April 23, 2021 Ms. Donna Carter Carter Design Associates 817 W. Eleventh Street Austin, Texas 78701 RE: 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue - Historic Façades Dear Ms. Carter: At your request I visited the above-mentioned locations to observe and to provide a rendered opinion regarding an approach toward salvaging the historic fabric of the existing buildings facing Congress Avenue. The three masonry and wood framed structures were constructed in the early 20th century and have experienced a myriad of uses and modifications throughout their history. For the purposes of this report, we will be limiting our attention to the front elevations. It is my understanding that a significant development is planned for these sites, but the historic nature of the façades will need to be maintained. I have been charged to render an opinion for the historic rehabilitation based on the current structural integrity and the options associated with achieving the intended goal. Existing Condition The three structures have been vacant and have not been maintained for many years. As such the buildings have become dilapidated and have been exposed to the elements for quite some time. The existing wooden framed roof and upper floor systems are damaged extensively and have created a life/safety concern. The original masonry walls that divide the buildings are for the most part in acceptable condition. The existing main level slabs appear to be performing adequately. The existing façades are quite damaged and in need of extensive repair. Supporting steel beams are very old and compromised and are exhibiting signs of excessive deflection. Exposure has also contributed to their loss of structural integrity. Options It is my understanding that two options are being weighed for the rehabilitation of the building fronts. 1. Repair the elevations in-place. 2. Remove the existing materials and replace them in a historically appropriate fashion during or after the completion of the development. Based on the significance of the proposed development and the extensive effort required to protect an already compromised elevation, it is the opinion of this office that the existing materials should be removed and replaced at a more appropriate time in the development’s schedule. Firm No: F-3323 1018 W. 11th Street, Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78703 T: 512.499.0919 F: 512.320.852 www.structurestx.com If option 2 is indeed executed, a very comprehensive cataloguing of the in-place assemblies will be required. Scaffolding will be required at the interior and exterior …
907‐09‐11 Congress Avenue Grandberry Building and Mitchell‐Robertson Building, Congress Avenue Historic District April 26, 2021 907‐911 Congress Avenue Proposal Overview Buildings to be deconstructed and reconstructed with redevelopment of site. • • • Property owner to submit detailed deconstruction and reconstruction plan for these sites for historic approval of partial demolition permit. Property owner to submit and receive site development permit for new structure, to include reconstructed historic elements and façades per plan. Property owner to reconstruct façades along with redevelopment of site. Timeline of Recent Events BSC Complaints Filed First Presentation to ARC Second Presentation to BSC Installed Repairs Third Presentation to BSC 1/28/21 2/22/21 3/8/21 3/22/21 4/12/21 Fall ‘20 2/12/21 2/24/21 3/11/21 3/24/21 First Presentation to BSC Cancelled HLC Meeting Second Presentation to ARC First Presentation to HLC Third Presentation to ARC Timeline of Future Events Present Partial Demolition Permit for approval Site Plan Submitted and Reviewed by HLC Site Plan Approved and Site Redeveloped with Reconstructed Facade 5/24/21 4/26/21 Presentation and Directions from full HLC Demo Permit Within 90 Days Phased Proposal Complete redevelopment of 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue in phases as anticipated and described: • • • Completely document existing conditions of the properties. Correlate as found conditions with historic documentation. Prepared detailed deconstruction plans and specifications for properties. Execute RC and post bond for reconstruction. • Demolish properties – document and store elements to be reconstructed. Coordinate reconstruction plans with Redevelopment plans. Update • Draft restrictive covenant committing to have façade • • • • reconstructed within 3 years of deconstruction Site observations by architect and engineer to confirm current condition of the property. Letter from engineer regarding deconstruction and reconstruction of façades Contracted with laser scanning company. Confirmed access possible to interiors, rear and upper level exterior elevations. Working on safe access to façade Initiated research on 911 to augment information previously submitted to HLC on 907 and 909 1881 Image 1949 Image 2021 907 907 909 909 Displaced Distress Cracking 911 911 • Note trusses go in same direction as façade. There is no structural connection • Note condition of Roof Next Steps • Engineer to identify structurally sound areas. • Determine safe access paths for documentation • personnel and mark on site. Coordinate safety issues with commercial scaffolding company. • Using safe access paths, laser scan buildings. • Photo document buildings. Coordinate photos with base drawings . Execute RC and …
