16 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS MAY 1, 2024 HR-2024-043013 WILLOW-SPENCE NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 1008 SPENCE STREET Partially demolish and construct a two-story addition to a one-story ca. 1916 house. PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH DESIGN STANDARDS The proposed addition is constructed immediately behind the roof ridgeline and retains the first 15 feet of the house. It echoes the hipped roof of the original structure. Both the addition and the existing house are proposed to be clad in horizontal fiber cement siding, with new aluminum-clad 1:1 windows. The Willow-Spence National Register Historic District nomination describes the property as a one-story wood-framed house with a hipped roof and corner front porch supported by wooden columns. The house at 1008 Spence Street was built around 1916 by Robert J. Hammond, a real estate broker. Hammond’s parents, Charles and Fannie Hammond, lived there until around 1929. Charles W. Hammond worked as a plasterer. By 1931, both father and son had died, and Fannie Hammond moved from the house. Bennett F. and Lena Bryant were its next occupants; Bennett Bryant worked as a lineman for the City Electric Company. Though he died in 1942, Lena Bryant remained in her home for at least the next decade. 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 additions 1. Location The proposed addition is located at the rear-side of the existing building. 2. Scale, massing, and height The proposed addition is somewhat compatible; though it is two stories in height, it is set back sufficiently to reduce its visual weight. Recessing it further or articulating the new massing with setbacks or materials would enhance its compatibility. 4. Roofs The proposed roofline is compatible; however, exposed rafter tails may give the appearance of false historicism. 3. Design and style The proposed design and style are compatible. 5. Exterior walls Proposed exterior materials are compatible. 6. Windows, screens, and doors Most of the proposed fenestration is compatible. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Willow-Spence National Register district. 16 – 2 Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high integrity. 3) Properties …
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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS MAY 1, 2024 PR-2024-018182; GF-2024-030562 OLD WEST AUSTIN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 2307 WINDSOR ROAD #2 17 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1950 house and outbuilding. ARCHITECTURE 2307 Windsor Road #2 is a two-story Mid-century Modern house with a flat roof, rustic stone and board-and-batten cladding, expansive fixed windows, a substantial stone chimney, and an inset carport at the one-story portion of the house. It was designed by Arthur Fehr of Fehr and Granger (see backup). The building is set back between Windsor and East Windsor Roads, accessible only by a steeply sloped drive behind two street-frontage houses and invisible from both Windsor and East Windsor. Its stepped-down form nestles into the hillside with a two-story bank of windows facing downtown. RESEARCH The house at 2307 Windsor Road #2, originally addressed as 2300 East Windsor Road, was constructed in 1950 for Judge Trueman O’Quinn and his family by Arthur Fehr. O’Quinn, an attorney, graduated from the University of Texas after reporting and editing for the Beaumont Enterprise, the Austin American, and the Daily Texan.1 While still a student, he was elected to the 42nd Texas Legislature for Jefferson County from 1931 to 1932. After a few years in private practice, O’Quinn worked as an Austin assistant city attorney and was appointed chief City Attorney in 1939, a position he held until 1950. During World War II, he worked as Staff Judge Advocate after the Allied invasion of Normandy and occupation of Germany.2 The Windsor Road house was constructed the same year O’Quinn left the City for private practice. Throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, he held numerous public and political posts, including fourteen years as Travis County’s Democratic Chairman and as the official counsel for the University of Texas. He was appointed to the Third Court of Civil Appeals in 1967 and served for thirteen years.3 O’Quinn was best known for his role as a prolific collector and prominent amateur historian of William Sydney Porter, known as O. Henry. “For almost half a century he gathered first editions, photos, manuscripts, and other memorabilia. He donated the staggering collection to The O. Henry Resources at the Austin History Center in 1982, a contribution without parallel,” notes Britney Jeffrey in the Texas State Historical Association’s Handbook of Texas. “Throughout his adult life, O'Quinn wrote articles and delivered speeches.”4 He was instrumental in saving two O. …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: jules caplan Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam; Harden, Joi Re: 2024-018182 Monday, March 25, 2024 5:58:09 PM image001.png External Email - Exercise Caution Please see an email under separate from the former owner providing his support for demolition. I will send you