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 – …
City of Austin Development Services Department Land Status Determination 1995 Rule Platting Exception June 13, 2024 File Number: C8I-2024-0092 Address: 4200 WILSHIRE PKWY Tax Parcel I.D.# 0218110524 Tax Map Date: 06/13/2024 The Development Services Department Review has determined that this parcel, as described in the attached description and map, IS EXCEPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO PLAT in accordance with the Land Development Code, Section 25-4-2(C), and is eligible to receive utility service. The parcel of land consists of five acres or less, and is described as being LOT 4, LESS N5FT & SE TRI, WILSHIRE PARK; LOT 3, BLOCK 4, S CEN E PART OF WILSHIRE WOOD, SEC 3, Travis County, Texas in the current deed, recorded on Mar 30, 2007, in Document #2007057101, Travis County Deed Records. This parcel existed in its current configuration on January 1,1995, as evidenced by a deed recorded on Jun 26, 1984, in Volume 8668, Page 591, Travis County Deed Records. The parcel was lawfully receiving utility service, as defined in Section 212.012 of the Texas Local Government Code, on January 1, 1995, as evidenced by water service on Sep 24, 1947. The parcel meets the requirements of the Land Development Code for roadway frontage and is located on an existing street. Additional Notes/Conditions: NONE This determination of the status of the property is based on the application of Chapter 212, Municipal Regulation of Subdivisions and Property Development, Texas Local Government Code; and the City of Austin Land Development Code, Chapter 25-4, Subdivision. Recognition hereby does not imply approval of any other portion of the City Code or any other regulation. By: _Patrick Collins_____________________________________ Patrick Collins, Representative of the Director Development Services Department Tax Parcel I.D.# 0218110524 Tax Map Date: 06/13/2024
Hallmark Inspections, LLC INSPECTED FOR Meghan Hughes 4200 Wilshire Pkwy Austin, TX 78722 May 21, 2024 Hallmark Inspections, LLC 1805 Sanchez St Austin, TX 78702 Phone 512-660-7061 aaronwedemeyer@gmail.com SOLD TO: Meghan Hughes TX INVOICE INVOICE NUMBER 20240521-01 INVOICE DATE 05/21/2024 LOCATION 4200 Wilshire Pkwy REALTOR DESCRIPTION PRICE AMOUNT SUBTOTAL TAX TOTAL BALANCE DUE $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS! PROPERTY INSPECTION REPORT FORM Meghan Hughes Name of Client 4200 Wilshire Pkwy, Austin, TX 78722 Address of Inspected Property Aaron Wedemeyer Name of Inspector Name of Sponsor (if applicable) 05/21/2024 Date of Inspection 26252 TREC License # TREC License # PURPOSE OF INSPECTION A real estate inspection is a visual survey of a structure and a basic performance evaluation of the systems and components of a building. It provides information regarding the general condition of a residence at the time the inspection was conducted. It is important that you carefully read ALL of this information. Ask the inspector to clarify any items or comments that are unclear. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSPECTOR This inspection is governed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice (SOPs), which dictates the minimum requirements for a real estate inspection. The inspector IS required to: use this Property Inspection Report form for the inspection; inspect only those components and conditions that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of the inspection; indicate whether each item was inspected, not inspected, or not present; indicate an item as Deficient (D) if a condition exists that adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component OR constitutes a hazard to life, limb or property as specified by the SOPs; and explain the inspector’s findings in the corresponding section in the body of the report form. The inspector IS NOT required to: identify all potential hazards; turn on decommissioned equipment, systems, utilities, or apply an open flame or light a pilot to operate any appliance; climb over obstacles, move furnishings or stored items; prioritize or emphasize the importance of one deficiency over another; provide follow-up services to verify that proper repairs have been made; or inspect system or component listed under the optional section of the SOPs (22 TAC 535.233). RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT While items identified as Deficient (D) in an inspection report DO NOT obligate any party to make repairs or take other actions, in the event that any further evaluations …
To Whom It May Concern: We have been hired as the general contractor for Meghan Hughes home at 4200 Wilshire Parkway. We specialize in both new construction and remodeling of residential and commercial projects. In our experience, we have found new construction of most homes to be more efficient in both time and cost. New construction also allows us to properly install adequate water proofing methods and energy efficient insulation and heating and cooling systems. The existing construction of Meghan’s home will not allow for proper exterior wall and roof insulation, or adequate vapor barriers. This combination can lead to potential issues with moisture build up and possibly mold in the future. It is also our experience in remodels of homes from the 1940s, that if the owner does desire to install proper insulation and vapor barrier systems, that very little of the existing home is actually remaining at the completion of the project. Thank you for your consideration for this project. Please let us know if you need any additional information from our team at Archive Properties. Sincerely, Ken Dineen Owner - Archive Properties
