The Austin Historic Landmark Commission and City of Austin City of Austin Planning and Zoning Department To: Austin, TX Subject: Protest Against the Demolition of the Historic House at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Dear Members of the Austin Historic Landmark Commission and the City of Austin and to whom it may concern: I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed demolition of the house located at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. As a resident of Austin and a passionate advocate for the preservation of our city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, I believe this house should be preserved, not destroyed. The house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive, constructed around 1951, stands as a remarkable example of midcentury residential architecture, believed to have been designed by renowned Austin architect Barton Riley. This home is a testament to both the architectural vision of its time and the significant contributions of the Perry family to the development of Austin’s civic and cultural life. Edgar Perry III, a former City Council member and community leader, and his family are central to the history of this property, and the house has deep historical ties to both the Perry family and the evolution of the city. As a member of the neighborhood in which this house is a part, I have always admired its mid-century design and low-profile aesthetic. It serves as a sentry to our neighborhood - giving one a taste of how the neighborhood will look and feel beyond it. We all moved here for its interesting architecture, mid-century feel, trees, and proximity to downtown. This home serves as a sentinel for the entire neighborhood due to its historic and beautiful architecture and cultural relevance. Additionally, the significance of the Perry family’s involvement in Austin's business, political, and charitable sectors cannot be overstated. Edgar Perry III, a former Austin City Council member and mayor pro tempore, left an indelible mark on the city’s civic landscape. Demolishing the house erases a key piece of this history, one that is not only valuable for its architectural merit but also for its connection to the city’s political and social evolution. While I understand that new development is inevitable in a growing city like Austin, I urge the commission to consider the lasting impact of erasing such an important part of our city's history. Demolition would be a permanent loss to our cultural and architectural landscape. …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office In support of 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Historic Zoning Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:51:45 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern, As a registered architect and a resident of the Highland Park Balconies West neighborhood, I would like to voice my support for designating the house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive as "historic." The home anchors the prominent corner at Crestway Drive and Ridge Oak Drive, welcoming residents as they find their way home each evening. Even before moving to this neighborhood eight years ago, I recognized this house as among the most important in the neighborhood. In part, it was 4901 Ridge Oak that made me want to live in this neighborhood. It embodies the mid-century optimism upon which the neighborhood was founded. The long, low roof forms nestle comfortably beneath the prominent heritage oaks, while the home itself steps back respectfully from the street - acknowledging that this is an acute intersection demanding big, sweeping turns and long sight-lines for safety. The material palette is simple and native to central Texas: undressed limestone, wood siding and glass. It's unobtrusive scale is friendly, welcoming and utterly without pretention. Healthy cities and neighborhoods evolve, and our neighborhood is no different. New development in the neighborhood less attuned to the long-low structures of the mid-century modern movement. Not every older home in the neighborhood warrants historic designation. However, it would negatively impact the neighborhood to lose this gem at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. The house is significant in what it represents to the history of the development of Austin as it slowly migrated out from the city center. To allow un-restricted development of the site could endanger the heritage trees on site and, more significantly, make the sightlines around this corner more difficult - jeopardizing pedestrian and vehicular safety. Thank you for your consideration, Talmadge Smith, AIA 3607 Lucas Dr. Austin, TX 78731 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Demolition of 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Tuesday, March 4, 2025 3:54:31 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello I am writing regarding the potential demotion of the property at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive in Austin, 78731. I understand that there is a request to