May 2020 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services _____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ____________________________________________________________ 7 Cepeda Branch / Hampton Branch (Site/Civil) Report ___________________________________________ 12 Faulk Building / Austin History Center Monthly Report ___________________________________________ 14 Interior Renovations Monthly Report _________________________________________________________ 17 Roof Replacements & Systems Upgrades Monthly Report________________________________________ 19 Austin History Center _________________________________________________________ 21 Library Priorities _____________________________________________________________ 22 Literacy Advancement ____________________________________________________________________ 22 Digital Inclusion & STEM __________________________________________________________________ 22 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion ________________________________________________________________ 22 Civic and Community Engagement __________________________________________________________ 22 Staff Development _______________________________________________________________________ 22 Workforce and Economic Development _______________________________________________________ 23 APL By the Numbers __________________________________________________________ 24 Virtual Collections Usage April ______________________________________________________________ 24 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Announces Plan for Service Changes Austin Public Library has provided a roadmap for future service changes as they relate to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-phase approach outlines several possible reopening scenarios, each dependent on factors such as recommendations from county, state and federal health agencies, social distancing protocols, critical community needs, and logistical and budgetary considerations. Phase 2 – BOOK DROPS OPEN will begin June 1. Phase 3 – CURBSIDE SERVICE will begin on Monday, June 8 During all phases, the following practices will be in place: • Enhanced procedures for frequent cleaning and disinfecting common areas • Use of protective gear such as masks and gloves by all staff – masks or face coverings are required, • Implementation of a teleworking policy that makes sense operationally and allows for social distancing in • Adherence to existing policies for sick leave • Frequent communication at all levels to facilitate cooperation and consistent best practices throughout gloves are not our facilities the organization The phases outlined above are subject to change as the pandemic environment evolves. For the most current information regarding Library services, please visit library.austintexas.gov . Austin Public Library Launches APL+ The newest addition to Austin Public Library’s Virtual Collection, APL+, is now available at library.austintexas.gov. APL+ provides Austin Public Library programming and information literacy in video shorts accessible via the internet. Content is searchable by target audience – Adult, Teen, or Child – and covers topics such as sing-a-longs, crafting, book talks, cooking, virtual library navigation, and digital scavenger hunts. Virtual Job Assistance Take advantage of the resources available at Austin Public Library’s Job Portal, available at library.austintexas.gov. Jump start your job search with a 30-minute, 1-on-1 job coaching session; …
1 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200622-002a: Office of Police Oversight Complaints WHEREAS, the City of Austin Police Department (hereinafter APD) exists to serve the community of Austin, Texas; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight’s mission is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin Office of Police Oversight exists to promote an atmosphere of earned trust between the community and the Austin Police Department; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin Office of Police Oversight makes recommendations to the City Manager and to APD about individual incidents and investigations, as well as broader policy recommendations, and investigated, and resolved; and Internal Affairs Division; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight was created in order to ensure community concerns and/or complaints about potential police misconduct are heard, WHEREAS, It has been has reported in the media that community complaints are vetted by OPO and when sent to the APD they do not lead to an automatic investigation by the APD WHEREAS, complaints are vetted by the Office of Police Oversight, sent to APD are not immediately investigated by APD Internal Affairs, but instead are re-reviewed by APD Internal Affairs staff, resulting in less than 1/3 of complaints sent by OPO since January 2020 being investigated by APD Internal Affairs; and WHEREAS, when community members who have demonstrated courage in bringing forth their complaint of misconduct they should at the very least receive procedural justice for their complaint. