CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item06 DATE: Monday July 8, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0020 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___-____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) OUT ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___Y____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___Y____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OWNER/APPLICANT: Ian Wilson ADDRESS: 2215 CANTERBURY ST VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2- 492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to: decrease the minimum front yard setback from 25 feet (required) to 20 feet (requested) feet (requested) and feet (requested), decrease the minimum interior side yard setback from 5 feet (required) to 0 decrease the minimum street side yard setback from 15 feet (required) to 8 in order to complete a remodel/addition and maintain a Single-Family residence in a “SF- 3-NP”, Single-Family-Neighborhood Plan zoning district (Holly Neighborhood Plan). BOARD’S DECISION: The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to approve; Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne second on 11-0 votes; GRANTED. FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: it prevents the maintenance and improvements required to preserve the original character of the 100 +year old structure 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: age and siting of the structure (original portion built in 1918 before city code, now in the setbacks), lot configuration (corner, 48.5’ width), topography (elevation change down Mildred towards Town Lake), heritage trees (on our lot and neighbors lot). (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: only applies to historic homes, placed before zoning. 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: the variance will memorialize the existing conditions of the property which have not impaired the use of any adjacent property for decades. Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Chair for
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item07 DATE: Monday July 8, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0023 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___-____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ABSTAINED ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___-____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) OUT ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___Y____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___Y____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OWNER/APPLICANT: Miki Agrawal ADDRESS: 1607 KENWOOD AVE VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code: Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback from 10 feet (required) to 5.7 feet (requested) Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from building coverage requirements to increase from 40 percent (maximum allowed) to 50.77 percent (1,599.40 sq. ft.)(requested) Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase from 45 percent (maximum allowed) to 60.37 percent (1,901.90 sq.ft.) (requested) Section 25-2-963 (Modification and Maintenance of Non-complying Structures) (F) (2) to increase the additional length of the front wall from 31’-2” (50% of this is 15’-7”) to 18’- 1 ½” (requested) Section 25-2-963 (Modification and Maintenance of Non-complying Structures) (F) (2) to increase the additional length of the side wall from 16’-1 ¾” (50% of this is 8’-1”) to 15’- 4 ¾” (requested) in order to complete a remodel/addition to an existing Single-Family residence in a “SF-3- NP”, Single-Family-Neighborhood Plan zoning district (South River City Neighborhood Plan). Land Development Code Section 25-2-963 Modification and Maintenance of NonComplying Structures. (A) Except as provided in Subsections (B), (C), and (D) of this section, a person may modify or maintain a noncomplying structure. (B) The following requirements must be met in order to modify, maintain, or alter a non-complying residential structure: (1) Demolition or removal of walls must comply with the following requirements: (a) No more than fifty percent of exterior walls and supporting structural elements of the existing structure may be demolished or removed, including load bearing masonry walls, and in wood construction, studs, sole plate, and top plate. For purposes of this subsection, exterior walls and supporting structural elements are measured in linear feet and do not include the roof of the structure or interior or exterior finishes. (b) Replacement or repair of structural elements, including framing, is permitted if required by the building official to meet minimum health and safety requirements. (2) Replacement or …
1. ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 8, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on July 8, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Parliamentarian Nemer called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Amanda Bruce, D10 Whitney Holt, D5 Larry Tucker, D7 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochelle Vickery – Spay and Neuter, Found Dogs Jeff Gjertson – Found Dogs, Shelter Intake APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 10, 2024. 1 The minutes from the meeting of June 10, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Smagula’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton, Commissioners Bruce, Holt, and Tucker were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Commissioner Dulzaides requested that information on the number of animals microchipped this year be provided by Animal Services staff. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 5. Approve a recommendation to Council on animals at City of Austin Cooling Centers. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council on animals at City of Austin Cooling Centers was approved on Commissioner Smagula’s motion, Commissioner Herrera’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton, Commissioners Bruce, Holt, and Tucker were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. Parliamentarian Nemer adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the August 12, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Nemer’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second on a 7-0 vote. Chair Clinton and Commissioner Holt abstained. Commissioners Bruce, Dulzaides, and Nilson were absent. 2