designate this a historic landmark based primarily on its relation to the Perry family in Austin and its mid-century modern architecture. Although the lot and overall appearance of the property is appealing, I do not believe that this house is unique, well-designed, or of high enough quality to receive a historic landscape designation. I’ve been inside and around that property on several occasions. The interior light fixtures, doors, cabinets and flooring appear to be standard builder’s grade - simple painted woodwork and carpeting typical of houses built before the 1970s. A previous owner described it as ‘living in a dorm’. The exterior of the house has had little to no maintenance for at least ten years. Without such maintenance, I’ve watched the exterior stone walls and deck slowly decay and fall apart. This house has been available for sale for some time with no buyers and has become an eyesore. I’m tired of looking out my window and watching it slowly decay further. Please approve the demolition permit. Thanks Melissa CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office 4901 Ridge Oak Dr Tuesday, March 4, 2025 5:04:40 PM [You don't often get email from https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] . Learn why this is important at External Email - Exercise Caution I understand there is consideration for historic zoning for 4901 Ridge Oak Dr. As someone who lives in this neighborhood, I would oppose such zoning. This house is aesthetically ugly and does not add any historic value to the neighborhood. I understand it was at one time owned by a descendant of Commodore Perry, however we are all grandchildren of someone, that does not make us the historically important. I would urge the city to allow this structure to be replaced with a modern, safe house or - even better - two houses as we could use the increased density. Sincerely, Ben Pasmore 5109 Lucas Lane Austin, TX 78731 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office 4901 Ridge Oak Dr. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 9:23:52 AM [You don't often get email from https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Learn why this is important at External Email - Exercise Caution Good Morning, I would like to let you know that there are many of us in our neighborhood that would like for 4901 Ridge Oak to have an historic zoning status. I have lived in this neighborhood for almost 20 years and walk my dog daily. This house and property are amazing. I love the trees, the bluebonnets that signal to the neighborhood that it is spring and that the midcentury look of the home. It would be heartbreaking to see a modern home at this site. Thank you, Shelly Russell 5013 Westview Austin, Tx 78731 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Supporting Historic Designation for 4901 Ridge Oak Dr Wednesday, March 5, 2025 12:29:38 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Good afternoon, I am in support of the historic designation of 4902 Ridge Oak Drive. It is my understanding that the house was … Designed by Austin architect Barton Riley, the house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive was constructed around 1951 for Edgar Perry III, grandson of Edgar Howard “Commodore” Perry. My family & I have lived at 5013 Westview Dr, Austin TX 78731 for the past 18+ years. Destruction of the home at 4901 Ridge Oak would also fundamentally change the character of the neighborhood - especially at an extremely prominent and visible location. I appreciate your consideration of my concern and position. Dave David Knoll CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
Dear Historical Review Commitee, My name is Sandra Sahadi and my husband Dr Jack Sahadi and I live at 3408 Mt Bonnell Drive and have owned our home there since 1989. The home in ques�on (4901 Ridge Oak) belongs to my son and daughter in law. Both of these young professionals have spent much �me in Aus�n during their lives and have finally taken the leap to make a piece of Aus�n their own. Sadly, their plan to build a gorgeous home near my husband and I has been met with undue resistance. My neighbors and I have been avid walkers in the neighborhood in ques�on for years and are very familiar with this neighborhood and this home. We have seen changes in the neighborhood over the years but the home in ques�on has been abandoned. There was a similar such home maybe one block from my children’s home on 4620 Crestway Dr that was recently torn down. I contend that the home that was torn down had more curb appeal and had more architecturally dis�nct features than the house in ques�on. How do we pick and choose? It will be my son and daughter-in-law who will have to pay for any changes to the property now since they have purchased so how can we add incumbrances a�er the fact and canvas opinions from neighbors how they should spend their hard-earned funds? The MLS lis�ng for their home was posted as a tear-down, in fact the photos on the lis�ng are of a rendering of a home that ‘could be’. And the three photos that were posted of the exis�ng