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Council compel City Manager Spencer Cronk to direct APD Chief Brian Manley to initiate automatic investigations of vetted complaints received from the Office of Police Oversight. Chief Manley shall be directed to treat external formal complaints from the Office of Police Oversight in the same manner as APD handles internal complaints. Furthermore, Chief Manley shall be directed that it be compulsory that complaints received by APD from the Office of Police Oversight be sent to APD Internal Affairs for investigation and action. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) 2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200622-002b: De-fund the Police WHEREAS, Officers in The Austin Police Department have repeatedly used excessive force on camera without repercussions; and, WHEREAS, The murder of Mike Ramos by Officer Christopher Taylor is apparent via video evidence when viewed by an unbiased observer; and, WHEREAS, Austin Police Department has a widespread reputation of being more likely to use excessive force than Texas' other large jurisdictions; and, WHEREAS, in the City of Austin Human Rights Community Budget forum, citizens of Austin provided the most consistent feedback this commission has received regarding budgetary concerns and implored us to express to City Council that the Austin Police Department budget should be reduced; and APD funding should be re-directed to Black and Brown communities that have faced brutal trauma from centuries of systemic racism from the police and other institutions; and, WHEREAS, on April 29th, 2019, the Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to send recommendation number 20190429-003b: Fiscal Year 2020 Budget to City Council, and this recommendation in part recommended the City of Austin law enforcement strategy be refocused from traditional policing and criminalization, which has led in the past to over policing in minority communities, toward a greater reliance on diversionary, preventative, and rehabilitation programs. We also indicated this focus should include but not be limited to the diversion of funds into such programs that curb crime before it happens; and, WHEREAS, on April 29th, 2019, the Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to send recommendation number 20190429-003b: Fiscal Year 2020 Budget to City Council, and this recommendation in part recommended the City of Austin deeply analyze the number of victims services counselors, mental health officers and other staff associated with the diversion of activity that is criminal on the surface, to evaluate whether more funds should be allocated to fund these positions. A deeper analysis than requiring a certain number of police officers per year citizen is required; and, WHEREAS, On May 30th and 31st, 2020, Austin Police Department committed a war crime by utilizing tear gas, a substance banned by The Geneva Convention; and, WHEREAS, On those same evenings, APD fired on clearly marked medical professionals, violating the near-century old standard of Medical Neutrality according to the Geneva Convention; and, WHEREAS, The causation of police presence leading to lower crime rates has never been academically proven; and, WHEREAS, The Chief of Police, Brian Manley, has repeatedly …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Oakwood Cemetery Archeological Investigation and Findings Briefing to Boards and Commissions Kim McKnight, MSHP, AICP Program Manager Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism Austin Parks and Recreation Department Oakwood Cemetery • Established in 1839, Oakwood Cemetery is Austin’s oldest municipal cemetery • 40 acres in size with more than 23,000 burials • Receives approximately 40 burials a year; Lots sold out by early 20th century • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Official Texas Historic Cemetery, and a City of Austin Historic Landmark • One of five municipal cemeteries managed by the Parks and Recreation Department Segregated section for People of Color • Entire cemetery relatively informal until 1859, when the mayor designated three sections, including a section for people of color • Approximately 1,200 people were buried in the section designated for people of color between 1859-1880 • Burials include: • Jacob Fontaine (1808-1898) - Political and civic leader, newspaper publisher and established numerous churches throughout Travis County, including the St. John Regular Missionary Baptist Association • Laurine Cecil (L.C) Anderson (1853-1938) - Longtime principal of L.C. Anderson High School; First president of the Colored Teachers Association and president of Prairie View University, the first state-supported Texas college for African Americans • Dr. Everett Givens (1888-1962) - Though recognized as an excellent dentist, is better known for efforts to gain equal privileges, rights, and opportunities for African American citizens of Austin • This section of the cemetery also holds the remains of those of Hispanic and European descent and within or overlapping this section are “stranger grounds” and “pauper grounds” Reverend Jacob Fontaine Oakwood Cemetery Chapel • Built in 1914, the Oakwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel was designed by Austin architect Charles Page and hosted non-denominational memorial services and temporary interments; Used as office