The Denton Historic Landmark Commission on Thursday approved a staff recommendation that work at 218 North Locust Street qualify as permanent improvement and restoration under the city's local landmark tax-exemption rules.

Commission chair opened the item by identifying the property at the southeast corner of North Locust Street and East McKinney Street and asked staff to present. Cameron, a staff member, described the property's history and recent work: "This property is located at 218 North Locust Street ... The owner is Tim Beatty. Its original construction date for the original portion is 1919 with the early 1960s addition." Cameron told commissioners that the scope of qualifying work included removal of old vinyl tiles and adhesives, HVAC duct installation, removal of outdated thermal-system piping and other restoration tasks.

Why it matters: A favorable determination allows an owner of a locally designated landmark to qualify for a partial city property tax exemption under the local code. Cameron told the commission staff had calculated $16,252 in qualifying expenses after excluding consulting fees and that the property previously received an exemption beginning in February 2011 that expired in 2021. "This is the local landmark tax exemption, looking at section 10 dash 1 28 of that partial tax exemption of designated historic sites," Cameron said when outlining the legal basis staff applied.

Discussion and vote: Commissioners asked technical questions about the work'for example, whether asbestos testing had been done and what materials were removed'and the applicant's representative described the removal process and confirmed the site had received a "clean bill of health" for asbestos. The owner's representative also described a plan to create 13 apartment units while maintaining the exterior character, saying the project would "keep the outside looking like it is." The commission then moved to action: Councilperson Adams moved to approve the staff-recommended favorable determination as represented by staff; Councilperson Black seconded. The chair called for the vote and, after commissioners voiced aye and no opposition was recorded, the chair said, "I believe it passes successfully." The motion carried.

What the commission determined: Staff recommended, and commissioners approved, that the reported expenses (minus consulting fees) meet the qualifying threshold under section 10-1-28(d) for an additional term of exemption after an original exemption, because the qualifying expenditures exceeded the $10,000 minimum required by that subsection. Cameron reported the qualifying total as $16,252.

Next steps and limits: The commission's favorable determination is an eligibility finding under the local exemption rule; it does not itself alter construction approvals or other permits required to convert the interior to apartments. Commissioners reiterated that the facade will remain largely unchanged except for some new window openings on McKinney Street to accommodate interior units.

Votes at a glance: The motion to approve the favorable determination for 218 North Locust Street was moved by Councilperson Adams, seconded by Councilperson Black, and approved with no recorded opposition.

Ending: The commission closed the item and moved on to calendar and other business.