416 W. 12th St. Keep DKG Working for Women Educators 1 Overview Project: Rezone to DMU and reject historic zoning, which will: • Keep Delta Kappa Gamma healthy and strong, and • Provide a downtown project that supports housing goals. Presentation: • Overview (Michael Whellan) • Project Proposal (Architects) • Delta Kappa Gamma’s Work (DKG Members) • Delta Kappa Gamma’s History (DKG Leadership) 2 Key Facts • Delta Kappa Gamma is not a building – it is an active organization. DKG’s programs support women educators around the world. • Delta Kappa Gamma’s history predates this office building. This site is DKG’s fifth location. DKG’s founder, Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, died over a decade before they relocated to 416 W. 12th St. • This project is critical to Delta Kappa Gamma’s future. Historic zoning would restrict one of their key resources and lock in escalating building costs at the expense of DKG’s mission and health. 3 Delta Kappa Gamma 1929 Dr. Annie Webb Blanton founds DKG on UT’s campus as a way to organize women to fight gender discrimination and support women educators. 1945 Dr. Annie Webb Blanton passes away. 1956 Delta Kappa Gamma relocates to 416 W. 12th St., its fifth location. 4 National Register Status In 2011, an architecture student sought National Register Status for DKG for a class project. The state informed DKG this would not restrict the site. Delta Kappa Gamma: “Can you tell me what restrictions or impact this would have on the property?” National Register Coordinator: “Listing in the National Register imposes absolutely NO RESTRICTIONS on private property.” February 2011 Exchange Excerpt 5 DKG’s Request vs. Historic Zoning Outcomes DMU Zoning Historic Zoning Revitalizes Delta Kappa Gamma. Helps Meet City Housing Goals. Funds Permanent Supportive Housing. Supports Robust Transit System. Structural Preservation. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✓ 6 Recap Delta Kappa Gamma supports women educators and students around the world – but faces a number of challenges, including issues with their current office building. DKG has requested DMU zoning, which would allow them to strategically target their resources and revitalize, while helping the city better meet its own goals. However, historic zoning would restrict one of DKG’s key resources and lock in long‐term costs, threatening their financial stability and future. 7
Delta Kappa Gamma A Brief History Annie Webb Blanton Professor University of Texas 1 2610 Whitis First Home of Delta Kappa Gamma 2 Our Founders Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, Austin, Texas Miss Mamie Sue Bastian, Houston, Texas Miss Ruby Cole, San Antonio, Texas Miss Mabel Youree Grizzard, Waxahachie, Texas 3 Our Founders Mrs. Ruby Terrill Lomax, Austin, Texas Dr. Cora M. Martin, Austin, Texas Mrs. Lalla M. Odom, Austin, Texas Miss Lela Lee Williams, Dallas, Texas 4 Our Founders Dr. Anna Hiss, Austin, Texas Miss Ray King, Fort Worth, Texas Miss Sue King, Fort Worth, Texas Dr. Helen Lois Koch, Austin, Texas 5 DKG Constitution Passed During First Meeting at 2610 Whitis 6 DKG Membership Ms. Blanton asked members keep the organization a secret 7 1909 Cliff Dr. Second Home of Delta Kappa Gamma 8 Littlefield Building Third Home of Delta Kappa Gamma 9 1309 Brazos St. Fourth Home of Delta Kappa Gamma 10 Delta Kappa Gamma Became an international non-profit in 1953 11 International Convention 2018 Delta Kappa Gamma Convention 12 Allow DKG to continue its international work for women educators at a new Austin location. Vote No on the recommendation to zone the property historic. 13
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Rosemary Merriam Saturday, December 12, 2020 7:12 PM PAZ Preservation HLC Meeting Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Completed *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** C.11 1510 Palma Plaza GF 20‐180133 Speak and request a postponement on this item until the January HLC meeting. Rosemary Merriam 512 477‐2382 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Steiker, Jordan M Sunday, December 13, 2020 9:48 AM PAZ Preservation Re: Case GF 20-171512 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Our historic home is next door to the proposed home and it would be built to block the view of the entire side of our 1926 property (currently their driveway is adjacent to our home). On Dec 13, 2020, at 9:38 AM, Steiker, Jordan M wrote: Dear Angela, We would like to speak tomorrow regarding case number GF 20‐171512. We oppose the demolition as well as the new plans. Jordan Steiker and Lori Holleran 1 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Steiker, Jordan M Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:29 AM PAZ Preservation Re: Case GF 20-171512 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Here’s a street