by 1940s • 2015 Historic Cemeteries Master Plan calls for better interpretation of cemetery history including section for People of Color • Master Plan also recommends Chapel be programmed as community space and visitor center • Project Components: Structural stabilization of foundation; drainage improvement; ADA improvements; Rehabilitation of single-occupant restroom; Full architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rehabilitation Antiquities Permit #7709 • Archeological firm, Hicks and Company, hired to ensure compliance with all requirements and regulations • Antiquities Permit obtained from Texas Historical Commission • Archeological monitoring throughout course of project • Documentation of all cultural resources • Procedures in place …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: Human Rights Commission Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department June 18, 2020 DATE: SUBJECT: Oakwood Cemetery Academic Partnership for DNA testing The purpose of this memo is to notify City Council that the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is in the early stages of exploring an academic partnership to conduct DNA testing of human remains exhumed at Oakwood Cemetery in 2017. As you may recall the remains were discovered during the Oakwood chapel restoration project and date from the mid to late 1800s. A May 14, 2020 memo to City Council provided a project update regarding recent reports from the archeological and bio-archeological analysis as well as community engagement and educational outreach activities. Since May 14th PARD entered into discussions with Dr. Deborah Bolnick, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut, about how the field of anthropological genetics may be applied to the Oakwood Cemetery archeological investigation. Dr. Bolnick is an anthropological geneticist and biological anthropologist who explores how forces, historical events, and social inequalities shape human genomic and epigenomic diversity, as well as human biology more broadly. While discussions are in the early stages, PARD is interested to learn if Dr. Bolnick’s research can shed more light on the lives of the 36 individuals who were discovered during the restoration of the 1914 Oakwood Chapel. Should the partnership move forward, the city would incur no costs associated with the research or analysis. The extraction and analysis of DNA from the remains offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the identities, familial connections, and life experiences of the exhumed people. DNA analysis may make it possible to shed light on (1) the genetic ancestry and genetic sex of each individual, (2) the individual’s diet and experience with disease, (3) experiences of stress and trauma and the way those lived experiences may have become embodied, (4) patterns of genetic variation and relatedness among these individuals, and (5) relatedness between individuals buried at the Oakwood Cemetery and individuals alive today. If the preservation of the DNA in the Oakwood Cemetery remains is sufficient to permit these analyses, living individuals who think they may have a familial connection may be able to submit a saliva sample to the Bolnick lab for DNA analysis, allowing relatedness to be assessed. All genetic data would be considered in conjunction with osteological, …
Archeological Monitoring and Exhumations City of Austin’s Oakwood Cemetery Chapel Restoration Project Travis County, Texas April 2020 Public Distribution Copy This report contains sensitive images. ARCHEOLOGICAL MONITORING AND EXHUMATIONS FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN’S OAKWOOD CEMETERY CHAPEL RESTORATION PROJECT TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS VOLUME I Public Distribution Copy Texas Antiquities Permit No. 7709 Hicks & Company Archeology Series #298 Submitted to: City of Austin Principal Investigator: Josh Haefner, M.A. Written by: Josh Haefner, M.A. Brittany McClain, M.A. Debra Desarmeaux Gregg Cestaro, M.A. April 2020 Hicks & Company Environmental/Archeological Consultants Abstract Abstract Between November 2016 and January 2018, Hicks & Company Environmental/Archeological Consultants (Hicks & Company) performed archeological monitoring and excavations at the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel prior to planned restoration efforts there by the City of Austin (the City). The Oakwood Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a Historic Texas Cemetery and a City of Austin Historic Landmark. As the City is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, the project is subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT) (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191), which requires state agencies and political subdivisions of the state to notify the Texas Historical Commission (THC) of ground-disturbing activity on public land and work affecting state-owned historic buildings. The law also established the designation of State Antiquities Landmarks (SAL), which may be applied to historic buildings and archeological sites. The accompanying Rules of Practice and Procedure for the ACT are subsumed under Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 13, Chapter 26. Cemeteries are