HISTORIC PRESERVATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PART 2 DESCRIPTION OF REHABILITATION

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1 HISTORIC PRESERVATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PART 2 DESCRIPTION OF REHABILITATION Property Name: Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office Building NPS Project Number: Property Address: rd Street Northwest 5. Detailed description of rehabilitation work. Use this page to describe all work or create a comparable f ormat with this inf ormation. Number items consecutiv ely to describe all work, including building exterior and interior, additions, site work, landscaping, and new construction. Number 1 Feature General Project Description Date of Feature c Describe existing feature and its condition The Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office Building is in downtown Paris, Texas, at the southwest corner of Houston Street and 3 rd Street Northwest, just outside the current northwest boundary of the Paris Commercial Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1988 (Figure 1). Built probably in 1917, the property is a brick rectangular-plan, 1-story, flat-roof office building, originally serving an adjacent lumber yard that always combined a large open space with detached open-shed building materials shelters (Photos 1 and 2). As with many other buildings constructed in the aftermath of the city-wide fire of March 21, 1916, the building was most likely designed by an architect (unknown in this case) and offers a restrained and abstracted Beaux-Arts vocabulary similar to the Paris City Hall/Fire Station of 1917 and Paris Public Library of 1931, both designed by resident architect J.L. Wees. In the 1960s, owner First National Bank, headquartered on the central Plaza 2 blocks to the southeast, removed the lumber yard s remaining sheds and paved the entire adjacent two blocks, as the bank created parking spaces and a drive-in bank shelter (now unused). By that time this building housed a hearing-aid company s retail store and customer-fitting center (Photo 3). The building has been empty for more than 20 years, but remains in good condition with a remarkable number of original features, and a setting not unlike its origin in the rebuilding of Paris, serving one of the largest lumber yards that helped restore the city. Photo numbers 1, 2, and 3 Draw ing numbers Describe work and impact on feature The Blake & Hinkle Office Building will be restored to functional office space, as originally designed, or a small café depending on downtown rental-space demand. The subject property is a re-plat of the original larger lumber yard, now including the building and its immediate grounds (described in Number 2-Site below)(drawing A01). This project will join the Paris Main Street Program and Certified Local Government to retain a viable downtown and serve a small business that fits within the variety of retail stores and service offices in the city center. All work on the building will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation. The National Park Service approved the building s Part 1 Investment Tax Credit application on July 25, The building is nominated for listing in the NRHP, through an amendment extending the boundary of the Paris Commercial Historic District, with listing as a Contributing resource in the expanded district expected in early 2017 (Figures 2 and 3). Number 2 Feature Site Date of Feature 1960s Describe existing feature and its condition The c office is the only surviving historic building in Block 20 of the original 1854 surveyed town site (Figures 2 and 3). The Blake & Hinkle Office is the only prominent and obvious historic commercial building on the original town site that is not currently included in the Paris Commercial Historic District. The current amendment to the district recommends that the boundary be extended north across Houston Street to include the Blake & Hinkle Office Building (23' X 46'), and a small buffer area around the building as shown on Figure 2 (30' by 55' area)(figures 1 and 2). The building is at zero lot line with the corner s south and west sidewalks, and its site includes a narrow landscaping area along the building s north elevation, and a small rectangular landscaping area to the east of the east elevation (Drawing A01). Photo numbers 4, 5, and 6 Draw ing numbers A01; Fig. 4