Water/Wastewater Service Plan Verification Form (WWWSPV) 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive | 512-972-1000 Option 3 | AWTaps@austintexas.gov Service Address: Lot: ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED Block: Subdivision: Will the dwelling units be demolished? Are there multiple dwelling units on the lot? Land Status or re-subdivision? Original Address: Are new dwelling units being built? Is this a corner lot? Existing Lot Use: Proposed Use: If SFR, sq ft: If Proposed Use is Other, describe the structure to be built: Existing Bath Count: Additional Bath Count: Proposed Bath Count Meter #1: Meter #2: Existing protected trees to remain on lot? Refer to the City Arborist website for required levels of tree protection. Water meters and wastewater cleanouts are not permitted in sidewalks or driveways Relocation of services from sidewalks or driveways shall be performed at the applicant's expense. The applicant listed below attests that the information provided is deemed accurate and complete based on available records. The applicant is responsible to confirm the location and suitability of existing water and wastewater services. The applicant may be responsible for costs associated to corrections due to incomplete or invalid information provided. Applicant Name Date Applicant Phone Applicant Email Submit this form along with plot plan, site plan or building plan to AWTaps@austintexas.gov. Plans must clearly mark all utilities and any tree critical root zones. Failure to comply may result in this form being rejected. Austin Water Use Only - Submit supporting documentation to Applicant when responding Water main size: Water service size: Water service material: Existing water service line/meter location: Existing Meter #s: Shared service? Proposed new meter size(s): Existing meter size(s): If Yes, meter #/size/address: Wastewater main size: WW service size: Clean-out location: WO denoting WW service line work: Water or wastewater main located on property? REQUIRED ACTIONS Secondary Address Needed? Land Status Determination Needed? Meter Purchase Required? Utility Plan Required? Comments Taps Permitting Office Staff Signature Date of Signature Stamp WWWSPV Form - revised 10/2/2023 116 118 117 103 101 104 102 112 110 111 106 107 105 108 109 113 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 116 117 118 TREE TABLE TREE TAG NO. TREE TYPE 15.5" CEDAR ELM 14" CEDAR ELM 13.5" CEDAR ELM 11.5" CEDAR ELM 19" CEDAR ELM 18" CEDAR ELM 14.5" CEDAR ELM 15" CEDAR ELM 16" CEDAR ELM 10" CEDAR ELM 18" CEDAR ELM 19.5" CEDAR ELM 10" CEDAR ELM 19" …
June 20, 2024 Meghan Hughes 4200 Wilshire Parkway Austin, Texas 78722 Re: Structural Observations of Existing Single-Family Residence 4200 Wilshire Parkway Austin, Texas 78722 Dear Meghan, As per your request, a representative of Fort Structures has reviewed the conditions of the existing residence that was built in approximately 1948. A home inspection report was issued on May 21, 2024 by Hallmark Inspections. The existing foundation is a concrete slab on grade with shallow perimeter grade beams. The inspection report points out sheetrock cracks, foundation cracks, and exterior veneer cracks, which are indicative of foundation movement. There are many cracked floor finishes, and cracks are visible at the garage floor. This property is located in an Erosion Hazard Zone (EHZ). An EHZ Analysis was done by Capital Geotechnical Services PLLC on April 18, 2024. The 4:1 incision slope analyzed in the report encompasses the back of the existing house. In the event of a substantial flood, the back of the house would be at risk of being undermined, and could fail. We recommend that any new construction be built on a deep foundation system designed to withstand a potential flood event. Additionally, there is a vast amount of rotting wood cladding that likely extends into the walls of the structure. Extensive water damage is present in various parts of the ceiling, walls, and floor finishes. The anticipated lifespan of a single-family residence is 50 years, and this structure has surpassed that by one and a half times. Making repairs to the existing structure would be cumbersome and expensive, and nearly the entire home would end up being rebuilt. Based on the current condition and the proximity to the EHZ, we recommend building a new structure. If you have any questions regarding the information in this report, please feel free to contact me at 512-817- 9264, or Thank you for your business. Sincerely, FORT Structures, Inc By: Samuel Covey, P.E. Its: Principal, TX Reg# 123,796 FORT Structures, Inc. TBPE Firm# 18034 June 20, 2024 June 20, 2024 4200 Wilshire Structural Observation Letter PG 1 of 1