specifically addressed under TAC, Title 13, Chapter 22. In addition to the ACT, burials and cemeteries in Texas are also protected under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 711. Investigations were conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 7709 issued to Principal Investigator Josh Haefner. Together with the Texas Historical Commission and the City of Austin, Hicks & Company developed a plan for monitoring the chapel restoration work to avoid unnecessary impacts to graves anticipated to be encountered below the chapel, as well as outside and adjacent to the chapel. The monitoring of various construction activities between November 2016 and January 2018 resulted in the discovery of 59 unmarked graves of individuals who died in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century (including several infants) and a series of archeological excavations to exhume 37 of those graves from the chapel’s interior. Only 37 …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200622-003a: Recommendation to Address Under-banking by Allowing City Libraries to Perform Limited Financial Services WHEREAS, Under-banking is a serious detriment to working people’s ability to build and grow wealth; and, WHEREAS, Online banking services and digital commerce are becoming increasingly ubiquitous; and, WHEREAS, The inability to participate in digital commerce can directly impact one’s quality of life, financial and employment prospects; thus negatively impacting one’s access to human rights; and, WHEREAS, Public institutions, such as the United States Postal Service, have previously provided limited banking services to the public; and, WHEREAS, The entrance of a public enterprise with more affordable rates stimulates competition in the private sector; and, WHEREAS, The definition of what public libraries are able to lend to the public has previously been expanded (i.e. DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, etc.); and, WHEREAS, Libraries are currently, in effect, depositories of a kind; and, WHEREAS, Exclusion from banking services has been a studied and documented symptom of institutional racism and sexism; and, WHEREAS, The right to Social Security is guaranteed by the 22nd Article of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights; and, WHEREAS, We are now facing unprecedented financial consequences due to COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, It is in the public interest to create a department within a publicly trusted institution dedicated to the financial success and prosperity of all Austin residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission recommends the Austin City Council to investigate ways to charter the Austin Library System as a state bank to provide basic, free-to-access, financial services to include but not limited to: fee-free ATM services, checking and savings accounts with online access, debit card services, fee-free overdraft protection, etc.
Special Meeting of the Design Commission - Remotely; Via WebEx DESIGN COMMISSION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 1:00 PM MEETING MINUTES Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 1:02 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS ✓ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) ✓ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) _ Josue Meiners (District 4) ✓ Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) ✓ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) ✓ ✓ ✓ Beau Frail (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) • “✓” Denotes Commission Members who were in attendance CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF ✓ Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison ✓ Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison ✓ Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the February 24, 2020 & May 18, 2020 meeting minutes; • The motion to approve the minutes as drafted was made by Commissioner E. Taniguchi and seconded by Chairman D. Carroll. • The motion was approved on a unanimous vote of [7‐0‐0]. Page 1 of 2 b. Election of officers; • The motion to appoint Commissioner M. Henao-Robledo for vice chair was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Vice Chair M. Gonzalez. • The motion was approved on a unanimous vote of [7‐0‐0]. c. Discussion and possible action regarding Great Streets Standards concerning Paver type and design • Recommendation by Chairman D. Carroll to Bring in Jenna McCann for • Suggestion made by City staff for Jenna McCann to appear at a working group prior to further discussion. appearance at Design Commission d. Liaison Reports: report from collaborative commissions from their most recent meeting • Chairman D. Carroll- Joint Sustainability Committee; Expected to have a public draft by the end of the summer; will share with Design Commission. 2. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. Briefing from the Austin Transportation Enterprise Parking Division. b. Briefing on Functional Green by staff on the functional green requirement for projects over 80% pervious cover per the new section of code. c. Update from Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) on the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP). d. Briefing from the Arts in Public Places Program. b. c. Items from Commission Members; ∙ Commissioner Jessica Rollason has been sworn in as the newest Design Commissioner. Items from City Staff; Regularly scheduled Design Commission Meeting will still be held remotely the …