home must’ve been taken years ago as they do not accurately represent the current status inside that home. I feel terrible personally because being close to my husband and myself was their main catalyst in purchasing this property and it has been met with delays and overzealous neighbors rallying support in a neighborhood app to try and dictate what they do with the home. These two individuals have built and/or renovated numerous homes during their 15 years together and they are conscien�ous and intelligent adults who have lovely taste and will make this new home a show place that the neighborhood will be proud to have. What is currently there is not worth becoming a money pit and I hope you will vote to allow its demoli�on. Thank you for …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Thursday, March 20, 2025 9:54:46 AM You don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To Whom It May Concern: My name is Patrick N. Dunn and I live at 4622 Lake View Drive, Austin, TX, 78731. I am writing to express my strong support for the demolition of the residence at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. As a long-time resident of this neighborhood, I have personally observed the gradual deterioration of this property over the years. It is evident that the house has been vacant and unmaintained for many years, and key structural elements are visibly beyond repair. Furthermore, it is my understanding that the current guidelines and code require unique architectural characteristics for preservation. This property lacks any such unique or distinctive features; while it is a mid-century modern home, there are numerous other, far superior examples of this architectural style within the neighborhood. Additionally, my research indicates that the home has no significant historical associations. Edgar Perry III, the former resident, served only one term on the city council and made no noteworthy contributions to Austin. The multitude of existing markers honoring other individuals underscores their greater significance compared to Edgar Perry III, who achieved little of note. In summary, I believe there are better uses for this property than creating a replica of a lower-quality mid-century modern home. I urge you to approve the demolition. Sincerely, Patrick N. Dunn Homeowner, 4622 Lake View Drive CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS APRIL 2, 2025 PR-2025-017540; GF-2025-021282 2307 BRIDLE PATH 11 – 1 Demolish a ca. 1941 house and outbuilding. PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story house with Tudor Revival detailing, including catslide roof, arched entry, and central masonry chimney. The house at 2307 Bridle Path was constructed around 1941 as part of the Westfield subdivision. Its first occupants were Homer and Grace Williams. Homer Williams worked as a clerk at the local post office. During the 1940s, the house was rented to Air Force captain Fred Fenton and to Virginia and Donald Russell, students at the University of Texas. Subsequent owners Carroll and Ida Young lived in the home for around a decade. Carroll Young worked as a salesman at various auto sales companies during this time. From 1959 to around 1963, the home was rented by former San Antonio Express News Capitol Correspondent Roy Grimes, who left the paper in the early ‘50s to work as the publicity director for the Republican Party of Texas. PROPERTY EVALUATION Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high to moderate integrity. Siding has been replaced. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is constructed with Tudor Revival and Minimal Traditional influences. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. The property does not possess a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, the neighborhood, or a particular demographic group. e. Landscape feature. The property is not a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then relocation over demolition, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 11 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 11 – 3 11 – 4 Demolition application, 2025 Occupancy History City Directory Research, March 2025 Roy Grimes, owner 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1941 1939 Carroll P. and Ida Young, owners - …
NORTH ELEVATION EAST ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION WEST ELEVATION EXISTING DRIVEWAY APRON TO REMAIN EXISTING GRAVEL DRIVEWAY TO BE REMOVED ALL EXISTING FLATWORK TO BE DEMOLISHED PRINCIPLE STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED (E) FENCING TO BE DEMOLISHED (E) 26" POST OAK TO REMAIN W/ FULL PROTECTIONS PER COA GUIDELINES 8" MULCH W/ FULL CRZ AS PERMITTED BY WORK CHAINLINK TREE PROTECTION FENCE CARPORT STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED FENCING TO BE DEMOLISHED AND REPLACED; SEE ARCHITECTURAL PLANS 8" MULCH W/ FULL CRZ AS PERMITTED BY WORK TREE PROTECTION AS POSSIBLE: REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL PLANS ALL EXISTING SITE WORK TO BE DEMOLISHED ACCESSORY STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED 8" MULCH W/ FULL CRZ AS PERMITTED BY WORK TREE PROTECTION AS POSSIBLE; REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL PLANS REAR ACCESSORY BUILDING SCALE: 1/16" F O R A B E T T E R A R C H I T E C T U R E & I N T E R I O R S 5 1 2 • 4 6 9 • 0 7 7 5 4 0 5 C u m b e r l a n d R o a d A u s t i n , T X 7 8 7 0 4 f a b a r c h i t e c t u r e. c o m 03-24-25 EXPIRES: 10/31/25 I G N D L I U B Y R O S S E C C A N O I T C U R T S N O C W E N 3 0 7 8 7 • X T , N I T S U A • H T A P E L D R B 1 0 3 2 I DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DATE: PERMIT SET 3/26/2025 REVISIONS: THESE DRAWINGS ARE PROPERTY OF THE ARCHITECT AND MAY ONLY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROJECT CAUTION: DO NOT SCALE DRAWINGS DEMOLITION PLAN D1.1 ATTSXETEFOSAPATRICK MARK OUSEY15695REGISTEREDARCHITECT
CONSIDERATION FOR DEMOLITION 2307 BRIDLE PATH, AUSTIN, TX 78703 Dear Historic Landmark Commissioners, I am writing to provide important context regarding the property at 2307 Bridle Path, which our client, who resides next door at 2301 Bridle Path, purchased in the fall of 2024 with the intention of expanding his yard and constructing a recreation structure for his family. Due to the presence of large heritage and protected trees on the combined site, the buildable area for this new structure is limited to the space surrounding the existing residence at 2307 Bridle Path. Unfortunately, this limitation requires the removal of the existing residence at 2307 Bridle Path to proceed with the desired development. We have consulted with Junior Brown and Sons House Movers, who have visited the site several times to assess the possibility of relocating the existing structure. Junior Brown has determined that moving the home would cause significant damage to low-hanging tree limbs along Bridle Path, especially as the route extends west to Exposition Boulevard. Additionally, Bridle Path is narrower than most roads, making it an inhospitable, but only, route for moving a structure of this size. During this consultation process, we discovered that the home at 2307 Bridle Path has suffered from prolonged neglect, resulting in significant water damage, wood rot, and termite damage. These issues are primarily the result of poorly executed and haphazard additions made by previous owners over the years. As a result, the structural integrity of the home has been severely compromised. We also explored the possibility of relocating a reduced portion of the existing structure (approximately 1,200 square feet). However, even this reduced relocation option was deemed unfeasible due to the same challenging path and the risk of significant damage to the surrounding tree branches along the path. It is important to note that the adjacent home is where our client lives, located at 2307 Bridle Path, which was recently fully renovated. Our client does not wish to unnecessarily demolish buildings, but the current condition of the structure and its limited viability, combined with the limitations posed by the heritage trees and the site’s configuration, have led to the conclusion that demolition is the only course of action in order to fulfill the goals for the property. We kindly request that the Commission take these circumstances into account when making their determination regarding this matter. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Patrick …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS APRIL 2, 2025 PR-2025-022277; GF-2025-027244 1307 CRESTWOOD ROAD 12.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1947 house. ARCHITECTURE Described in the 2019 North Loop-Hancock-Boggy Creek survey as being minimal traditional in style, the house at 1307 Crestwood Road also embodies ranch elements such as a broad front elevation of a single-story with a garage to one side. A front walkway leads to the front door, which is roughly at the center of the house, under a small front porch. To once side is a double window likely opening to the living room. This room also features a small front-facing gable roof, which projects out from the larger side gable of the overall house. The front of the house is clad in white stone, with all other exterior walls clad in horizontal wood siding. The house retains moderate integrity, though the original windows appear to be replaced. RESEARCH Built sometime in the late 1940s, the property was first occupied by renters, G.A. and Grace Tanner. Their ages and any occupation are unknown, but by 1955, the house was owned and occupied by Reverend J. Leonard & Vonnie Rea. Reverend Rea served as City Missionary to Austin, a role appointed by the Southwest Texas Methodist Conference. He previously served at the South Austin Methodist Church from 1934 to 1939, and the two moved to be closer to work in surveying locations for new Methodist missions. By 1959, the house was listed as being for rent, and an article from that year mentions the Reas celebrating their golden anniversary from their new home at 2615 Spring Lane. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2019 North Loop-Hancock-Boggy Creek historic resource survey lists the property as a medium priority and retains sufficient integrity to contribute to a potential local historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate-to-high integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of 1940s minimal traditional and ranch style residential. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. …