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: Paul Boitmann Friday, April 23, 2021 2:06 PM PAZ Preservation 612 Highland Avenue *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Elizabeth Brumnett, My wife Kathie and I have reviewed the plans for the new house being proposed next door and we approve. It looks very nice and will be a great addition to the neighborhood. Paul Boitmann 610 Highland Ave. Austin Paul G. Boitmann 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Merlion Capital Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:27 PM PAZ Preservation McDowell, Taylor Theodore McDowell – Request to Participate in Public Comment for Case Number HR 21-048226 – 1910 Maple Ave Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Completed *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Theodore McDowell, and I am the owner of Merlion Capital, LLC, which is a legal entity that owns real property located within 500 feet of 1910 Maple Avenue, Austin, Texas 78722. I would like to register as a speaker at the April 26, 2021 meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission in respect of Case Number HR 21‐048226 – 1910 Maple Avenue. I am registering as a neutral speaker with respect to this matter. The information required pursuant to the meeting agenda is copied below: (a) Speaker Name: Theodore ("Taylor") McDowell (b) Item Number: HR 21‐048226 – 1910 Maple Avenue (c) Speaker Position: Neutral Thank you, Theodore McDowell 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Jen Margulies Monday, April 26, 2021 1:54 PM PAZ Preservation Brenda Malik; Contreras, Kalan Re: Speaking in favor of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross item on today's agenda Thank you so much. Below are our additional comments: The Rogers‐Washington‐Holy Cross Neighborhood Association is happy to share our support for the approval of Item HR‐ 2021‐048226, dealing with remodelling of 1910 Maple Ave. We have had the opportunity to review the plans for the work at 1910 Maple Ave, and we feel that the proposed work is strongly aligned with the guidelines for our historic neighborhood. In fact, in seeking historic district status, we hoped that new homeowners in the neighborhood would do exactly as the new owners at 1910 Maple Ave have done: recognize the architectural uniqueness of the homes here and the important social histories contained within these streets, and make efforts to restore and preserve their home's unique character and historic characteristics. We appreciate their approach to restoring the property and offer our support for this item. Thank you, Historic Rogers‐Washington‐Holy Cross Neighborhood Association On Mon, Apr 26, 2021 at 12:48 PM PAZ Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov> wrote: The deadline to register to speak has passed, unfortunately. We are still able to share written comments if received at this email address—I can upload the email below, or if you have additional comments, please send them to us by 2:30 so we can meet the last posting deadline of the day. Hi, Jen and Brenda, Thank you, Elizabeth Brummett | Development Services Manager, Historic Preservation Office City of Austin | Housing & Planning Department Pronouns: She/Her/Hers T: 512.974.1264 | www.austintexas.gov/housing elizabeth.brummett@austintexas.gov 1 From: Jen Margulies Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 11:52 AM To: PAZ Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov>; Brenda Malik Subject: Speaking in favor of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross item on today's agenda *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Those of us from the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Neighborhood Association were wondering if it is still possible to register our support in writing or during the meeting for item HR‐2021‐048226 related to 1910 Maple Ave. We feel that the planned work on this property is very much aligned with the goals of our neighborhood preservation, and we hope to see it approved by the commission. Hello, Thank you, Jen Margulies ‐‐ If you need an immediate response, please call me at CAUTION: This email …
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: Rosemary Merriam Monday, April 26, 2021 1:34 PM PAZ Preservation HLC Meeting Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Sent from Mail for Windows 10 I sent this in last Friday or Thursday and haven ‘t gotten a response. I am also requesting that 1201 Enfield not be on the consent agenda I sent a letter for the file on Friday and in the meantime I have also learned that the building was an original home for the Women’s battered center‐not sure whether for the administrative offices or to provide a secure space for women and children who are seeking a safe place to stauy. 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: Jan Slagter Friday, April 23, 2021 4:37 PM PAZ Preservation 1816, W 11th Street historic case number PR-21-046417 *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Good morning Ms Brummett, Firstly I would like to thank you for your time and for the information you gave me about the redevelopment of the above property. Please disregard the form I mailed in giving my support to the project, this was before I’d seen the actual plans. I was given to believe from Mr Carillo the contractor that it was just a single family dwelling, with pool and garage, it’s obviously a lot more. I have no issue with the current small home on the lot being demolished and a larger home being built, my concern is with 3 two story building being squeezed on to a long thin lot. Looking at the plans I have to say my first thought was it looked like a compound not a home. One of the many joys of living in historic Clarksville is the wide variety of smaller to medium sized homes, with trees and gardens. I would hate to see us lose this with the building of much larger homes. Please lets not repeat the Mcmasions of Tarrytown. Thank you for letting me have my say. Janice Slagter 1809 Waterston Ave 78703 Sent from my iPad 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 Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: M A Sunday, April 25, 2021 10:37 AM PAZ Preservation 1816 W. 11th Street Clarksville Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Preservation Board, I have reviewed the plans for this project in my neighborhood. I think this current design is going to take away from the character and history of Clarksville. Not one portion of the build pays homage to Clarksville or its architectural history. The plans appear to be just another modern farm house on a million dollar lot. The size and design change the quaint inviting characteristics of Clarksville which is stark contrast to the house of one of the founding families of this neighborhood which stood for over 50 years in that …
