From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Ben Bentzin HPD Preservation; Contreras, Kalan 2307 Windsor Rd Unit 2 objection to demolition Sunday, April 28, 2024 10:07:25 PM 2024-04-28 2307 Windsor Rd Unit 2 objection-Ben Bentzin.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from important . Learn why this is External Email - Exercise Caution Attached is my objection to the demolition of 2307 Windsor Rd Unit 2. This home is an excellent example of the Mid-Century Modern architecture of the firm Fehr and Granger. The home’s original owner Trueman Edgar O'Quinn Sr. made significant contributions to the city of Austin as a respected attorney, judge, and historian. He served as Austin's city attorney from 1936 to 1950 (except during his military service in World War II), where he played a key role in health care regulations, the acquisition of land for Bergstrom Air Force Base, and the expansion of Austin's park system. O'Quinn also served on the Third Court of Civil Appeals for 13 years before retiring in 1980. Beyond his legal career, he was a dedicated historian, known for his extensive collection of materials related to short story writer O. Henry, which he donated to the Austin History Center in 1982. O'Quinn's passion for local history and his commitment to public service left a lasting impact on the city of Austin and his home should be preserved. I will be traveling but I would like participate in the hearing by video, could you please provide the details about how I can join and participate? Thank you. Ben Bentzin +1-512-750-9253 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Subject: Date: City of Austin HPD Preservation Historical Relevance to LGBTQ community 2307 Windsor Road #2 Monday, April 29, 2024 12:14:28 PM This message is from Aaron Rochlen. [ ] Dear HLC Representatives, I'm aware there is quite a bit of discussion going on regarding 2307 Windsor Road #2 -- in terms of a demolition permit being considered and moving forward to more traditional historical documentation (that I definitely support). I am the neighbor of this property, residing at 2212 East Windsor. What is quite clear is some of the historical importance of Trueman O'Quinn and his contributions to the city -- as well as some of the historical and architectural components of this property. Importantly, there is another aspect of the home and property that has been overlooked: The importance of the property to the LGBTQ community from a historical perspective. In the 80’s and 90s, this property where Trueman O’Quinn’s son Kerry lived was a “safe place” for the LGBTQ community in Austin. More research and original resources are needed -- but below is what I've garnered through multiple conversations. The property, was referred to as “Camp Queer”, and served as a refuge where gay men were welcome to be themselves and enjoy community. The turquoise gate that was originally from the Texas Capitol building (this is tremendously important as well) served as a landmark to the gay community. This was a marker of the private space beyond. The bathrooms near the playground and all along Parkway were well known places where gay people met up with essentially the “gay zone” being delineated by the bathrooms to the south and ended with the turquoise gate to the north of this property. Among many artistic interests and accomplishments, Kerry O’Quinn directed a short film called “Queerantine.” This movie briefly tells the story of havoc consuming a high school when students are infected with “The Gay.” Obviously you all are well aware —— Austin has seen significant threats to the queer built environment. Bars and nightclubs that have long provided Austin’s gay community with safe space have been threatened, and the City has made efforts to include gay history in our Austin story. We believe this home should not be demolished, in part due to its historical significance to the gay community and place in our history. I completely understand this is a complicated property to consider. Also …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: John Donisi Contreras, Kalan; HPD Preservation; Fahnestock, Sam Castillo, Raymond - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Larosche, Carl - BC; BC-Jamie.Alvarez@austintexas.gov; Evans, Roxanne - BC; Rubio, JuanRaymon - BC; Grogan, Harmony - BC; Dudley, Tara - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC Case Number GF 24-030562; Opposition to Demolition of 2307 Windsor Road #2 Monday, April 29, 2024 12:58:15 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from important . Learn why this is External Email - Exercise Caution JOHN PHILIP DONISI Attorney & Counselor at Law 2220 Parkway Austin, Texas 78703 City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission VIA ELECTRONIC DELIVERY Re: Review Case Number GF 24-030562; 2307 Windsor Road #2 Chairman & Commissioners, I am writing to object to the demolition of the O’Quinn House located at 2307 Windsor #2. I reside at 2220 Parkway, the Snead-Rieck House, a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, across East Windsor from the subject property. I respectfully urge you to initiate historic zoning, or invoke the 180-day