tomorrow, photographs showing the condition of the property and the fact that the house is not visible from Windsor Road nor Windsor Road East. I hope that you will support demolition. Thank you. Sincerely, Jules On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> wrote: Hi all, Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Unfortunately, Amber was mistaken in her assessment, likely due to the complex nature of the site and its unit numbering; she did not consult with our team about either the property’s referral potential or about your communication with her. I recently performed a site visit to this property and determined that the mid-century building located between Windsor and East Windsor roads, previously owned by the Trueman O’Quinn family, would require Commission review due to both its contributing status in the historic district and its potential eligibility as a historic landmark. While Amber is no longer with the City of Austin, please know that I have escalated this issue to our division manager, Zoning Officer Joi Harden, who is also copied on this e-mail. I sincerely apologize for this mistake and am happy to discuss future properties with you to determine Code-required referrals to the Historic Landmark Commission. With gratitude, Kalan Contreras MSHP | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. Dear Sam, Sincerely, Jules Dear Jules, From: jules caplan Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 6:42 PM To: Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Cc: Subject: Re: 2024-018182 > ; Allen, Amber <Amber.Allen@austintexas.gov> You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution This would be a big problem. Amber Allen in her capacity as Planner III in the Historic Preservation office repeatedly assured me and others in multiple emails that the City …
Kalan Michael Contreras Historic Preservation Office Senior Planner Master of Science in Historic Preservation RE: Arthur Fehr, O’Quinn Home, Fehr & Granger Hello Kalan Contreras. I am the nearest neighbor to The Trueman Edgar O’Quinn Home at 2307 Windsor Road # 2. My name is Duane G. Albrecht. I came to Austin, from the University of California Berkeley, to become a professor at the University of Texas in the year 1978. I built my home, next door to the O’Quinn home, circa the year 2000. {{ Incidentally, in passing: The architect for this home (2307 Windsor # 3) was someone you have most definitely heard of within the context of your studies of Historic Preservation here in Austin Texas: David Hirsch Hoffman (of Bell, Klein, and Hoffman). }} I am writing this note to be absolutely certain that you know who the architect was for Judge Trueman Edgar O’Quinn’s home. The architect for Judge O’Quinn’s home was none other than revered Arthur Fehr (along with his firm Fehr and Granger). This fact can be documented with Archival Documents located within the Libraries of The University of Texas at Austin; specifically, The Fehr and Granger Collection within the Alexander Architectural Archives. Some images reflecting these facts are given below. The actual documents can be accessed on-line within the University of Texas Archives. Following this letter, I will send a “PDF” Document. This PDF document contains images that are simply meant to illustrate a very small sample of the many architectural contributions from Arthur Fehr, along with his architectural firm, Fehr and Granger. I do hope these facts will be taken into consideration as the Historic Landmark Commission considers what is best for The Trueman Edgar O’Quinn Home. Thank you so much for your knowledgeable dedication to Historic Preservation within the City of Austin Texas. Duane ———--------——— Duane G. Albrecht Professor University of Texas ———--------——— https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/cps/faculty/dga57 P.S. Please notify me if there has been any problem transmitting the PDF Document illustrating a few examples of the work of Arthur Fehr. I will personally bring a paper copy of the document to your offices.
From: To: Subject: Date: Jared Gossett HPD Preservation In Favor of Case # PR-2024-018182 – 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 Tuesday, April 2, 2024 10:40:31 AM You don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Sir/Madam, Mr. Caplan had been in contact with me numerous times about us building a house on 2307 Windsor Rd #2. I visited the property several times. Amber Allen, a Planner in Historic Review, made it clear in writing that the house was not a Contributing Structure and that it would not have to go before the HLC. I know that Mr. Caplan based his decision to purchase the property on her assertions. In my professional opinion as a builder for over fifteen years in Austin, the existing house, a 75 year old simple home, is not a candidate to remodel. If you have any questions or would like to visit regarding this matter, you can reach me at or on my cell at . Best Regards, Jared Gossett, CFA | President, Gossett & Co. Austin's Custom Builder the Year | Our Newsletter | Building Optimal Podcast (19,000 subscribers) | www.gossettco.com 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 or forward to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov.