13 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS APRIL 2, 2025 PR-2025-026197; GF-2025-029887 4523 AVENUE B PROPOSAL Partially demolish and construct a second-floor addition to a ca. 1923 one-story house. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS The proposed project removes a portion of the existing roof to construct a second-floor addition. Located approximately 12 feet from the front wall of the house, the addition is clad in horizontal fiber cement siding. It is roughly square in plan and capped with a hipped roof of similar slope to the existing roof. The proposed fenestration is regular in distribution and consists of 1:1 sash, casement, and fixed windows. ARCHITECTURE One-story masonry house with partial-width porch, pyramidal hipped roof with exposed rafter tails, and 1:1 arched windows and doors. RESEARCH Bricklayer and Swedish immigrant Axel Arnhamn constructed the home around 1923 after moving from a farm in Manor around 1919. Svenskarne i Texas i Ord Och Bild, 1838-1918 (Swedes in Texas in Words and Pictures, 1838-1918), compiled by Ernest Severin, describes the Swedish families immigrating to Texas over that period. Severin’s writeup on the Arnhamn family details their journey up to 1919: Among the emigrants who in recent years have come to New Sweden, Texas, and settled as farmers, is Axel Arnhamn. The son of master carpenter Anders William Arnhamn, he was born in Munkaljungby parish in Skåne in 1853 and came with his parents to Höja parish in 1859. He attended the parish's elementary school, then learned the bricklayer's trade from his uncle Wilson in Helsingborg, got America fever and landed in 1906 in the great city of New York. He worked there at his trade one year and then came to New Sweden to his sister and brother-in-law, Rev. Alfred L. Scott. He worked during his first years in New Sweden as a laborer. In later years he rented land and is at present farming Mrs. C.M. Nygren's beautiful homestead in New Sweden. He married Esther Larson in 1910. She was born in 1887 in Ljungarum parish, Småland, and emigrated in 1906 from Rogberga parish, the same county, to the United States, first coming to New Sweden, Texas, to her relatives the C.A. Gustafsons. The couple's sons, Fingal and Werner, were born in 1913 and 1917 … […] Uno Arnhamn emigrated to America in the fall of 1907 to his sister and brother-in-law, Pastor Alfred Scott in New Sweden. His traveling party from …
GENERAL NOTES: All dimensions shall be checked on site. NOTES: See drawing 011 for site and tree notes TREE LEGEND: Any discrepancies in the drawings shall be brought to the attention of the designer. Any variations from these drawings shall be approved by the designer. SITE INFORMATION: Site information taken from survey performed by Big Sky Surveying 07/19/23, Felix M Gonzalez 5418 Tree trunk Critical Root Zone 1/2 Critical Root Zone 1/4 Critical Root Zone Protective fencing Protective mulch LEGEND: Existing wall: New wall: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 4, Block 7, Hyde Park, Vol 2, Page 130 PRTCT, City of Austin, County of Travis PROPOSED AREA CALCULATIONS: Proposed Gross Conditioned Space: 2,323ft2 First Floor: 1,493ft2 Second Floor: 884ft2 Proposed Gross Unconditioned Space: 231ft2 PROPOSED IMPERVIOUS COVER: Lot Area: 7,801ft2 Max Allowable Building Coverage @ 40%: 3,120ft2 Max Allowable Total Impervious Coverage @ 45%: 3,510ft2 Building Coverage: House: 1,439ft2 Front Porch: 157ft2 Garage: 231ft2 Shed: 162ft2 Total Building Coverage: 1,989ft2 25.5% lot coverage Impervious Coverage: Concrete Driveway: 864ft2 Concrete Walkway: 126ft2 Wood Deck @ 50%: 141ft2 A/C Pad: 9ft2 Total Impervious Coverage: 1,140ft2 14.6% lot coverage Total Building + Impervious Coverage: 3,129ft2 / 40.1% FRONT YARD IMPERVIOUS COVER: Front Yard Area: 1,246ft2 Max Allowable Coverage @ 40%: 498ft2 Impervious Coverage: Front Porch: 125ft2 Concrete Driveway: 241ft2 Concrete Walkway: 126ft2 Total Impervious Coverage: 492ft2 39.5% front yard coverage TREES: T1 Live Oak T2 Pecan T3 Pecan T4 Pecan T5 Ligustrum T6 Arizona Ash T7 Pecan T8 Pecan T9 Pecan T10 Pecan 19" diameter 31" diameter 23" diameter 25" diameter 18" diameter 18" diameter 20" diameter 16" diameter 30" diameter 25" diameter 10' setback line incoming overhead power line shed in place since at least 1958 20 01 3 62 7. 1 2 N G shed R5' 0"1/4CRZ R4' 0"1/4CRZ R10' 0" 1/2CRZ R8' 0" 1/2CRZ 2 R 0' 0 " R Z C R 1 6' 0 " R Z C T7 T8 20 2 62 7. 2 9 F N B1 N G 20 1 62 7. 4 8 F N B1 N G privacy fence property line 5' building setback line tent 2 low point 628.38' plywood placed over 8" of mulch 6 62 8. 2 5 C P T N S 6 0D R15' 0" 1/2CRZ R7' 6"1/4CRZ " 0 - ' 0 4 12 19 62 8. 