Dear City of Austin & Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Meghan Hughes, and I am writing to express the utmost importance of demolishing my current home that I own at 4200 Wilshire Parkway. My goal is to create a safe and beautifully designed dwelling, utilizing long-time Austin locals - Engineers, Contractors, and Architects. For over 17 years I’ve been a resident of 4200 Wilshire Parkway, I am very active in my community. I volunteer with the neighborhood association and have adopted Boggy Creek @ Airport Blvd. , and regularly clean the creek with my neighbors. I walk my dog everyday in the neighborhood and am engaged with the residents of Cherrywood. Prior to submitting the demolition application I went out of my way to inform my neighbors of my intentions, making my home plans available, and having the team available for questions. At the time of writing this letter, I am planning to host an open-house with the design and construction team as a courtesy to the neighborhood. My team is working to design and build a high-quality personal residence, not a speculative development for sale, that is sensitive to the neighboring context, trees, and the character of the neighborhood. This home was built in 1947 and has old inefficient windows, little insulation, rotten siding, doors that don’t fully lock (in fact an intruder broke into my bedroom two summers ago because of this issue), an HVAC system and ductwork that are over 30 years past their life expectancy with mold throughout the ducts, and a foundation that is in literal shambles, and doesn’t use best practices that we now have in 2024. A renovation of this home would be a significant and unreasonable hardship, resulting in too great of a financial burden to bare for a compromised end result, as there is a lack of valuable or potentially reusable materials, assemblies, and systems in the house, and due to obsolete building standards and construction practices that were utilized in 1947. A new home would greatly improve the existing conditions of the property, as well as improve my own health, safety, and welfare for years to come. The City of Austin has just completed a gorgeous improvement of the Pharr Tennis Center at Patterson Park, across the street from my home. I believe the improvements proposed at my property, supplemented by the recent improvements of the Pharr Tennis Facility, …
4200 WILSHIRE PARKWAYDEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATIONHISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSIONJULY 3, 2024www.emadiarch.comemadi MEET THE TEAM: OWNER: Meghan Hughes PROPOSAL FOR TOTAL DEMOLITION FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION: Please consider the approval for total demolition of the existing failing single-story, single-family home at 4200 Wilshire Parkway that is well beyond its reasonable lifecycle and to allow the design and construction of a new single-story, single-family home for the current resident, Meghan Hughes. This is not a speculative design to be built and sold, nor is it a rental or STR cash-flow property - it is a dream home. As evidenced by the numerous support letters provided as backup, Meghan has gone out of her way to openly inform the neighborhood of her intentions, and introduce the proposed improvements and team to her neighbors. A resident at 4200 Wilshire for over 17 years, Meghan intends to build a sensible new home keeping with the neighborhood’s charm, character, and qualities that drew her to it in the first place. The team is a collection of local, award-winning professionals, many of which are UT Austin graduates, long-time Austin residents, or native Austinites with extensive experience designing, engineering, and building thoughtful, considerate, and appropriate projects in Austin. The team is familiar with design, engineering, and construction in residential settings benefitted by large trees and nearby bodies of water. As part of the proposed demolition process, we will be reclaiming as much of the existing limestone as possible, to be elegantly reincorporated into the new home’s design. Additionally, we have coordinated with the Austin Fire Department and nearby Station #14 to donate the home for controlled training prior to demolition. This training opportunity will include new, advanced life-saving technology for AFD’s consideration. From AFD: “We want to thank you for working with the Austin Fire Department to provide an acquired structure for training. The work we can do in a real building is invaluable and prepares us to face the challenges of an active structure fire in the city.” The neighborhood was invited by Meghan to open-house that occurred on June 20, 2024 with this presentation and the Architect available. INTERIOR DESIGNER: Natalie Ammirato ARCHITECT & INTERIOR DESIGNER: EMADI - Ian Ellis, AIA, NCARB, RID & Jessica McCarty STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Fort Structures - Sam Covey, PE & Paula Wright, PE GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Archive Properties - Ken Dineen & Jordan Sheftel TEAM INFORMATION emadi4200 WILSHIRE PARKWAYHistoric Landmark …