view — the view that would be obstructed if project moves forward. Our house was built with the expectation of a driveway in between lots, and it’s historic character would be diminished by building a new structure right on the eastern edge of property. On Dec 13, 2020, at 9:47 AM, Steiker, Jordan M wrote: Our historic home is next door to the proposed home and it would be built to block the view of the entire side of our 1926 property (currently their driveway is adjacent to our home). <image.jpg> 1 On Dec 13, 2020, at 9:38 AM, Steiker, Jordan M wrote: Dear Angela, We would like to speak tomorrow regarding case number GF 20‐171512. We oppose the demolition as well as the new plans. Jordan Steiker and Lori Holleran CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 2 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Sadowsky, Steve Monday, December 14, 2020 9:02 AM Gaudette, Angela Contreras, Kalan Fw: 1517 Murray Lane Steve Sadowsky Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin, Texas 974‐6454 From: Bill Dorman Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 8:39 AM To: Sadowsky, Steve <Steve.Sadowsky@austintexas.gov> Subject: 1517 Murray Lane *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, On behalf of the Old Enfield Homeowners Association, I am writing in opposition to the proposed project at 1517 Murray Lane that is on your agenda this evening. This is a designated …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Melanie Martinez Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:07 AM Jacob, Mathew - BC; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Featherston, Witt; Tollett, Blake - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Bertron, Cara; Sadowsky, Steve; bc-Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; Gaudette, Angela; PAZ Preservation 1400 & 1402 Drake Ave., HDP-2020-0474 & HDP-2020-0400 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park, and one of the many neighbors who spent the past 15 years working toward our National Register historic district designation. I also volunteer on the SRCC's Preservation Committee but I'm writing as an individual and not on behalf of that group. I oppose the demolition of 1400 & 1402 Drake Ave. (HDP‐2020‐0400 & HDP‐2020‐0474) for the same reasons as previously stated. This house is contributing to our historic district, and its location, while not considered "unique," does not diminish the value of a character‐defining home on a corner lot. As you know, a historic district considers the whole, and not just landmark‐status properties. While we can't forbid these demolitions, it would be helpful to know the plans for these lots. Sadly, demolitions on a corner lot seem to cause a cascade of demolitions down the block, leading to more losses. Demolishing 1402 Drake, as well, only exacerbates this effect. I hope this commission can encourage the owner of these properties to work with the SRCC's Preservation Committee and the city's Preservation Office to develop a plan that would retain the facades of these homes while still being able to remodel and expand in a sensitive way. I'm sure there must be an alternative to demolition. Thank you for your consideration, Melanie Martinez 1214 Newning Ave. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: PAZ Preservation Monday, December 14, 2020 9:19 AM Gaudette, Angela FW: Review Case Number: GF 20-171534 From: Brett Schwab Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 3:18:46 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik To: PAZ Preservation Cc: Subject: Review Case Number: GF 20-171534 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** We are all property owners in the Oak Parks subdivision as well as officers of the Oak Parks Subdivision Neighborhood Association. This subdivision is directly behind the land at 5613 Patton Ranch Road where the demolition of historic buildings has been requested (Historic Case Number: PR-20-159810, Review Case Number: GF 20-171534, permit/case number 2020-159810 PR). The Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods forwarded the notice of public hearing on demolition at 5:23 PM pm on Sunday Dec 13, which is why we did not sign up to speak at the meeting (since the deadline was noon on Sunday). We are writing this letter to strongly object to the demolition request for the following reasons: 1. The Oak Parks Subdivision Neighborhood Association Executive Committee as well as other interested neighborhoods were not notified in time to participate in the meeting. 2. The request to demolish is related to St. Andrew’s request to rezone the property to MF-4-NP and build a 295-unit apartment complex (2020-171561 ZC), demolishing one building (this property in question). Despite the neighborhood plan at http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=124183 identifying the house as historic and the TDOT Report for Historical Studies Survey at https://www.oakhillparkway.com/DEIS/27a_OHP-DEIS-AppendixL.pdf identitying the house and some of the outbuildings as historic, a neighborhood plan amendment was not found to be needed. 