Wednesday, October 21, 2009

McKee House Gets Historic Protection


Yesterday City Council approved an ordinance placing an historic overlay on the McKee House, located at 2630 Richmond Avenue on the corner of Richmond and Louisiana just across the street from Newman Park.

Newman Park Neighborhood Association President Lynn Coyle was overjoyed:
"We are thrilled that historic protection for the McKee home has been finalized. Without the leadership of Representative Byrd's office and the support of board members, neighbors and key city personnel, this would not have happened. What a great partnership! With historic protection we know that, no matter who ultimately becomes the owner of the McKee home, its historical integrity will be protected."
The historic overlay process was lengthy. It included prior approval by the Development Coordinating Committee, the Historic Landmark Commission and the City Plan Commission.

District 2 Representative Susie Byrd said: "It's a big step in preserving one of our neighborhood's most important treasures."

Further steps will require a conversation with the bank's lawyer to approve a sale. It will also be helpful for the bank to divulge to Byrd's office and the neighborhood association what its plans are. "There are willing buyers," Byrd explained. "What is needed is a buyer who will buy and fix up the property."

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Does anyone know when this picture was taken?

Jim Tolbert said...

The KTSM Ranger Peak tower is not in the background. The tower was begun in May 1959 and completed in late 1959 or early 1960. So the picture was taken before then. The shape of the picture indicates a large format camera rather than 35mm, which was available in the late 50s. The guestimate is that the picture was taken in the early to mid-1950s.