demolition delay option available to Contributing Properties in National Register Historic Districts. When we purchased our circa-1935 home 15 years ago, it was in similar condition to the O’Quinn House. There were structural and water intrusion issues, significant updates necessary to plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems, replastering and repointing of original brickwork, and a quarter century of deferred maintenance to address. We viewed the opportunity to restore and reside in this property as a privilege, and we were honored when it was formally designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 2018. In 2001, primarily in response to a growing number of demolitions, a number of area residents set out to establish the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. Through their efforts and perseverance, the OWANRHD was finally approved in September of 2003. The goal was to document the built history of the 2,525 properties with the hope that developers would have full knowledge which properties were a priority for preservation (the 1,574 contributing structures) and which were not (the 951 non-contributing). The applicant seeks to demolish the O’Quinn House, which is a contributing structure to the OWANRHD. In his correspondence with staff, the applicant acknowledges that he’s aware that the O’Quinn House is within the OWANRHD, but claims ignorance on how to ascertain its status. The OWANRHD, and all of its supporting documentation, …
April 23, 2024 To The Historic Landmark Commissioners: I am a resident of the Grooms Addi�on in North University Neighborhood where 3205 Tom Green is located. I would object very much to this structure’s removal from the street. Regardless of the current survey of contribu�ng proper�es, this is a contribu�ng structure for an Historic District. (One of my neighbors worked for the Texas Historical Commission- she insists that this original structure from the 1930s is contribu�ng!) We tried to make a Historic District in the Grooms Addi�on some years ago; each property was surveyed, photographed and described. All of this informa�on rests in the Aus�n History Library. This structure would be contribu�ng to that effort and to any future effort. Repurposing this structure in a future development is doable. Not only that, the owner even stated publicly that he thought the house was “cute”. (“Cute” is also appealing to future renters or owners.) I mainly support repurposing the original structure for 4 reasons: 1. leaving a bit of history on the ground for others to admire and query about is a worthy cause; 2. repurposing is the most environmentally friendly op�on. 40% of all US waste is in construc�on materials and demoli�ons; 3. repurposing the original structure is the “greenest” architecture that there is; 4. this is a perfectly good home- why are we Americans so crazy? So wasteful? This is an affordable type of housing. The owner has said that “the house is not code. It has single pane windows, no insulta�on and pipes that freeze.” This sounds exactly like the house I live in and many others around me. It is a perfectly good house, and it is an older home. When one lives in an older home, one needs to cope with single pane windows (window treatments work well, like insulated curtains) and lack of insula�on- weatherstripping works wonders! We all know how to cope with freezing weather by dripping water from our pipes. The Grooms Addition was platted in 1880s and 1890s by Alfred Grooms, a former state land surveyor. 3205 Tom Green is in one of Austin’s early subdivisions. This area deserves to be preserved- if we wait long enough, nothing will be left! Please oppose this demoli�on. Preserva�on, environmentally friendly efforts for saving materials from the landfill, repurposing structures efficaciously for saving energy, providing affordable units should be foremost in your minds. The house …
From: To: Subject: Date: Importance: HPD Preservation RE: 7304 Knox Lane Sunday, April 28, 2024 1:19:58 PM High External Email - Exercise Caution Mr. Fahnestock, Below are my comments to the Historic Landmark Commission, May 1, 2024 Please confirm that they will be included in the materials to be reviewed by the Commission members. Thank you James Jarrett Dear Members, I object to the proposed relocation permit for the property at 7304 Knox Lane. James E. Jarrett 7301 Running Rope Austin, TX 78731 Comments: At the outset, I should say that I am indifferent about the proposed new subdivision. Austin needs more housing, although I wish fewer new houses were planned and more importantly, that a second entry/exit access were included on the Knox land. There is already considerable traffic on Running Rope and adding another 13 houses with two cars each going in and out of a single short lane onto Running Rope will increase hazards for those with children. My objection about relocation of the Knox house, however, is that relocation simply does not preserve the house which was the centerpiece of a large part of the nearby Northwest Hills land. This house has been a major landmark for several generations of Northwest Hills families and taking it elsewhere makes no sense at all. For