Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission unanimously approves four new single‑family homes in Fort Worth historic districts

The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC) on June 8 approved four certificates of appropriateness for new single‑story residences across the city’s historic districts, voting unanimously on each application.

Acting Chair Anna Katrina Kelly Gardner opened the meeting and called the session to order. "I call the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission June 8th meeting to order," she said. After a brief announcement about Juneteenth events, the commission moved through four new‑construction cases drawn from Terrell Heights, Morningside and Carver Heights.

Staff presented each case and recommended approval with design conditions intended to align the new houses with the districts’ established character. For 1200 East Canon Street (HCLC‑26‑107200) in Terrell Heights, staff recommended approval provided the structure’s setback match the adjacent historic home at 1208 East Canon, the driveway be relocated to Tennessee Avenue, the porch slab be revised and raised to provide two 7‑inch risers, boxed eaves be replaced with open rafters, windows be one‑over‑one and lap siding be used; adjusted drawings must be submitted before a certificate is issued. After limited public comment — a speaker identifying themself as a friend of Milton Rodriguez asked that the applicant work with staff about a porch step — the commission approved the application 9–0 (motion by Commissioner Stephanie Musey; second by Commissioner Kelly Trager).

The commission next approved HLC‑26‑125 (1028 East Canon Street) in Terrell Heights. Staff asked for windows to keep a 2:1 height‑to‑width ratio, additional windows on side elevations, and that the front door be a standard (non‑glazed) door; the commission approved the application 9–0 (motion by Commissioner Brian Ketchum; second by Commissioner Estrris Tucker).

For 1313 East Morningside Drive (HCLC‑26‑131), staff described the proposal as compatible with the Morningside historic district and recommended approval. Commissioners questioned whether fencing or other protections were proposed adjacent to a nearby railroad; staff replied there was no fence on the site plan and noted an approximately 10–15 foot buffer east of the property that appears to be a former alley and City right‑of‑way. There was some verbal confusion on the motion language in the record about whether staff conditions applied; commissioners ultimately approved the application as submitted, 9–0 (motion by Commissioner Brian Ketchum).

Finally, the commission approved HLC26‑1275600 (5600 Bong Drive) in Carver Heights. Staff recommended simplifying multiple front gables, lowering the roof pitch to match the historic character, using a one‑over‑one window pattern, and marking siding reveal on the plans; the commission approved the application 9–0 after questions about an apparent utility easement and a five‑to‑six‑foot rear separation.

Each approval included a requirement that any adjustments to drawings be submitted to the City’s development services department prior to issuance of a certificate of appropriateness. No formal denials, referrals or conditions that prevented issuance were recorded; the meeting concluded shortly after the final unanimous vote.

The commission’s actions were procedural and design‑focused: staff evaluations centered on setbacks, porch proportions, eave and window treatment, roof pitch and siding material to ensure compatibility with each district’s character. The development services department posts agendas and case materials online at www.fortworth.gov, and recording of the meeting will be available on the city website.