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Melanie Martinez Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:06 PM Featherston, Witt; Tollett, Blake - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; bc- Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Myers, Terri - BC PAZ Preservation; Bertron, Cara; Sadowsky, Steve GF-2021-046344 507 LELAND STREET Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I am writing to oppose the demolition of 507 Leland Street, Case GF‐2021‐046344. As a long‐time resident of Travis Heights‐Fairview Park I have worked for more than a decade to help our neighborhood achieve our National Register District designation, so it is heartbreaking to see so many contributing properties in good condition, like this one, being demolished just as we are finally achieving our goal. While this house may not rise to the status of a landmark, it is still important to the district's overall historic character and identity. It is the collection, including these working‐class homes, that tell a story about Travis Heights and Austin. This house could certainly be remodeled to increase the square footage while still retaining its historic facade. Should the owner want to use it as a rental property, they could potentially receive tax credits as a benefit of being within the historic district. I hope the commission can persuade the owner to preserve the facade of this home, at the very least, and to help us preserve our historic neighborhood. 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Melanie Martinez Saturday, April 24, 2021 3:57 PM Featherston, Witt; Tollett, Blake - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; bc- Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Myers, Terri - BC Bertron, Cara; Sadowsky, Steve; PAZ Preservation HR-2021-0441041807 BRACKENRIDGE STREET--opposed Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I am a resident of the soon‐to‐be‐official Travis Heights‐Fairview Park National Register District, and a volunteer with neighborhood's Preservation Committee. However, I am not writing on behalf of that group, but as a long‐time resident. I am opposed to the demolition of 1807 Brackenridge, based on its value as a contributing property to our historic district, and as a representative property of so many of our historical residents. This is the beauty of our historic neighborhood‐‐it was economically diverse. The vast majority of our contributing structures were the homes of working people. If we keep demolishing every home that doesn't meet the high bar of being the residence of a person of note and deemed to lack community value, there won't be a historic neighborhood at all one day. I am sad that there is so little hope for preserving this home, which is in good condition and would make a wonderful home as it is, or with an addition and updates. (If kept as a rental property, it might even qualify for tax credits for rehabilitation, thanks to our National Register district designation.) This is a fairly visible location on the edge of our district. However, the character of the new build (old demolition) next door, combined with this one, will further degrade the defining, historic character of this block as people enter the neighborhood. I have been to too many meetings where we are told to create a local historic district if we want to save these homes that are obviously the core of our historic character, but can't qualify as landmarks. We are using all the tools available without that Local District designation. We need help, so I appreciate anything this commission can offer to help us preserve our South Austin story. Sincerely, Melanie Martinez 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 …
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: bob gee Monday, April 26, 2021 12:45 PM Featherston, Witt; Tollett, Blake - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; bc- Caroline.Wright@austin.texas.gov; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Myers, Terri - BC PAZ Preservation; Bertron, Cara; Sadowsky, Steve D.9. HR -2021- 044104 – 1807 Brackenridge St. Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged Dear commissioners, *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I'm writing to oppose the demolition of 1807 Brackenridge St. This house appears to be in fine condition, as noted in the agenda backup, and is an excellent, extant example of Craftsman architecture in Travis Heights. I can attest to the possibilities of working with the original structure to create more space as opposed to tearing down. I am the owner of a home of similar style and vintage in the neighborhood and added a master suite, laundry and office to the rear of the house in 2016, while preserving the architectural integrity of the original house. The home was part of the 2019 Preservation Austin Craftsman home tour. As we face what feels like an inexorable tide of housing demolitions ‐‐ one occurred next door to me last year ‐‐ and we feel the historic character of our neighborhood slipping away, I know we have few tools at our disposal to keep the bulldozers at bay. But, as commissioners, you do have the power of persuasion. Please urge the owner of 1807 Brackenridge to consider preserving the original home and building a rear addition. Thank you, Bob Gee 302 Terrace Drive 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