instance, for more than 40 years it has been decorated during the holidays as a gingerbread house. Not only have nearby families come by on foot to view the spectacle but cars often were parked on Knox Lane so that children and their parents could view this special structure.. If the property owners allowed the residence to remain, I am sure that many of us nearby neighbors would decorate the house as in the past and continue to create a spectacle for future families. This house exemplifies the history of Northwest Hills and should not be relocated from its current location. Thank you for your consideration. James E. Jarrett From: HPD Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov> Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 10:05 AM To: Subject: RE: 7304 Knox Lane Good morning James, The new location is outside of city limits. Unfortunately, that’s all we know, as we are not privy to the new location. The preview list is available now, but the full agenda will be posted on Friday afternoon after 3 PM. Thank you, Sam Fahnestock Planner II City of Austin | Planning Department P: …
From: To: Subject: Date: Don Murdock HPD Preservation 501 Texas Avenue Friday, April 26, 2024 4:07:27 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Sam: Don I wanted to let you know that I am against the proposed changing of the structure at this address. Too many people will occupy an already crowded corner. I can barely park around the block now. I live at 3703 Duval Street. Don Murdock 512-584-3108. 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Sista Irie HPD Preservation Cile Montgomery Proposed changes to 501 Texas Ave Monday, April 29, 2024 10:17:35 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hi Sam, I live at 502 Texas Ave. and have big concerns with proposed renovatio at 501 Texs Ave. I bought my house in 1993 and worked closely with neighbors to keep our street safe and in line with the historical design. We maintained ambiance of the neighborhood with great effort. Texas Ave represents the finest of old Austin with mostly beautifully restored original houses. I am very concerned about the plans for 501 Texas Ave. I was here when it was owned by the original family. It is a beautiful historic house reminescent of the early construction when this street became a neighborhood. It should be a high priority for the City to support the special streets and neighborhoods that made Austin famous. My concerns are the following: 1. Cutting a driveway into Texas Ave is an increased danger to pedistrians and homeowners. This street is comprised mostly of long term homeowners who walk their dogs and take their babies for walks on this very sidewalk. It's bad enough the sidewalks are not maintained but adding more traffic by cars pulling into sidewalk space is an added danger and changes the current environment of our street. Almost all the houses use the back alley to build their garages. 2. The proposed design of the renovation does not fit into the carefully maintained historic aesthetics of the street. The materials will appear to be cheap cosmetics and not in line with the construction of the original house or equivalent to carfeul renovation that has been applied by other houses on this street. We are homeowners and we care! 3. The addition of 7-8 bedrooms gives the impression (along with the cheap design materials) that this will become a student type rental house with all the issues that come with renters who do not care about a long maintained neighborhood. Where will these people park? Texas Ave is already becoming a speedway with cars racing down our street to avoid the Duval/38th St light. Just this morning, a car turned down our street going at least 60 mph, not stopping at the stop sign and the car lifting in the air …
4109 Avenue F Austin, Texas 78751 USA Jon Wainwright, Ph.D. April 20, 2024 City of Austin, Texas Historic Landmark Commission Architectural Review Committee Re: Letter of Support for Case Number: HR-2024-043920 Dear members of the Historic Landmark Commission Architectural Review Committee: I am writing to express my support for the proposed project referenced in Case Number HR- 2024-043920. I’ve lived across the street at 4109 Avenue F since 2005. Having gone through the Historic Landmark Review process with my own property back then, I appreciate the City’s guidelines and believe they contribute positively to preservation and thoughtful development within our historic Hyde Park neighborhood. I have known Mike and Meggie, the owners of 4110 Avenue F, since they purchased their home about ten years ago. I’ve had an opportunity to review their architect’s proposed plan for the new back house and small addition to the main house. I appreciate the careful consideration Mike, Meggie, and their architect have given to maintaining the facade and overall street view. While the proposed additions introduce contemporary elements, it is evident to me that this project has been designed with care and regard for the architectural heritage of the neighborhood, while at the same time meeting the needs of Mike and Meggie’s family. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. Regards, Jon Wainwright, Ph.D.