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, July 8, 2024 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:51 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Brian Poteet, Bianca A. Medina-Leal, Janel Venzant, Michael Von Ohlen, Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Thomas Ates, Marcel Gutierrez-Garza, Yung-ju Kim Board Member/Commissioners absent: Maggie Shahrestani PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment Regular meeting on June 10, 2024. On-Line Link: ITEM01 DRAFT MINUTES June 10, 2024 The minutes from the meeting June 10, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair’s Melissa Hawthorne motion, Board member Michaeal Von Ohlen second on a 10-0-1 vote (Board member Yung-ju Kim no vote-technical issues virtual). PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Reconsideration cases: 2. C15-2024-0015 David Chace for Chris and Shannon Renner 1306 Rockcliff Road On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET PART1, PART2, PART3, PART4; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code: Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback from 40 feet (required) to 20 feet (requested) Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback (east side) from 10 feet (required) to 5 feet (requested) shoreline setback requirements to decrease from 25 feet (required) to 0 feet (requested) Section 25-2-551 (Lake Austin (LA) District Regulations) (B) (1) (b) from in order to demolish and construct a new 2 story single-family residence attached to existing legal non-complying Boat House in a “LA”, Lake Austin zoning district. Note: This section of the Land Development Code applies to lots that are included in a subdivision plat recorded before April 22, 1982 or is a legal tract exempt from the requirement to plat. For the above address the Subdivision Plat was recorded on December 1, 1976 Land Development Code Section 25-2-551 Lake Austin (LA) District Regulations (A) …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item07 DATE: Monday July 8, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0023 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___-____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ABSTAINED ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___-____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) OUT ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___Y____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___Y____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OWNER/APPLICANT: Miki Agrawal ADDRESS: 1607 KENWOOD AVE VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code: Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback from 10 feet (required) to 5.7 feet (requested) Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from building coverage requirements to increase from 40 percent (maximum allowed) to 50.77 percent (1,599.40 sq. ft.)(requested) Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase from 45 percent (maximum allowed) to 60.37 percent (1,901.90 sq.ft.) (requested) Section 25-2-963 (Modification and Maintenance of Non-complying Structures) (F) (2) to increase the additional length of the front wall from 31’-2” (50% of this is 15’-7”) to 18’- 1 ½” (requested) Section 25-2-963 (Modification and Maintenance of Non-complying Structures) (F) (2) to increase the additional length of the side wall from 16’-1 ¾” (50% of this is 8’-1”) to 15’- 4 ¾” (requested) in order to complete a remodel/addition to an existing Single-Family residence in a “SF-3- NP”, Single-Family-Neighborhood Plan zoning district (South River City Neighborhood Plan). Land Development Code Section 25-2-963 Modification and Maintenance of NonComplying Structures. (A) Except as provided in Subsections (B), (C), and (D) of this section, a person may modify or maintain a noncomplying structure. (B) The following requirements must be met in order to modify, maintain, or alter a non-complying residential structure: (1) Demolition or removal of walls must comply with the following requirements: (a) No more than fifty percent of exterior walls and supporting structural elements of the existing structure may be demolished or removed, including load bearing masonry walls, and in wood construction, studs, sole plate, and top plate. For purposes of this subsection, exterior walls and supporting structural elements are measured in linear feet and do not include the roof of the structure or interior or exterior finishes. (b) Replacement or repair of structural elements, including framing, is permitted if required by the building official to meet minimum health and safety requirements. (2) Replacement or …