MEMORANDUM Date: To: From: Subject: May 29, 2020 City of Austin Design Commission Planning & Urban Design Working Group Downtown Density Bonus Program review of the 3rd and Brazos Streets project for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Meeting Date: May 21, 2020; 10:00 am, Virtual Meeting (Microsoft Teams) Applicant: Architect: Michele Rogerson Lynch, Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams SCB The project is located at the northwest corner of 3rd and Brazos Streets. Existing zoning for the property is CBD. It is not in the Capitol View Corridor or Capitol Dominance Overlay. The lot area is 17,707 SF and the total proposed project area is 442,675 SF with Retail and Residential uses. The proposed FAR for this project is 25:1, this is more than the 8:1 maximum allowed, so an increase in FAR of 17:1 is being requested. The proposed building height is 513 feet with 45 floors. Nine levels of above ground parking are proposed, with 308 parking spaces. The project proposes to fulfill the Community Benefit requirements by paying a fee-in-lieu to the Affordable Housing Trust. Per the Density Bonus Program ordinance, the applicant is required, at a minimum, to meet the three gatekeeper requirements: 1. Substantially comply with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines 2. Provide streetscape improvements that meet the Great Streets Program Standards. 3. Commit to a minimum of 2-Star rating under Austin Energy’s Green Building Program. WORKING GROUP COMMENTS REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES AREA WIDE GUIDELINES 1. Create Dense Development: 25.1:1 FAR being requested. Project complies with this section. 2. Create Mixed-Use Development: The project has residential and retail uses. This project complies with this section. 3. Limit Development which Closes Downtown Streets: This project is not proposing to permanently close any streets. Project complies with this section. 4. Buffer Neighborhood Edges: 5. Project is not adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Not applicable Incorporate Civic Art in both Public and Private Development: Project will preserve existing public art along 3rd Street and Brazos Street, but no new art is planned by applicant. Project does not comply. 6. Protect Important Public Views: Project does not obscure existing view through the public right-of-way. This project complies with this section. 1/4 7. Avoid Historical Misrepresentations: Project design is not a historic style. Project complies. 8. Respect Adjacent Historic Buildings: No adjacent historic buildings. Not applicable. 10. Avoid the Development of Theme Environments: No theme …
MEMORANDUM Date: To: From: Subject: Meeting Date: Applicant: Architect: April 29, 2020 City of Austin Design Commission Planning & Urban Design Working Group Downtown Density Bonus Program review of the 321 West 6th Street project for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. April 24, 2020; 12:00 pm, Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting Richard T. Suttle, Jr. Page The project is located at 321 West 6th St at Guadalupe St. Existing zoning for the property is CBD and it is not within the Capitol View Corridor. The lot area is 20,644 SF and the total proposed project area is 516,100 square feet (Office: 105,858 SF, Retail: 5,357 SF, Multi-Family: 402,296 SF, Flex: 2,589 SF). The proposed FAR for this project is 25:1, this is more than the 8:1 maximum allowed, so an increase in FAR of 17:1 is being requested (350,948 SF). The proposed building height is 770.5 feet with 63 floors. 490 parking spaces are proposed in twelve levels of parking; two below grade and 10 above grade. The project proposes to fulfill the Community Benefit requirement by paying 100% of the bonus area to the Affordable Housing Trust ($2,735,639.66) Per the Density Bonus Program ordinance, the applicant is required, at a minimum, to meet the three gatekeeper requirements: 1. Substantially comply with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines 2. Provide streetscape improvements that meet the Great Streets Program Standards. 3. Commit to a minimum of 2-Star rating under Austin Energy’s Green Building Program. WORKING GROUP COMMENTS REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES AREA WIDE GUIDELINES 1. Create dense development- 25:1 FAR being requested. Project complies with this section. 2. Create mixed-use development- The project has residential, office, and retail uses. This project complies with this section. 3. Limit development which closes downtown streets- This project is not proposing to permanently close any streets. Project complies with this section. 4. Buffer neighborhood edges- 5. Project does not border any neighborhoods. This section is not applicable. Incorporate civic art in both public and private development- Public art is being proposed at corner of 6th and Guadalupe Streets. This project complies with this section. 