2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PART 2 DESCRIPTION OF REHABILITATION Property Name: Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office Building NPS Project Number: Property Address: rd Street Northwest Describe work and impact on feature Site work will repair and level the adjacent sidewalks along Houston Street and 3 rd Street Northwest, and ensure a curb-cut for disabled access at the street corner. A short, low concrete disabled ramp will be installed in half the landscaping strip along the north elevation, providing access from the 3 rd Street Northwest sidewalk to the original central door in that elevation; care will be taken to pour this ramp independent of the building foundation and without damaging the building. The balance of the existing north-side landscaping strip will be groomed with new low-water-use vegetation. A short concrete walk will be added from the parking lot along the east elevation of the building for access to the existing central door on that elevation; care will be taken to pour this walkway independent of the building foundation and without damaging the building. The landscaping area on the building s east side will be groomed with additional low-water-use vegetation and pruning of the existing crape myrtle tree (Drawing A01). Some adjustment to the site drainage might be necessary to solve the foundation problem on the building s east end (see 3-Building Envelope below). Number 3 Feature Building Envelope Date of Feature c Describe existing feature and its condition The building's two street fronts the west-facing façade (3rd St. NW) and the south elevation (Houston Street) are the most decorated of the 4 elevations, primarily through patterns created by brick corbeling (Photos 3, 4, and 5; Drawing A02). These two walls feature a finished base of cast-concrete units, and are faced above with red finish bricks, although all building elevations have been painted (most likely since the mid-1960s). The facade features implied brick pilasters dividing the elevation into 3 bays, with raised horizontal brick bands on the pilasters between. Abstracted icicles as capitals on the pilasters extend across the facade, with a small but pronounced cast concrete cornice above, and a raised brick parapet with tile coping protecting the edges (photos 4 & 5). Original awning hooks survive above the icicle capitals, once holding a flat awning secured in the rectangular niche above the front door and windows (photos 4 and 5). The Houston Street elevation is divided into 3 broader bays, featuring a continuous sill across the elevation, and rectangular transoms above the surviving (but boarded) original wood sash windows. This elevation s frieze is composed of stylized geometric panels above a double string course. A double string course of corbeled bricks serves a functional use, framing the building's decorative iron attic vents (photo 5). The north and east (rear) elevations were designed to be less visible from the street since they were adjacent to the lumber yard sheds (Photos 1 and 6). Both elevations are finished with an exterior wythe of common red bricks and no decoration other than segmental-arch door and window supports. The north elevation that opened up directly into the lumber yard features a central door opening (with nonhistoric door) flanked by two original window openings. The building's exteriors are very intact, with few alterations other than painted brick, removal of the front awning (Photo 2), and replacement of one window and door on the north elevation (see 4-Windows and Doors below). Photo numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 Draw ing numbers A02 Describe work and impact on feature Rehabilitation work on all 4 brick walls includes repointing with matching c mortar where needed, replacement of any damaged or missing brick units in-kind where needed, and repair or replacement of any damaged or missing glazed-tile coping units in-kind where needed. Rather than remove existing wall paint and risk damaging the relative soft finish bricks, the exterior will be painted in a scheme appropriate to the building s use during its period of significance as a small corner office building. A visible foundation drop on the east end caused by too much or too little watering in the landscape area, or a persistent roof leak, or both will be stabilized and reversed if possible. The resulting jagged crack in brick joints at corresponding lines on the north and south elevations (Photos 5 and 6) will be repaired in-kind with bricks and appropriate mortar with similar composition, appearance, and color as the existing mortar.

3 HISTORIC PRESERVATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PART 2 DESCRIPTION OF REHABILITATION Property Name: Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office Building NPS Project Number: Property Address: rd Street Northwest Number 4 Feature Windows and Doors Date of Feature c Describe existing feature and its condition The west-facing 3 rd Street Northwest façade s central bay features an offset (1 st bay) original single-light wood public entry door, and original two 4/1 wood sash windows are present (bays 2 and 4) and protected by plywood on the exterior (photos 4 and 5). Above the center (2 nd ) bay window, a lunette fixed-light wood-framed transom window is flanked by rectangular wood-framed transoms (bays 1 and 3). The Houston Street s 3-bay elevation features a central (2 nd bay) original double-hung window pair, and rectangular transoms above the surviving (but boarded) original wood sash windows (bays 1, 2, and 3). The only opening on the rear (east) elevation of the building is a historic single-light door (boarded) (Photo 6). The north elevation opened directly into the lumber yard and features a central single-leaf door (non-historic door) with historic transom flanked by two original window openings. The easternmost window is an aluminum replacement sash, the only non-original window on the building (Photo 6). Photo numbers 3, 4, and 5 Draw ing numbers A02 Describe work and impact on feature All wood components of the original windows and transoms, and the façade s entry door will be repaired, made operable where possible, and weather-sealed for energy efficiency, all in-place (Photo 3). The missing window on the north elevation will be replaced with a 4/1 wood sash window to match other historic windows on the building. The replacement door on the north elevation will be replaced with modern fiberglass or similar material ¾ light door, similar to (but not exactly matching) the front west-facing door; its wooden transom will remain and be restored. Protective and appropriate paint, contributing to the painted-brick scheme chosen to retain the building s integrity of design (Drawing A02), will seal old and new wood against degradation for a reasonable maintenance cycle. Number 5 Feature Roof and Exterior Utilities Date of Feature c Describe existing feature and its condition The building is enclosed with its original flat roof, currently sealed with rolled fabric covered with tar. Its parapets are coped with glazed tile are discussed above in 3-Building Envelope. One small air-conditioner fan unit, with weatherproof wiring, is mounted on the northeast area of the roof (Photo 7). Photo numbers 7 Draw ing numbers Describe work and impact on feature The building s flat roof will be repaired or replaced as necessary, with a built-up system that allows the roof s structural and drainage systems to function as originally constructed. All new utilities requiring exterior parts, such as HVAC fans, will be mounted on the roof in order to hide them from street view (set back from street elevations to extent possible), and without damaging the roof s structural integrity. HVAC units and ducting will be installed on the roof to avoid interior installation. Upgrades will include removal of existing electrical and replacement with new system to code. Number 6 Feature Interior Date of Feature c. 1917; 1960s Describe existing feature and its condition

