMoA6M2p8NPNqOQAS04kxWu2JqykC1VaOSTYez-sqlI2BsX90pepa7hSFNvNozsgsvEhXXxzB3LukGfsy41Pn1B68LNKJzGn7OirhjJNKOYj2X4dqxqEaUhEGQUJf~lk1M0gx-3M2mR4jjOvX5rQl9RCcpHmvXI134nJjdcRKsS01iLGNZ-aF6iX7VpTnqMQrALwRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Landmark Commission on April 21 voted to recommend designation of the cottage at 1623 Broadway as a Galveston landmark and forwarded the recommendation for Planning Commission and City Council consideration.

Staff described the house as a Gulf Coast (Creole) cottage built in 1868 by Rebecca Olmstead Berman and noted the property retains much of its historic integrity. Daniel, a staff member, said the structure was used historically as a rental cottage adjacent to an earlier family home and that later modifications, including 1913 attic dormers and an added bedroom and bathroom, remain visible.

Applicant Miss Hall said she and family members have been restoring the property and researching its history. “We are so excited to be a part of the community…we've been delighted to help bring this house back to life,” Miss Hall said, adding family research located Judge Street’s tombstone in the Galveston City Cemetery.

Staff reported 15 public notices were sent with none returned and recommended approval with the standard condition. The Planning Commission will review the request on April 22 and City Council will make the final decision at its May 22 meeting. The commission’s recommendation was approved by voice vote at the meeting.","The Landmark Commission voted to recommend designation of the 1868 Gulf‑Coast/Creole cottage at 1623 Broadway as a Galveston landmark; staff noted Planning Commission and city council review ahead.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583182,"Landmark commission approves window replacement at 2422 Avenue M",269,62000,331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97&start=62&end=331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074643-7a1973e8b8baa00e2f5da6bb3b689f97/thumbnail_62000.jpg","/articles/6583182/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Landmark-commission-approves-window-replacement-at-2422-Avenue-M","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583182-41fb588af7dea5a93b67aaa26f062abd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176474&Signature=OKgk3WXEyWxiRVCn5Pi8EeVuQxKHX6huCR9fuLdpBLi6Pp2StcG1poSq4AkM0-BzoSCusX3MhiPIAFWUFZXHsGx0gRE3BTxm01Oe-qIAb2VA2PE1rlGt6wX-XZRVOHXmxgMEQoMKV5-r44lbVjo8m3bYnyePK0FprA6ny1pdu9uuAv2FJI79lwjlOQ-V8z5kYQgRjJNHO2QJEoa8DTyEjmUKQzrtdVXbLPeee77hibhWRhI5-gVgYolU4h8uZQ0ZZZ~L9OYAydy1XyJWySZhqGNFNG1ob1cxBifWtFaCSaXyA~78teJAIrmm07g4Bw5VeA4joX8C9Gt6E05YFw8woA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Landmark Commission on April 21 approved a certificate of appropriateness for alterations at 2422 Avenue M that will remove a west‑facing front door and install a new 2‑over‑2 wood window with trim to match the existing. The motion carried after a public hearing and a staff recommendation for approval.

Staff said the work will return the house to its original appearance and single‑family function. “The applicant is requesting to remove a door on the front facade and replace it with a window,” a staff member reported, noting Sanborn map research shows the house was built as a single‑family residence. Staff added that historic materials such as the door transom and trim removed should be retained on site and made available for reuse.

Applicant Michael Watson said the property had been used as a vacation rental and previously divided into multiple units, and that the project aims to restore the house to a single family layout. “When they bought it, it was a vacation rental and it had like 3 units in it…we want to remove the door that goes into the living area and put a window back,” Watson said.

Commissioners discussed the transom heights and installation feasibility; one commissioner observed both doors “have transoms, but and they're both at the same height,” concluding the new window should fit easily. No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Staff recommended approval subject to adherence to the submitted design, placement and materials and to retention of historic materials; the commission approved the request by voice vote. The staff report noted nine public notices were sent and none were returned.","The Galveston Landmark Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing removal of a west-facing door and installation of a matching 2-over-2 wood window at 2422 Avenue M to return the building to single-family use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears briefing from fire marshal on recent Fourth Street fires; public sessions planned

Commission forwards National Register opinion for St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Commission recommends license for minimal encroachments at 711 14th Street

Commission designates 1623 Broadway a Galveston landmark

Landmark commission approves window replacement at 2422 Avenue M