6. Protect important public views- Project is not within the Capitol View Corridor and does not encroach ROW. This project complies with this section. 7. Avoid historical misrepresentations- Project design is a modern style. Project complies. 1/3 8. Respect adjacent historic buildings- No adjacent buildings identified as historic …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Susan Benz <benz@benzresourcegroup.com> Friday, June 19, 2020 10:49 AM PAZ Preservation Historic Landmark Commission, June 22, 2020 Meetinh *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi there, I am writing in support of C14H‐1997‐008, The Norwood House at 1018 Edgecliff Terrace I am happy to speak to this project. I do think that Colleen Theriot is the best speaker as she has a high level of specific knowledge about the house's history. I will dial in and be available. Thanks, Susan Susan Benz | Benz Resource Group 1208 E 2nd St Austin, TX 78702 512‐608‐8025 cell 512‐220‐9542 benz@BenzResourceGroup.com Please note my new office address! Keep Calm and Carry On ... and wash your hands! 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Carolyn Croom < Friday, June 19, 2020 6:10 PM PAZ Preservation Hearing on 2502 Park View Drive, Austin, Texas (HDP-2020-0214) > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To the members of the Historic Landmark Commission: I oppose the demolition of the architecturally and historically significant house at 2502 Park View Drive. In attending the talk and the tour of the Air Conditioned Village offered by MidTexMod, I learned that it is the best-preserved example of the proposed Austin Air- Conditioned Village Historic District. I live a few blocks away in a similar ranch-style house built only a couple of years later and value the preservation of houses in this style. That this house also exhibits historical significance, as a part of a unique mid- century air-conditioning research project, is particularly compelling. Please vote for the preservation of 2502 Park View Drive. Sincerely, Carolyn Croom 2502 Albata Avenue Austin, Texas 78757 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Cynthia Keohane < Sunday, June 21, 2020 7:27 PM PAZ Preservation 2502 Park View Drive (HDP-2020-0214) > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission: I support the preservation of this historically and architecturally significant home, and hope you can save it from demolition. As a former President of Allandale Neighborhood Association, and an Allandale homeowner within a mile from this home, I attended the Mid Tex Mod's Air Conditioned Village program a few years ago. It's clear that this represents history worthy of saving. Please vote to preserve this landmark. All the best, Cynthia Keohane 5702 Wynona Avenue was very con and walk sponsored by Mid Tex Mod several eyars agohave that's less than a mileA 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: > miz_jen < Friday, June 19, 2020 8:20 PM PAZ Preservation allandale.neighborhood@gmail.com 2502 Park View Dr--HDP-2020-0214 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To the members of the …
. I I G N T T M R E P R O L A V O R P P A Y R O T A L U G E R , I N O T C U R T S N O C R O F T O N .Park - Aerial Rear 2 A-3.1 .Park - Aerial Front 1 A-3.1 .Park - Street View 5 A-3.1 c COPYRIGHT 2019, WITT ARCHITECTURE SCOTT L WITT, AIA .Park - Front Walk 3 A-3.1 Warning: It is a violation of the law for any person, unless acting under the direction of a the licensed architect of record, to alter an item in any way on these plans. Printing note: Sheet is formatted to 22" x 34". Scales are 50% of noted scale when printed on 11x17 paper. Architect Consultants: NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION, REGULATORY APPROVAL OR PERMITTING. Owner Consultants: . . . Cedar & Oak 2502 Park View Drive Austin, TX REVSIONS: Building Elevations Project Number: 2020-08 Project Phase: Drawn by: Checked by: SD SLW ... Date: June 18, 2020 A-3.1 5 OF 6 . I I G N T T M R E P R O L A V O R P P A Y R O T A L U G E R , I N O T C U R T S N O C R O F T O N c COPYRIGHT 2019, WITT ARCHITECTURE SCOTT L WITT, AIA " 0 - ' 0 4 " 9' - 9 " 0 - ' 0 4 " 0 - ' 0 4 ADJACENT GRADE LOW POINT EL. 706'-3" DEED RESTRICTION SIDE REAR SET BACK 10'-0" HIGH POINT EL. 708'-3" TENT ONE HIGH POINT EL. 708'-0" FINISH FLOOR EL. 708'-6" AVG. ADJ. GRADE EL. 707'-3" TENT ONE HIGH POINT EL. 707'-6" Warning: It is a violation of the law for any person, unless acting under the direction of a the licensed architect of record, to alter an item in any way on these plans. Printing note: Sheet is formatted to 22" x 34". Scales are 50% of noted scale when printed on 11x17 paper. Architect Consultants: NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION, REGULATORY APPROVAL OR PERMITTING. Owner Consultants: . . . DEED RESTRICTION SIDE YARD SET BACK 10'-0" Cedar & Oak 2502 Park View Drive Austin, TX DEED RESTRICTION FRONT YARD SET BACK 35'-0" REVSIONS: COMPASS NORTH PLAN NORTH 1 A-1.2 Site Plan …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: cara collins Monday, June 22, 2020 1:29 PM PAZ Preservation 2502 Park View dr. > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I am a resident of Park View drive and we have already seen 3 historic houses get demolished over the past few years. 