4 HISTORIC PRESERVATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PART 2 DESCRIPTION OF REHABILITATION Property Name: Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office Building NPS Project Number: Property Address: rd Street Northwest The Blake & Hinkle Office Building by the 1960s featured approximately 10 interior rooms partitioned with drywall divisions, with a few original plaster-finished walls surviving around the vault and the toilet room (Drawing A03; Photos 8 and 10). The vault room remains in the east-central area of the floorplan against the south wall. The small toilet room is in the southeast corner, signified by the small exterior window in that location on the south elevation (Photos 5 and 9). Also in the 1960s, dropped ceilings hid electrical and other upgrades; the original ceilings remain intact with picture molding and crown molding in place (Photos 10 and 12). Additional wood trim survives around windows and doors, and as baseboards. No historic lighting features are known to survive. The original small toilet room survives. The original floors are concrete, currently covered by carpeting in many areas. In other locations, the concrete floor is exposed with evidence of cracking and vinyl flooring ghosting. Photo numbers 5, 8. 9, and 10 Draw ing numbers A01 Describe work and impact on feature The building s upgrade to attractive modern office spaces and/or a small café will include removing some original interior partitions but retaining as many original walls as possible in place, including the vault room and its original door which will be retained in a fixed position (Drawing A01). The toilet room will be repurposed for storage, and the original sink will be repurposed in the new bathroom if possible. The rear modern partitions will be repurposed for the kitchen if a café use, or for break room and other ancillary office spaces if converted to offices. A larger modern disabled-accessible toilet room will be installed in part of the vault space, against the south wall. Other original interior doorways will be modified and added to allow disabled-access throughout the building. The original east entry will remain a public entry, joined by disabled-access conversion of the original north door as a public entry. The concrete floors will be repaired and leveled, and either left exposed or covered with a hard durable surface such as tile or vinyl covering. The dropped ceilings will be removed to expose historic picture molding and crown molding. The historic window and door trim, and baseboard trim will be retained. All wood trim will be repaired and repainted as required. HVAC vents will be installed in the ceilings, but all ducting will be on the roof. Electrical wiring will be hidden in chases located in less visible locations, and will not cover any historic trim or features.

Location of Blake & Hinkle Office, 100 3 rd St.

5 Location of Blake & Hinkle Office, rd St. NW, Paris, Texas *An expansion of the existing National Register District is proposed to include the Blake & Hinkle Office. The Office would be a contributing property to the district. Figure 1: Map from National Register Nomination

6 Proposed Boundary Expansion Houston 3 rd St NW 1969 bank drive through Price Blake & Hinkle Office 1969 bank drive through N. Main St. Existing National Register District Figure 2: Proposed National Register Boundary Expansion

7 Figure 3: Views of Building To & From Existing National Register District Views of Blake-Hinkle Office from Current Historic District Current Boundary Partial District Map from National Register Nomination (Map Key) Views of the Current Historic District from Blake-Hinkle Office N

8 Photo 1: Blake & Hinkle Office and Lumber Yard, 1957 This 1957 aerial photo of Block 20, Paris Texas shows the Blake & Hinkle Lumber Yard. The office building was independent of the adjacent sheds to its left and right (north and east). The roof of the adjacent shed on Houston Street abutted the office building s rear elevation, creating a pass-through for vehicles & pedestrians. Customers may have used the back (east) and side (north) doors of the building to pay for goods before exiting onto Houston or 3 rd St. NW. Source: 1957 Paris High School Owl yearbook advertisement. Open between office building and adjacent shed c Brick Office Building Pass through with roof of lumber shed connecting to rear wall of brick office building

Photo 2: Blake & Hinkle Office and Lumber Yard, c. 1965 This early 1960s photograph shows the Hinkle Lumber Company buildings along 3 rd Street Northwest. The c.

9 Photo 2: Blake & Hinkle Office and Lumber Yard, c This early 1960s photograph shows the Hinkle Lumber Company buildings along 3 rd Street Northwest. The c Blake & Hinkle Office Building on the far right. The 4-story Rogers-Wade Furniture Company Building is in the background on Bonham Street. Source: Source: History Blocks 8, 9 and 20, Paris, Texas, MC&S Enterprises, 2015 c Blake & Hinkle Office on far right

Photo 3: Blake & Hinkle Office Building, 1972 View of west facades and south elevationof Blake & Hinkle Office Building.100 3 rd Street Northwest, Paris, Texas.