Historic Landmark Commission Applications under Review for July 3, 2024 Meeting This list does not constitute a formal agenda and is subject to change. A final agenda will be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. Briefings 2. Briefing on community outreach and engagement for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan – Cara Bertron and Gregory Farrar Historic landmark and historic district applications National Register district permit applications 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 801 Lydia Street – Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District – Total demolition. 1807 E Cesar Chavez Street – Berner-Clark-Mercado House - Repair/replace deck and rails, paint exterior. 1003 E 9th Street – Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District – Partial demolition/addition/remodel/new construction accessory dwelling unit. 611 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – New construction. 1519 Alameda Drive – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – New construction. 2100 Travis Heights Boulevard – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Partial demolition/addition. 900 Spence Street – Willow-Spence National Register Historic District – Total demolition. 1409 Alta Vista Avenue – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Total demolition. 1607 Kenwood Avenue – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Addition. 1701 W 32nd Street – Old West Austin National Register Historic District – Total demolition and new construction. 4200 Wilshire Parkway – Wilshire Wood National Register Historic District – Total demolition. 1205 W 10th Street – West Line National Register Historic District – Replace windows/doors, replace stone, repaint. Demolition and relocation permit applications (all total demolitions unless otherwise noted) 7304 Knox Lane – Relocation – 78731 1205 Cotton Street – 78702 10413 S IH 35 SVRD NB – 78747 4700 S Congress Avenue #10 – 78745 1702 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard – 78702 1704 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard – 78702 3711 Gilbert Street – 78703 4704 S Congress Avenue #16 – Relocation – 78745 4704 S Congress Avenue #15 – Relocation – 78745 …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, July 3rd, 2024 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, Chair Witt Featherston, Vice Chair Kevin Koch Carl Larosche Trey McWhorter Harmony Grogan Jaime Alvarez Roxanne Evans Raymond Castillo JuanRaymon Rubio Tara Dudley AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. June 5, 2024 – Offered for consent approval. 1 BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing on community outreach and engagement for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Presenter: Cara Bertron and Gregory Farrar PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND ACTION Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 3. PR-2024-014961 – 801 Lydia St. Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District Council District 1 Proposal: Total demolition. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: Jennifer Hanlen City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Deny the demolition request. 4. HR-2024-040291– 1807 E Cesar Chavez St. Berner-Clark-Mercado House Council District 3 Proposal: Repair/replace deck and rails, paint exterior. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: David Rudick City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s request to postpone the public hearing to August 7, 2024 to allow time to implement Committee feedback. 5. HR-2024-051579 – 1003 E 9th St. Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District Council District 1 Proposal: Partial demolition/addition/remodel/build new construction accessory dwelling unit. (Postponed June 5, 2024) Applicant: Joshua Mackley City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Strongly encourage the applicant to reduce the addition’s height further to enhance compatibility with the design standards, but approve the application, as the applicant has amended the design to better enhance compatibility per Committee feedback. National Register District Permit Applications 6. HR-2024-044761 – 611 …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, June 5th, 2024 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, Chair x Witt Featherston, Vice Chair x Kevin Koch x Carl Larosche x Trey McWhorter x Harmony Grogan x x x x x ab Jaime Alvarez Roxanne Evans Raymond Castillo JuanRaymon Rubio Tara Dudley DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Eric Standridge spoke on 1500 E 12th Street. Tommy Siragusa spoke on 2100 Travis Heights Boulevard. Andrea Hill spoke on 900 Spence Street. Meghan King spoke on Preservation Austin updates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. May 1, 2024 – Offered for consent approval. MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner Featherston. Commissioner Larosche seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. The motion passed. BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation on Code Department and Building Standards Commission processes 3. Briefing on outreach, engagement, and next steps for the Equity-Based Preservation Presenter: Robert Moore Plan Presenter: Cara Bertron CONSENT/CONSENT POSTPONEMENT AGENDA Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 4. HR-2024-025501 – 1000 Blanco St. – Application withdrawn, no action required. West Austin Fire Station Council District 9 5. PR-2024-014961 – 801 Lydia St. Robertson/Stuart & Mair Local Historic District Council District 1 Proposal: Total demolition. (Postponed May 1, 2024) Applicant: Jennifer Hanlen City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s postponement request to the July 3, 2024 meeting. MOTION: Postpone the public hearing to July 3, 2024, per passage of the consent postponement agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Featherston. Commissioner Larosche seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. The motion passed. 