2502 is different. It has is all original inside with built‐in radio and original kitchen. A model for the first air conditioned village in Austin this house IS a historic landmark. It would be so sad to see a historic treasure with an iconic architectural style get demolished and replaced by an ugly, characterless McMansion that has plagued the neighborhood for the past few years. Please reconsider this demolition permit and designate 2505 historic to preserve some of Austin’s history. Sincerely Cara Taylor 2606 Park View dr. Sent from my iPhone 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Jonathan Monday, June 22, 2020 2:19 PM PAZ Preservation Against the demolition of 2502 Park View Drive > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello‐ My name is Jonathan Skaggs and I live near the house at 2502 Park View Drive. I wanted to put in my two cents regarding the proposed demolition of this house. It is my understanding that this house was a model house for the Air‐Conditioned Village, which is a great piece of history. I think this house should be considered a historical landmark. Thanks! ‐Jonathan 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
June 20, 2020 Emily Reed, Chair City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Re: 2502 Park View Drive Dear Ms. Reed, Cedar and Oak Homes is a family owned company creating beautiful homes in Austin. We are thoughtful in our design selections, considerate in the build process, and look to restore the community we grew up in and love. Whether improving an existing home, or restoring a neighborhood with a new build after a structure has deteriorated, we look to honor the period and design influences of each neighborhood and carry those influences through to an updated, efficient, and modern home. The structure at 2502 Park View is not a well-preserved structure. This property played a role in construction science in the 1950s and was innovative for its era. However, mechanical design and insulation of residential HVAC has advanced drastically. In its infancy, residential air conditioning engineering focused on the equipment. Since the central A/C unit’s invention (1902) and introduction to residential construction (1931), the technology has not changed much outside of the improvements made in refrigerant. What has changed and where we continue to innovate is in a home’s architectural and mechanical design for air quality, efficiency, and maintenance. The lack of an attic, characterized by the architectural design of the era, makes remedying the HVAC design near impossible for 2502 Park View. There is a path to preserving the neighborhood and architectural intent without investing in an unsound structure plagued by antiquated mechanical design. The history of demolition in the neighborhood should also be considered. Eight of the original 22 homes have been demolished due to their dilapidated condition, some of which were in better condition than 2502 Park View. That history coupled with years of deferred maintenance affecting the environmentally unfriendly tar and gravel roof, cast iron plumbing, failing foundation, and general livability of the house -- We do not see a path to restoration, and support the demolition of the structure. Even though this neighborhood is not historically designated, the goal is to honor the architectural style and design period of the neighborhood. This house was a fine example mid- century modern architecture when it was constructed. Like Fred Day’s original design, the new construction will be a stylized example of mid-century modern architecture - exposed beams, asymmetrical facade, courtyards, single story, north and south facing windows, and inherent efficiency. The neighborhood association deed restrictions have been …
AARC Workgroup meeting for the AAQoL Thursday, June 11 3:30-4:30pm In attendance: Sona Shah, Schiller Liao, Kirk Yoshida, Debasree DasGupta. Discussion on the AARC Phase 11 Master plan: The letter of approval for CMAR will be going to the Council in July. Debasree to request Vince to follow up with Kimberly about the status of the EDA grant Updates from the Center by Sona: The AARC is scheduled to open on Monday, June 15. Visits to the center will be by reservation only, with no more than 10 people at a time. People can visit to view the exhibits, some of which are already there. Some exhibits from the Seniors that are also being displayed along with one on silk art. Only a couple of staff will be present. The classrooms have remained closed. Summer camps have been cancelled Registration for online summer youth’s program will be starting soon. The Center is considering developing programs around the current situations. AARC is helping AACHI on the development of a web-site to report bias incidents AARC is also working with other Cultural Centers to support their upcoming events. Carver Center is planning an event for Juneteenth. Discussion on current situation: Debasree suggested that NAAO reach out to the members regarding giving more thought and attention to the Black Live Matter movement and not remain indifferent. Schiller also suggested that AARC host a webinar on Colored Life matters with NAAO Schiller to contact NAAO.
