R-2006-11 approve submittal of two nominations to TXDOT statewide transportation enhancement program

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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Requested By: Appropriation Agenda Date Requested: Department: Parks & Recreation Acc't Number: Report: l-Resolution: X Ordinance: Amount Budgeted: Exhibits: Photographs Amount Requested: Exhibits: YES NO X Exhibits: SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION The City of La Porte has considered a number of potential projects under the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program, that would benefit the City in a number of ways. Staffhas narrowed the projects down to two: 1) La Porte's Main Street Connection, and 2) Sylvan Beach Railroad Depot and Period Beach House Restoration. Debra Dye and I have prepared the nominations; she will present the first, and I the second for your consideration. . We pr~ose to develop architectural/engineering plans and specifications to stabilize and restore the original Railway Depot (built in 1896) at Sylvan Beach to its original condition. The Depot is a tremendous example of early transportation development in Texas. M.E.P. engineering and structmal inspection of the integrity of the building and subsequent design. is warranted. The Depot interior has been changed over the years as it was adapted to other uses. Architectma1 inspection and design services to restore its interior and exterior to original conditions as when it was a railroad depot is our goal A period beach house (built in the early 1900's) and outbuilding, typical of smmner homes built by Houston families along the Galveston Bayfrom. have been donated to the La Porte-Bayshore Heritage Society. We propose to move the house to a site adjacent to the Depot on land owned by the City of La Porte, helping to create a Heritage Park at the entrance to Sylvan Beach Park. W e pr~ose to restore the interior and exterior to its original configuration and to seek finniture and fixtures that are cotq>atible with its original pmpose with the same methodology as the Depo~ with AD. A and vehicle accessibility. As a part of the Project Stars and San Jacinto Texas Historic District, this Heritage Park will draw additional visitors to our area, thereby boosting economic benefits to local residents and businesses as well as educational benefits to the visitors. School tours, tourist activity is expected to increase dramatically as these initiatives begin to come on line, including this project Cultural understanding is an itq>ortant part of this package. The rehabilitation and operation of these historic facilities will continue to enrich the lives of all citizens of Texas. The Depot is already operated (limited) as a museum and the La Porte-Bayshore Heritage Society has a wealth of information, artifacts, and knowledge about the early history and heritage of La Porte and Texas. The Society owns the Depot structure and the City owns the land with the help of Kaneka Texas Corporation through purchase of 2 remaining lots for the tract. Without assistance from other sources, the Depot will deteriorate to the point where it cannot be saved It is not far from that point now. The same statement can be made for the historic beach house. This is a one time offer from a local benefactor; if it is not acted on, the house will be lost forever. Cost estimates have been reviewed by an architect and, as in the case of the Main Street/San Jacinto Street project, they have been increased to reflect escalating costs of materials and equipment that WIll be necessary for restoration. The project is expected to cost approxiImtely $1.5 million. The City's share would be 20010 of that cost, if approved, or $300 thousand Also, the City would conunit to funding all costs over the $1.5 million limi~ should the CouncIl decide to proceed. There are currently no funds budgeted for either of these projects.