6. HR-2024-040291– 1807 E Cesar Chavez …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 3, 2024 HR-2023-043027 TRAVIS HEIGHTS-FAIRVIEW PARK NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 1409 ALTA VISTA AVENUE 10 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1926 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story Craftsman with horizontal wood siding, screened wood windows, decorative shutters, a hooded entryway with decorative brackets, and a clipped-gable roof. The house at 1409 Alta Vista Avenue was built around 1926. Until 1947, its occupants were mostly short-term owners and renters, including an engineer, a state highway inspector, an office manager, and a mechanic. The home was then purchased by Frank and Lura Connolly. Frank Connolly was the editor, owner, and publisher of the Texas Tax Journal, while Lura worked both at the journal and as a Red Cross nurse. The Connollys sold the home in the late 1950s to Anna and William Duncum. William Duncum worked as a public school teacher. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain 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 modest Craftsman architecture in Travis Heights. 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 appear to 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 does not appear to be a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Strongly encourage adaptive reuse and rehabilitation, then relocation over demolition, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. The Historic Landmark Commission must review plans for new construction in National Register Historic Districts before the demolition permit is released. LOCATION MAP 10 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 10 – 3 10 – 4 Application, 2023 1952 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co., Littlefield Bldg. Occupancy History …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Russell Korte Historic Preservation Office district9@austin.texas.gov; Beeler, Melissa; Qadri, Zo; Fahnestock, Sam; Adrian, Leah; kalan.cotreras@austintexas.gov; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Dudley, Tara - BC Concerns Regarding 1409 Alta Vista Demolition Tuesday, June 11, 2024 9:03:44 AM City Arborist; Some people who received this message don't often get email from important . Learn why this is External Email - Exercise Caution Hello -- I am writing regarding the planned demolition of 1409 Alta Vista Avenue. I am a proponent of new development within our city, but without careful planning and consideration, this project could be an imminent danger to heritage trees on the property, negatively impact the neighborhood and Alta Vista Avenue, and set the wrong precedent for development under updated building codes. I am urging a postponement of the demolition approval until a full development plan is shared and neighborhood concerns are addressed. I observed at the June 5, 2024 Historic Landmark Commission meeting that the owner of this property intends to carry out a full demolition followed by the construction of a triplex. The owner, however, has not attempted to contact or make clear his plans with immediate neighbors or the neighborhood association. As the owner and resident of the house next door, 1407 Alta Vista, I am greatly concerned about the impact of this project on the neighborhood, Alta Vista Avenue, and my property. While I support the creation of additional affordable housing units in our city, I have concerns about approving the demolition of this original structure without a clear understanding of the triplex plans for this lot. My specific concerns include: Preservation of Heritage Trees: There are seven heritage trees documented on the demolition permit. How will the project address the preservation of the beautiful heritage oak trees on the property? How do we ensure that the developer does not willfully violate tree preservation rules? Maintaining Existing Feel and Setbacks How will the project ensure the preservation of existing street's feel? The setbacks create a sense of openness and greenery that is unique and core to the identity of Travis Heights Street and Alley Access and Parking: How will access and parking be managed for three units on this lot? I urge the Historic Landmark Commission, and the city, to hold off on approving the demolition of the existing structure until there is a comprehensive review of the proposed plans to ensure …
From: To: Subject: Date: Hillary Bilheimer Historic Preservation Office Tree Ordinance Review Sunday, June 9, 2024 9:53:41 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello I am writing about 1409 Alta Vista Av 78704 and the proposed development that is being permitted at that location. The developer has submitted plans for demolition of existing and building 3 new structures on the property. With seven heritage trees on the site, I am curious how this will happen. I am very much in support of keeping existing trees and setbacks in this neighborhood (I am an Alta Vista resident, myself). I do not support the current CoA loophole of essentially allowing developers to remove trees by paying a fine. This allows developers to merely absorb the fine in the case where they will turn around and sell whatever they are building at extremely inflated prices. It does nothing to actually preserve our heritage trees. In this particular case, both the developer and architect are from outside of Austin and can be assumed to only see the trees as a nuisance and not as the habitat-providing, shade-providing members of our urban forest that they are. Please let me know what is being done and what can still be done at this stage in order to protect these trees. Thank you Hillary Bilheimer 1802 Alta Vista Av 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".