3. St. Andrew’s (the property owners) was aware of the issues with people vandalizing the building and did not try to clean up / protect the buildings until they received a code violation in July 2020 when they were selling the land to another school (that school ended up selling the property back to St. Andrew’s). One of the executive committee members, Brett Schwab frequently reported to the school every time he saw trash dumped or the building vandalized. We are not historic preservation experts so do not know whether the building can be saved. But we do know this feels rushed to facilitate the rezoning request and want to be sure interested parties have time to respond and historic experts can look at the buildings to see if anything can be salvaged before they are destroyed. …
Scrrrrli Idr.- "- {.llt}' {..itir*nn lnE, I1 { } Ilt i,x ,}t ilr .lj ,,1r*ij, 11'11'LL'. nttr":ii,1 \, r il.ii ,g.v ":g1il.i : i',:r.,!tL'.,1,' I il. *,. rr ),.r, i, 1-.. i r'r itr'r,:.i, rrr l lit' i \lrl",.i , t,.... | . '. r',' i ii " l1 rr I :,.1' ..'t..:'r'r :.r". 'rl r. r ,.,r 'r'. 'rl,; '.,. r, rJ^ \rr . I t.. SRCC SOUlH RIVER CITY CITIZENS AUSTIN TEXAS Historic Landmark Commission City Hall 301 W.2nd St. Austin, TX787A1 December 11,2020 Dear Commission Members: RE: SRCC opposition to demolition of 1400 Drake, case HDP-2020-0400 On November 17th 2A20, the general membership of the South River City Citizens (SRCC) Neighborhood Association voted to oppose the demolition of the home at 1400 Drake. our opposition stems from the following main issues: The home is modestly sized and would be affordable as rental property. lf demolished, it is unlikely to be replaced with a similarly affordable home. The home contributes to the pending Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District. The house is a classic vernacular 1930s cottage, common in its time. Today, this cottage is a vanishing resource type and reflects blue-collar family housing in South Austin. This home represents the eclectic and diverse character of Travis Heights. Sincerely, Megan Spencer Vice President vicepresid ent@srccatx. org CC: Steve Sadowsky, Historic Preservation Officer Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: > Melanie Martinez < Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:07 AM Jacob, Mathew - BC; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Featherston, Witt; Tollett, Blake - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Bertron, Cara; Sadowsky, Steve; bc-Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; Gaudette, Angela; PAZ Preservation 1400 & 1402 Drake Ave., HDP-2020-0474 & HDP-2020-0400 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park, and one of the many neighbors who spent the past 15 years working toward our National Register historic district designation. I also volunteer on the SRCC's Preservation Committee but I'm writing as an individual and not on behalf of that group. I oppose the demolition of 1400 & 1402 Drake Ave. (HDP‐2020‐0400 & HDP‐2020‐0474) for the same reasons as previously stated. This house is contributing to our historic district, and its location, while not considered "unique," does not diminish the value of a character‐defining home on a corner …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Melanie Martinez < Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:10 AM Heimsath, Ben - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Featherston, Witt; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Bertron, Cara; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Sadowsky, Steve; bc-Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; Gaudette, Angela; PAZ Preservation Item D-4 514 Academy Dr,. HDP-2020-0424 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park, and one of the neighbors who spent the past 15 years working toward our National Register historic district designation. I also volunteer on the SRCC's Preservation Committee but I'm writing as an individual and not on behalf of that group. I oppose the demolition of 514 Academy Dr, HDP2020‐0424. I live near this property and completed my opposition statement in writing last month. I have not seen any plans yet for this lot, so I am still opposed to demolition. This section of Academy's historic streetscape has barely been touched by new construction, so losing a contributing property in the middle of the block‐‐so close to the historic Kirkland‐Mather House (The Academy)‐‐makes a jarring statement and diminishes the character of our historic district. Should the owner want to learn more about