10 Photo 3: Blake & Hinkle Office Building, 1972 View of west facades and south elevationof Blake & Hinkle Office Building rd Street Northwest, Paris, Texas. This 1972 photograph shows the building after it had been converted into a hearing aid center. All of the historic double-hung windows shown in this photograph remain on the building today. Source: History Blocks 8, 9 and 20, Paris, Texas, MC&S Enterprises, 2015; photograph by James W. Steely, Lamar County Echo.

Photo 4. View of west-facing Façade of the 1-story painted red brick Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office, 100 3 rd S. NW, Paris, Texas.

The original public-entry office door remains, as well as original 4/1 wood sash windows (covered in plywood). Photo 5/12/16. Photo 5. View of Houston Street elevation.

11 Photo 4. View of west-facing Façade of the 1-story painted red brick Blake & Hinkle (Lumber Company) Office, rd S. NW, Paris, Texas. Note the Classical vocabulary, including implied brick pilasters with corbeled horizontal bands, lunette window and cast concrete cornice with stylized icicle capitals below. The original public-entry office door remains, as well as original 4/1 wood sash windows (covered in plywood). Photo 5/12/16. Photo 5. View of Houston Street elevation. Note the cast concrete base, continuous cast concrete sill line, corbeled brick details of abstract geometry, and rectangular-shaped window openings and transoms. This secondary façade has a faint cornice consisting of stylized panels above double string courses framing decorative attic vents. Photo 5/12/16.

Photo 6. View of rear (east) and north elevations of the 1-story Blake & Hinkle Office, 100 3 rd Street NW, Paris, Texas.

These utilitarian sides feature common bricks in American bond, and traditional segmental-arch door and window supports. Photo 5/12/16. Photo 7.

12 Photo 6. View of rear (east) and north elevations of the 1-story Blake & Hinkle Office, rd Street NW, Paris, Texas. These elevations faced into the lumberyard, with a side and rear door providing easy access for employees and customers to lumber operations. These utilitarian sides feature common bricks in American bond, and traditional segmental-arch door and window supports. Photo 5/12/16. Photo 7. View looking east on roof. Lamar County Courthouse of 1917 is in background. The flat built up roof is enclosed by a raised parapet with glazed-tile coping. Photo 5/12/16.

a hearing-aid business from 1967 to 1995. Photo 5/12/16. Photo 9.

13 Photo 8. View of interior looking west down hallway toward the facades main public door. All these partition walls and lowered ceilings are non-historic, dating from the building s use as a hearing-aid business from 1967 to Photo 5/12/16. Photo 9. View looking east into original fixtures in the small toilet room of Blake & Hinkle Office, rd Street NW, Paris, Texas. Photo 5/12/16.

safe (on left). Non-historic frame wall with drywall shown on right. Photo 5/12/16. Photo 11.

14 Photo 10. View of interior of Blake & Hinkle Office, rd Street NW looking south toward original plaster side wall enclosing the original office safe (on left). Non-historic frame wall with drywall shown on right. Photo 5/12/16. Photo 11. View looking south into one of the former non-historic hearing-aid testing rooms. An original 4/1 wood double-hung window survives on the (west) façade is shown. This is 1 of 6 original wood double-hung windows on the building (one non-historic window is on north elevation in an original enclosure). Photo 5/12/16.

Photo 12. View of interior of Blake & Hinkle Office, 100 3 rd Street NW, Paris, Texas.

15 Photo 12. View of interior of Blake & Hinkle Office, rd Street NW, Paris, Texas. Photo shows original plaster walls and molding, with 1960s ceiling tiles most likely attached to original plaster ceiling. Photo 5/12/16.

16 NOTE: 1. Remove drop ceiling and restore to original ceiling,walls and trim to historiacl condition. 2. Restore doors, and windows to existing historical condition. WAlk-IN Freezer (1.) Oven Fryer (1.) STORAGE Mixing Existing Asphalt Parking Area (1.) Kitchen Commerical Sinks Existing Asphalt Parking Area Men's Women's Restrooms Proposed Handicap Parking Area (1.) Dining /Cafe Houston Street 3rd Street Northwest NORTH COUNTY INVESTMENTS WCICWILLIAMSON CORPORATION 8004 TWO COVES DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS Hinkle Office Building Rehabilitation Corner of 3rd St. NW & Houston St., Paris, Texas Proposed Cafe Floorplan Sheet A01 OF

18 Bath Existing Asphalt Parking Area Vault Houston Street 3rd North West Street NORTH COUNTY INVESTMENTS WCICWILLIAMSON CORPORATION 8004 TWO COVES DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS Hinkle Office Building Rehabilitation Corner of 3rd St. NW & Houston St., Paris, Texas Existing Floor Plan Sheet A03 OF

INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE MODEL BUILDING CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT The Reid and Hughes building is a four-story, four-bay, brick building, constructed in 1869 with a later addition known as the Williams