11 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 3, 2024 HR-2024-055618 TRAVIS HEIGHTS-FAIRVIEW PARK NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 1607 KENWOOD AVENUE PROPOSAL Construct a side addition to a ca. 1940 house, enclosing a detached studio building. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Combine 1-story, single-family house and detached studio building. The extended front wall will be flush with the original house, extending to the footprint of the patio at the side and the studio at the rear. The proposed design changes the house from a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom. 2) Partially demolish roofs of both structures and build new roof connecting them and over new construction. The side gable at the front of the house will be extended with matching dimensions, with two gables projecting to the rear at the existing house and remainder of the studio roof system. 3) Remove front window and door & install new fixtures. 4) Move driveway & install a new path to front entry. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register nomination describes the house as an intact, contributing example of the Minimal Traditional style built in a rectangular plan. The front elevation features a door at center, with a 1/1 window on either side. A side gable roof is present, with a front gable projecting outwards, covering the front entryway. To the southeast of the main house is a small, detached studio space with a front gable roof extending towards the front of the property. The southwest corner of the property is enclosed by a wood fence that forms a patio space behind it. The house at 1607 Kenwood Avenue was constructed around 1938, and was advertised as a 5-room bungalow rental for $32.50 a month. No records are present indicating who occupied the property until 1941, when it housed Roy & Ruth Krezdorn. Mr. Krezdorn worked as an electrical engineer at the Lower Colorado River Authority at this time, and Mrs. Krezdorn was active in Austin social groups, including Junior Helping Hand and St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. Later Roy worked in a managerial role, as well as an adjunct professor for engineering, and Ruth gave birth to three children. By this time they were no longer listed as residing at the modest bungalow on Kenwood Avenue, and listings had the Curtis family occupying the space, who would later appear on a notice for delinquent taxes. At some point …
12 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 3, 2024 HR-2024-071983; PR-2024-071554, GF-2024-073577 OLD WEST AUSTIN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 1701 WEST 32ND STREET PROPOSAL garage. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Demolish a c. 1949 contributing structure, replace with a new single-family house. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Demolish the exiting, fire-damaged house, which contributes to the National Register district. Retain existing detached 2) Construct a new one-story, single-family residence, with a larger footprint. House will feature front, rear, and side deck. Proposed house will feature an asymmetric gable roof and covered porch with minor similarity to the historic. Asymmetrical double-front gable, single family house with two sets of paired 1/1 replacement windows at the front elevation. A front porch extends across the smaller front gable, about half the width of the house. The building extends back along Jefferson Street with numerous windows of different sizes and a cross gable at the rear. A porch with pergola is present at the rear. Fire damage is present at several areas of the house, notably the attic and roof. The early occupant of the house at 1701 West 32nd Street was Arthur Anthony Shipley, a veteran of World War II. After the war ended, he attended the University of Texas and was involved with athletics and coaching. Upon graduation, he owned and operated the Varsity Shop on Guadalupe Street and rented the house on West 32nd Street. He was noted in the local news as an ardent supporter of the university’s sports teams. He suffered a heart attack and died while attending a UT football game in 1959 at the age of 52. The house appears to have continued operating as a rental after this. DESIGN STANDARDS 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 in National Register districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location The proposed new construction is set back the required 25 feet from the front of the property, which is similar to the existing building and surrounding houses, in keeping with Standard 1.1. Rear detached garage is proposed to be retained. 2. Orientation Orientation is consistent with the historic building and other houses on the street. 3. Scale, massing, and height The proposed design is one story, consistent with the existing building. However, …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 3, 2024 PR-2024-064449; GF-2024-073048 WILSHIRE WOOD NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 4200 WILSHIRE PARKWAY 13 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1947 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story cross-gabled house clad in siding and cut-stone veneer, with multilight steel casement windows and a front-facing garage. The house at 4200 Wilshire Parkway was built in 1947 by developers Bradfield and Brush. Its earliest occupants were William and Rachel Willis. William Willis worked at the Bireley’s Beverages bottling plant on Fifth Street. By the late 1950s, the Willises had sold the property to Charles L. and Bessie Simonsen. The Simonsens, a retired couple, had moved from Pittsburgh to be closer to their son, who taught chemistry at the University of Texas. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Wilshire Wood National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain 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 for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building does not appear to convey architectural significance. 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 or deconstruction over demolition, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. The Historic Landmark Commission must review plans for new construction prior to release of the demolition permit within National Register districts. LOCATION MAP 13 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 13 – 3 13 – 4 Demolition permit application, 2024 Occupancy History City Directory Research, June 2024 1959 1952 1949 Address not listed Historical Information Charles L. and Bessie Simonsen, owners William F. and Rachel Willis, owners –Bireley’s Beverages (bottling plant) The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 21 Sep 1952: A27. 13 – …