the possibilities of restoring the house, even with an addition and ADU, they could create an income‐producing property and earn tax credits for rehabilitation. Or they could sell that remodeled property as an income‐producing property. I believe people moving to Austin desire homes like these that provide the "missing middle" and can be a benefit, rather than a waste of embodied energy and history thrown in the dump. Of course, I cannot speak to the owners' intent. If they desire to be part of our community, I'm sure a meeting with our neighborhood's Preservation Committee would be fruitful and could open up more possibilities for compromise and find design approaches that wouldn't remove this contributing property from our historic district. Thank you for your consideration, Melanie Martinez 1214 Newning Ave. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
TREE SCHEDULE IMPERVIOUS COVER = 40.29% FLOOR-TO-AREA RATIO = 39.93% 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 LIVE OAK LIVE OAK LIVE OAK LIVE OAK LIVE OAK LIVE OAK LIVE OAK LIVE OAK YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES 2' - 5" 2' - 4" 2' - 3" 2' - 11" 2' - 4" 3' - 6" 3' - 5" 3' - 1" SITE LOT IMPERVIOUS COVER @ 50% ENTRY DECK IMPERVIOUS COVER AC PADS BUILDING AREA CAST IN PLACE WALLS DRIVEWAY FLATWORK SITE LOT FLOOR AREA FIRST FLOOR GARAGE NON -EXEMPT SECOND FLOOR EXEMPT FLOOR AREA GARAGE EXEMPT 7,016 SF 7,016 SF 93 SF 93 SF 18 SF 2,247 SF 39 SF 179 SF 251 SF 2,734 SF 7,016 SF 7,016 SF 1,734 SF 240 SF 829 SF 2,802 SF 200 SF 200 SF 164 - LIVE OAK 41"Ø YES 12' - 0" ASPHALT Y E L L A I E N L Y T R E P O R P I E N L K C A B T E S R A E R 10' - 0" " 0 - ' 5 BLDG 1 2,563 SF 4 BED 4 BATH PROPERTY LINE SETBACK LINE 160 - LIVE OAK 27"Ø YES 163 - LIVE OAK 42"Ø YES I E N L K C A B T E S T N O R F I E N L G N D L U B I I I E V R D A D E M A L A 4 1 4 1 I E N L Y T R E P O R P 158 - LIVE OAK 29"Ø YES 159 - LIVE OAK 28"Ø YES " 0 - ' 5 SETBACK LINE PROPERTY LINE 165 - LIVE OAK 37"Ø YES 162 - LIVE OAK 28"Ø YES t v r . 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 _ A D E M A L A _ 4 1 4 1 _ 6 0 0 2 T V R D 3 \ \ i \ \ s g n w a r D a d e m a A _ 6 0 0 2 l \ e v i t c a \ x o b p o r D \ x o b p o r D \ r a u d e \ s r e s U \ : C M P …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Melanie Martinez < Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:22 AM Heimsath, Ben - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Bertron, Cara; Featherston, Witt; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Sadowsky, Steve; bc-Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; Gaudette, Angela; PAZ Preservation Item D-6 1414 Alameda Dr. HDP-2020-0453 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park, and one of the neighbors who spent the past 15 years working toward our National Register historic district designation. I also volunteer on the SRCC's Preservation Committee but I'm writing as an individual and not on behalf of that group. I oppose the demolition of 1414 Alameda HDP‐2020‐0453, given the house's contributing status to the historic district and its level of integrity. It would be nice to see the plans for what would replace this house so I could speak more directly to the issues demolition would cause. Ideally, the house could be restored and remodeled, possibly with an ADU. The owner might like to know more about tax credits for rehabilitation which could offset some of the costs, should they choose to use the property for income. While this house is a working‐class home, it is still valuable to our community's historic character and, in combination with the other working‐class homes, tells the story of our community. I feel sure that if the owners would like to meet with members of our neighborhood's Preservation Committee, there might be a good design solution that would benefit both the owner and our historic district. Sincerely, Melanie Martinez 1214 Newning Ave. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: > Melanie Martinez < Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:37 AM Heimsath, Ben - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Bertron, Cara; Featherston, Witt; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Sadowsky, Steve; bc-Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; Gaudette, Angela; PAZ Preservation D-7 1016 Avondale Rd. GF-2020-175404 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park, and one of the neighbors who spent the past 15 years working toward our National Register historic district designation. I also volunteer on the SRCC's Preservation Committee but I'm writing as an individual and not on behalf of that group. I am writing to ask the owners of 1016 Avondale Rd. GF‐2020‐175404 to please consider the Mid‐Century Modern character of this home in their addition and to retain the streetview facade. I would also encourage them not to paint the natural stone. As the choice of fenestration will have such a big impact on the facade, I hope they will work with the Preservation office and their architect to select a period‐appropriate style. Thank you for your consideration, Melanie Martinez 1214 Newning Ave. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Concerning: Case Number: GF 20-178291 – 3107 DANCY ST 1. In the past a determination was made that this house warranted historical certification. There is no reason to assume that this is no longer valid. In addition, this past determination has the weight of a formal verification process. 2. Historical zoning is an exchange of value-received (reduced taxes) for having a development easement assigned to the property. This easement goes with the property, just like a drainage easement or a flood zone determination. Existing and/or previous landowners have already received value in exchange for adding an easement which remains with the property. That was the deal and they made it. 3. Historical certification might increase or decrease the resale value of the property. In any case, the current property owner purchased the property with eyes wide open with regard to this restriction (which reasonably was factored into the purchase price) and so no argument of undue hardship is warranted. 4. The very nature of historical certification is intended to protect property against the variations of valuation over time which might make it profitable to demolish and redevelop a site. That was the agreement which made upon applying for and accepting the historical certification and that is the arrangement which should be applied to the consideration of this request. Summary: The request should be denied. A valid and binding exchange of value-received for encumbering the property with a development easement was made and this type of development easement, by its very nature, should not subject to the whims of redevelopment valuation. Thomas Mayer 13-Dec-2020
Dear Historic District Members and Neighbors, Our names are Riley and Elliot Jackson and we recently just purchased the home on 2102 ALTA VISTA. We have been in Travis Heights for the past few years and can’t imagine starting our little family anywhere else! We are due with our first baby boy in February! We absolutely love the charm of this bungalow style house, and just want to create more space for our growing family. Our plans are to add on a master suite to the left side of the house and enclose the front porch to make some extra space in the living room. We plan on keeping the original windows and floors and hope to keep the charm that this house already has! We by no means want to change the cozy and warm feeling you get when you walk into this house, we are just wanting to create more room for our growing family since we plan on being here for a very long time. We appreciate your time, and please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Warmly, Riley and Elliot Jackson 972-762-7600
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Melanie Martinez < Sunday, December 13, 2020 11:45 AM Heimsath, Ben - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; Bertron, Cara; Featherston, Witt; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Sadowsky, Steve; bc-Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; Gaudette, Angela; PAZ Preservation D-9 2102 Alta Vista Ave. GF-2020-17951 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I'm a long‐time resident of Fairview Park, and one of the neighbors who spent the past 15 years working toward our National Register historic district designation. I also volunteer on the SRCC's Preservation Committee but I'm writing as an individual and not on behalf of that group. I am writing to ask the owners of 2102 Alta Vista Ave. GF‐2020‐17951 to please reconsider the addition to the front of the house. While I have not seen their construction plans, an addition on the front sounds like it would eliminate or change the current facade and remove the home from its Contributing status in our National Register district. I'm sure a creative architect could find a way to re‐design to meet the needs of the owners while retaining the historic integrity that is still quite good and valuable to our district. Thank you for your consideration, Melanie Martinez 1214 Newning Ave. CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