Libby Chennell 4113 Lullwood Rd Austin, TX 78722 To the neighbors, friends, and stewards of our community, Austin has been rapidly changing; everywhere you look there are single family homes being subdivided into multi-dwelling lots and developers tearing down heritage properties in favor of monotonous modern boxes focused more on the bottom line than the integrity of the neighborhood. It can be frustrating to imagine the impact this can have on our wonderful, diverse, and welcoming area. In renovating and adding to her home at 4200 Wilshire Parkway, Meghan Hughes, a member of the community for nearly 20 years, is thoughtfully preserving the beauty and integrity of the houses in our historic mid-century neighborhood. She has ensured that her design preserves the limestone masonry found afront most original Wilshirewood/Delwood 2 homes and is taking steps to ensure that the project benefits the surrounding area by allowing the nearby Airport Rd. fire station to utilize her pre-renovation home for training. Meghan is a great example of what makes our community so special, taking an active role in cleaning up our local public greenspace (which is how I came to know her), and helping so many of her neighbors in times of need. I so appreciate having her here and look forward to how her home renovation adds to our ever-changing bit of Austin. Sincerely, Libby Chennell
Lisa Laratta 4008 Cherrywood Rd Austin, TX 78722 Tuesday June 4, 2024 To whom it may concern, Thank you, Lisa Laratta I am writing this letter in enthusiastic support of the complete demolition of the current home of Meghan Hughes at 4200 Wilshire Pkwy and the subsequent build by emadi architects. I have been Meghan’s neighbor for over a decade and I am aware of the problems the current aging home poses to her comfort, lifestyle and finances. I know that she will proceed with the new building plans with integrity and care for the property and her neighbors, bringing value and beauty to our neighborhood. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Neighbor support letter - 4200 Wilshire Pkwy, 78722 1 message Meghan Hughes < To: Ian Ellis < >, Jessica McCarty < > > Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 12:40 PM Ian Ellis > Meghan Hughes Realtor @ propertie’s | Christie’s International 303.263.0904 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Grace Tsao < Date: Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 6:33 AM Subject: 4200 Wilshire Pkwy, 78722 To: < > > In reference to Meghan Hughes address: 4200 Wilshire Pkwy, 78722 Cheers, Grace Tsao 1510 Wilshire Blvd, Austin, TX 78722 I support Meghan Hughes's new home plans. I have lived next door to Meghan for years and know that this home will be a lovely addition to our neighborhood.
I am writing in regards to Meghan Hughe’s application for a demolition permit at 4200 Wilshire Pkwy. As someone who has volunteered alongside Meghan Hughes in various neighborhood initiatives, I have seen her dedication to our community firsthand. The plans for their new house reflect a deep understanding of our neighborhood’s character and an admirable vision for its future. The design respects the spirit of our area, while tastefully enhancing its aesthetic. This thoughtful approach will seamlessly integrate the new construction with the existing homes, maintaining the neighborhood’s cohesive charm. June 9, 2024 Thanks, Kevin Sullivan Kevin Sullivan 1309 Crestwood Rd Austin, TX 78722
To whom it may concern, I would like to express my enthusiastic support for Meghan Hughes in her application for a demolition permit at 4200 Wilshire Pkwy. As an architectural designer and a fellow resident, I am impressed with the proposed plans for the new house. The design is an excellent blend of old and new, capturing the historical essence of our neighborhood while introduc- ing contemporary elements that enhance its overall aesthetic. This balance ensures that the new construction will not only respect but also enrich the character of our community. It is a thoughtful vision that preserves our heritage while thoughtfully integrating modern touches. June 12, 2024 Best, Frances Peterson Frances Peterson 1409 Crestwood Rd Austin, TX 78722
Dear Members of the Historic Preservation Committee, I am writing to support my neighbor, Meghan Hughes, in her application for a demolition permit at 4200 Wilshire Pkwy. The proposed plans for her new house are done with great sensitivity to our neighborhood’s existing charac- ter. The design preserves the spirit and scale we all value, while adding a tasteful enhancement to our area. This thoughtful approach ensures that the new construction will blend seamlessly with the surrounding homes, maintaining the aesthetic harmony of our neighborhood. I believe approving this permit will not only benefit Meghan but also help sustain the cohesiveness and appeal of our community. Thank you for considering my support. Sincerely, Matthew Peterson 4106 Lullwood Rd Austin, TX 78722 06-14-2024