From: To: Subject: Date: Jennifer Marsh Contreras, Kalan; HPD Preservation O"Quinn residence Monday, April 29, 2024 6:33:22 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello, I wanted to write in support of designating the house formerly at 2300 Windsor Road (now 2307, 2) a historic landmark. I lived next door to this property from 1999 to 2012. From the weekend we first moved in, the neighbors let me know that my house and especially the one next door (2307, 2) were steeped in history. I was told elements of both Kerry O’Quinn’s house and mine were salvaged from both the original State Capitol and the University of Texas historic buildings. I was also told that both the house and in particular the ornamental blue gate had significance in the LGBTQ+ community. According to the oral history passed on by my neighbors (who were mostly in their 80s) the gay community gathered at Kerry’s private home for parties where they could mingle freely and out of sight. This home served as a safe place for people who felt they had to hide their true selves from public view. I believe this place should be preserved and celebrated not only for it’s unique architectural heritage, but also it’s social heritage. Thank you, Jennifer Marsh designhouse 512 567 0889 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Mary Reed Contreras, Kalan; HPD Preservation; Fahnestock, Sam Castillo, Raymond - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Larosche, Carl - BC; BC-Jamie.Alvarez@austintexas.gov; Evans, Roxanne - BC; Rubio, JuanRaymon - BC; Grogan, Harmony - BC; Dudley, Tara - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC Case Number GF 24-030562 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 9:50:29 AM External Email - Exercise Caution I am writing to urge you to vote against demolition of the O'Quinn House, 2307 Windsor #2. This significant mid-century modern home was designed by Arthur Fehr, Fehr & Granger, and contributes to the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. The hand-hewn dry- stack native limestone wall and the decorative metal fence and gate at the back of the property along East Windsor are unique and iconic. Whenever I walk in the area I make a point of going by them. They never fail to brighten my day. The destruction of Austin's history has to stop. We have lost so many structures already!! Please therefore, don't let the O'Quinn House become just one more sad statistic. Instead, please either initiate historic zoning for the property or invoke the 180-day demolition delay option, which is available to you. Thanks for your consideration. Mary Reed Mary Reed Austin, TX 78703 512 657 5289 "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." Martin Luther King, Jr. The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. Martin Luther King, Jr. 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan Candace Volz Fahnestock, Sam RE: 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:50:30 PM Good afternoon, Thank you so much for reaching out. Sam, please post Ms. Volz’s letter below as backup with the other letters. I did want to mention: the applicant did reach out to our former HLC liaison, who is no longer with the HPO. The staff member unfortunately did not distinguish between 2307 and 2307 #2 and told the applicant that the building was noncontributing (as 2307 is noncontributing). Had I known about this mistake, I would have worked quickly to correct it, but I was not aware of the exchange until I referred the project to the Historic Landmark Commission. Our department director allowed the case to be heard at HLC despite the staff error, and hopefully we will have some good discussion there tomorrow. Thanks again for your continued support of our historic properties, Best, 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: Candace Volz < Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:28 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 > External Email - Exercise Caution Kalan- I am opposed to the demolition of 2307 Windsor Rd #2, a wonderful modernist house designed by prominent Austin architect Arthur Fehr and constructed in 1950 for Judge Trueman O'Quinn. This is a contributing property in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. It has had only one owner family and is in near original condition. Yes it needs updating, which would not be not difficult, and it will continue to be an asset to our NRD and to Austin. The last thing any of us needs is another oversized, characterless new house in this historic old neighborhood. The developer who proposes to tear this contributing house down says that he was aware of the OWANRD, but could not find any information online. As one of the creators of this NRD twenty years ago (it is …