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Nicole Kessler HPD Preservation; Nicole Kessler GF 24-030562 - Objection Tuesday, April 2, 2024 8:38:07 PM GF 24-030562.pdf You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Sam, We are writing to Object to the demolition of 2307 Windsor Road - Unit 2, GF 24-030562 . This contributing property was purchased and built by Truman Edgar O'quinn Sr. He was the city attorney, as well as the Travis County, Democratic Chairman and legal counsel for the University of Texas. He was appointed to the Third Court of Civil Appeals and is also known for his role in acquiring the land that later became Bergstrom Air Force Base. Mr. O'Quinn's life as an outstanding citizen of Austin is impressive, but even more important is that the home requesting demolition is an exquisite example of mid-century, modern architecture that deserves to be preserved and restored. Can you kindly confirm who the architect was for this home? O'QUINN, TRUEMAN EDGAR, SR. (1905–1990).Trueman O'Quinn, attorney, judge, and historian, was born in Leesville, Louisiana, on May 7, 1905, to Dallas Patrick and Florence Isabelle (O'Connor) O'Quinn. He was one of three children. In 1917 the family left Vernon Parish and moved to East Texas. As a child, O'Quinn was active in Boy Scouts and eventually became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1922 and enrolled at the University of Texas that same year. O'Quinn supported himself through college by teaching fencing and writing syndicated news stories. He also served as editor of the Daily Texan, 1927–1928. After completing his bachelor's degree, O'Quinn studied law and passed the bar in 1932. He remained in Austin, where he opened a private practice. O'Quinn's interest in law led him to politics. He was elected to the Forty- Second Texas Legislature and served the 1931–1932 term as a representative for Jefferson County. In 1936, O'Quinn was appointed assistant city attorney of Austin, and by 1939 was city attorney. With the exception of the years he served during World War II, he held the position until 1950. During the war, O'Quinn served in various capacities. He was a lt. colonel in the 101st Airborne Division and fought in four major battles. As Staff Judge Advocate, he supervised court-martial trials in Normandy after the Allied invasion. He also served with the army of occupation …
Nicole Kessler 2309 Windsor Road 78703 April 2, 2024 This contributing property was purchased and built by Truman Edgar O'quinn Sr. He was the city attorney, as well as Travis county, Democratic Chairman and legal counsel for the University of Texas. He was appointed to the Third Court of Civil Appeals. He acquired the land that later became Bergstrom Air Force Base. The home is an exquisite example of mid century, modern architecture that deserves to be preserved and restored.
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Elizabeth Galic HPD Preservation GF 24 - 030562 - 2307 Windsor Rd Tuesday, April 2, 2024 10:49:14 PM PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION.pdf You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Attn: Dear Sir, Sam Fahnestock I would hereby like to register my objection to the demolition of the above named property due to its architectural significance which ought to be preserved and restored as it is a fine example of mid century, modern design. Also of note is the historical importance of the original owner - Truman Edgar O’Quinn Sr, who built the house, and amongst other things, acquired the land which would later become Bergstrom Air Force Base and was also legal counsel for the University of Texas and a Third Court of Civil Appeals judge. This property deserves to be spared the ignominy of being reduced to a pile of dust for the sake of so-called progress and I implore you to reject the proposal and include my formal objection below. Regards Elizabeth Galic 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 or forward to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. Sent from my iPhone
From: To: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: Demolition of 2307 Windsor rd Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:09:41 AM Please post as late backup. Thank you! Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. -----Original Message----- From: Evy Burnett < Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:05 AM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov>; Harden, Joi <Joi.Harden@austintexas.gov> Subject: Demolition of 2307 Windsor rd > [Some people who received this message don't often get email from important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] . Learn why this is External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Kalan I’m writing to you today to respectfully ask that you please delay the decision/ demolition of 2307 # 2 Windsor Rd. I live at 2307 Windsor Rd, Austin TX #1 and share a drive way with the property considered for demolition. Thank you for your consideration Regards Evy Burnett 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 or forward to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov.
From: To: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: 2307WINDSOR ROAD #2 Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:18:33 AM Please post as backup. Thanks! Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Brian J Haley < Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:15 AM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: 2307WINDSOR ROAD #2 You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hi--I live at 2224 Parkway, Austin, TX 78703. 2307 WINDSOR ROAD #2 is directly across the street from our home. We are against the request on tonight's agenda. We believe the existing structure is appropriate for the character of the neighborhood. We are concerned that any attempt to subdivide that lot or allowing for a multi-family structure would not be appropriate in the interior of the neighborhood or the site's limited access. Brian —————— Brian Haley Co-Founder 1701 Nueces Austin, TX 78701 Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this e-mail message is privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure pursuant to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. sec. 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at original e-mail transmission. Thank you. and destroy the 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 or forward to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov.
Brian Haley2224 Parkway, Austin, TX 7870304/03/04My house is across the street from the subject property. I object to this case and believemore involvement from the neighbors should be sought.