What is Austin Detours? ● We are a tour company that offers tours to locals, visitors, and corporate groups. ● Our offerings include city tours, food tours, brewery / distillery tours / wine tours, live music tours, and more. ● Our corporate events range from small local teams to visiting convention groups in the 1000s. We offer social, teambuilding and charity events. ● Our team is made up of local musicians, artists, and creators. Austin Detours Pre-Pandemic ● We grew from 1 employee in 2013 to 27 employees in 2020. We also had a 2nd location in San Antonio with 8 employees. ● In 2019, we were recognized as a nominee for “Best CEO,” “Fast 50,” “Best Family Business,” and ranked as “#2 Best Place to Work in Austin” (micro-category). These awards are given out by the Austin Business Journal and highly respected in our city. ● In 2019, we hosted over 27,000 public tour guests and 14,000 corporate guests. ● In 2019, we were the largest tour company in Austin. We have been featured in Lonely Planet, National Geographic Travel, the Washington Post, USA Today, Forbes, and countless blogs / online publications. ● Austin Detours directly supported hundreds of small businesses in Austin, featuring food trucks, musicians and artists on our tours. Many of these creative entrepreneurs have told us that we were the sole reason they were in business, or that we were integral in the launching of their small business. Austin Detours Post-Pandemic ● Austin Detours has been 100% closed since March 11, 2020. ● We have laid off 26 employees. We have one remaining. ● We have completely closed our 2nd operation in San Antonio. ● Many of our key partners have also been forced to close indefinitely. Other Tour Companies in Austin ● AO Tours has continued to operate 1-2 private tours / week. ● Austin Tour Company closed in March and has not reopened. ● Twisted Texas Tours was closed from March - September. They have reopened for private groups only, and have had 12 small private tours to date. Austin Detours Recovery In order for Austin Detours to recover, we will need: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● A vaccine that is available to the general public Financial assistance to help with start-up costs (basically starting the business from new again) Depending on timing, the ability to bring my staff …
Travel & Tourism Update STR 2020 Week Over Week March 7 - December 5 Adam Sacks President Tourism Economics Cindy Lo CEO RED VELVET Billy Carter President & General Manager Carter Transportation (Formerly Super Shuttle/ Execucar) Elizabeth Alderson Owner Austin Detours Dennis Randolph Owner Strong Events 9
RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, iconic venues and other local tourist destinations have been forever lost resulting in the tourist destinations; and economy and real estate boom, and WHEREAS, iconic venues and local tourist destinati ible for launching WHEREAS, a recent Billboard List (And Why It Matters) speaks to oss the country and struggling without revenue and insufficient nce due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, the Billboard artic l list of permanently closed venues by state, listing fif l exas, eight of which are in Austin and being the city ures; and WHE ssfully provided a means to save these resulting in the loss of such places as the iconic Thre dquarters and Shady Grove, Barracuda, Plush, Scratchouse, -2-One Bar, and North Door; and WHE -19 public health crisis continues to negatively impact our tourist related economies due to the general public limiting their travel, public health limitations on the ability to gather, and subsequent requirements of social distancing; and 1 of 9 WHEREAS, businesses that promote tourism and the hotel and convention industry are faced with nearly complete loss of operating income due to COVID-19 precautions on top of the pre-COVID conditions of rising rents; and WHEREAS, despite best efforts by the City Council and staff, relief funds to assist with expenses have fallen significantly short to meet the need and to date have been unable to address the loss of iconic venues and tourist destinations that serve WHEREAS may be possible federal fun uch as SAVES funding, could be utilized to stabilize WHEREAS, from around the world; and reputation for live musi attracts visitors WHEREAS, culin venues founded in Austin, and unique to Austin, pr nd convention industry by defining tha e filled with distinctive experiences for visitors foun of those contributing essential talents and businesses thrive upon r and WHE Council Resolution No. 20200326-091 directed City Management to prioritize all necessary resources available to address the public health and economic crises connected to the emergency declaration related to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council Resolution No. 20200326-091 further directed the City Manager to consider possible options for reassessing other uses of and repurposing of existing Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT); and 2 of 9 WHEREAS, Texas Attorneys General have affirmed that cities must determine in the first instance whether an expenditure of hotel occupancy tax revenue is proper under Texas Tax Code Section 351.101 and have discretion in …