4 1 F N B1 N G 0' 0 " R Z …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS APRIL 2, 2025 PR-2025-142715; GF-2025-030365 HOUSE PARK 1301 SHOAL CREEK BOULEVARD 14 – 1 PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Repair grandstands, make ADA improvements, and replace non-original press box at a ca.1936-39 playing field. 1) Repair failing concrete structural supports at east and west grandstands. 2) Repaint existing grandstands and walls at currently painted surfaces only. 3) Replace existing ramps at east and west grandstands with new ADA-compliant ramps in same location. 4) Demolish existing non-original press boxes (ca. 1960s; remodeled 1986) at east and west grandstands and construct a replacement freestanding press box at the east grandstand. The proposed press box is two stories in height, with a flat roof and vertical siding. Full-height fixed windows look onto the field, and a three-story staircase structure provides egress. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH DESIGN STANDARDS The existing press boxes are one-story structures with board-and-batten siding and shed roofs, attached to the east and west grandstands. House Park, originally a pasture donated to the City in 1903 by Colonel Edward House, made its official debut as the home of the Austin High Maroons in the 1930s after being used as baseball and football fields for decades. The grandstands, field house (now demolished) and ticket booth were constructed between 1936 and 19401 as part of a larger PWA-funded project initiated by AISD2, and the scoreboard and north grandstand (demolished) followed in 1947.3 The House Park grandstand and ticket booth were designed by Giesecke & Harris and built by J. R. Blackmore and Sons.4 The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects at potential historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Institutional buildings 1.1 Ensure that the building’s historic character is preserved through careful repair and maintenance of historic materials. The proposed project includes repair and maintenance of historic concrete elements. 1.2 Additions to an institutional building may not be appropriate. The proposed new press box addition appears somewhat appropriate but may overwhelm the smaller-scale grandstands. 1.3 Locate additions to be subordinate to the historic building, keeping in mind that all sides of an institutional building may be significant. See 1.2. The size and scale of the new grandstand should be carefully considered to avoid excessive visibility, as the existing press boxes are unobtrusive in design and small in scale. …
Austin Independent School District: House Park West Grandstand 1936 Baseball Stand and Diamond pre- date football stadium North Grandstand estimated 1947 West Grandstand & tennis courts 1938/39 Field House 1940 House Park Aerial 1937 House Park Aerial 1952 Baseball Stand and Diamond demoed and relocated 38/39 Austin Independent School District House Park Stadium North Grandstands demo unknown date Press Boxes estimated 60/70s Tennis Courts 1977 Baseball stands and diamond removed Parking added between 1973 & 1981 New Field House 2009 Field House Demolished 2009 House Park 1985 House Park 2011 Field Turfed 2008 Austin Recreation Center 1986 Austin Independent School District House Park Stadium House Park Stadium Improvements 3 New Freestanding Press Box East side ADA Ramps East & West Grandstand Concrete repair and repainting Easts & West Grandstand Concrete Repairs 4 • Concrete patch repairs of slabs, beams, walls, risers, and columns • Concrete repairs are only for the structural integrity of the grandstand ADA Access Ramp Improvements 5 • The existing ramps to the East and West grandstands currently do not meet ADA requirements • Existing ramps will be replaced with new ADA compliant ramps Existing East Grandstand Ramp Existing West Grandstand Ramp Grandstand Painting 6 • Existing painted surfaces of perimeter grandstand and walls to be repainted East Grandstand Ramp West Grandstand Ramp East & West Press Boxes 7 • AISD House Park Stadium Improvements includes removal of existing East and West Press Boxes • Press Boxes added to grandstands estimated 1960s (date to be verified) • Press boxes renovation 1986 • Existing press boxes do not have ADA access • Existing press boxes do not have emergency exit outside of the floodplain • Structural assessment completed 2016 identified multiple structural deficiencies to existing press boxes East Grandstand Ramp West Grandstand Ramp House Park Site 8 • The House Park site lies within a floodplain • The existing press boxes do not allow for egress out of the flood plain • The newly designed Freestanding Press Box allows for egress out of the floodplain East Grandstand Ramp West Grandstand Ramp Existing East Grandstand Press Box East Press Boxes 9 Conceptual Freestanding East Grandstand Press Box East Grandstand Ramp West Grandstand Ramp AISD: House Park East Press Box 1 0 • New press box honors the legacy of the House Park Stadium, while providing an opportunity for 21st century use and learning opportunities for staff and students • …
