S IXT H S TRE ET HI STORI C D I STRI CT REVITALIZATI ON 7 23-7 25 E 6TH STRE ET V I E W F R O M 4 0 0 B L O C K E A S T 6 T H S T R E E T L O O K I N G W E S T A U S T I N H I S T O R Y C E N T E R , c . 1 9 3 7 , A U S T I N , T E X A S 1 of 8 PRELIMINARY - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION | JAN 10, 2024HLC REVIEW | 723-725 EAST 6TH STREET 723-725 E 6TH ST. 700 BLOCK PROPERTY SUMMARY: ADDRESS: 723-725 E 6TH STREET CURRENT NAME: VACANT 1975 NHRP SURVEY: 2022 MACROSTIE SURVEY: CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTING HISTORIC DESIGNATION: NRHD DATE BUILT: 1891 . T S E N I B A S E 6TH ST. 5 3 - 1 NORTH ELEVATION CURRENT PHOTOS (2023) Y T I N I R T E 6 T H S E H C E N R E V I R D E R E N I B A S 5 3 - I SITE PLAN S S E R G N O C S O Z A R B O T N I C A J N A S SIXTH STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT LEGEND P R O P E R T Y O V E R V I E W CURRENT PHOTO (2023) 2 of 8 PRELIMINARY - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION | JAN 10, 2024HLC REVIEW | 723-725 EAST 6TH STREET NORTH ELEVATION: EXISTING 2023 HISTORIC PHOTO EAST ELEVATION: EXISTING 2023 PROPOSED NORTHEAST ELEVATION View from E 6th Looking Southeast at 723-725 E 6th Austin History Center, c. 1995, Austin, Texas N O R T H E L E V A T I O N C O M P A R I S O N O V E R T I M E 3 of 8 PRELIMINARY - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION | JAN 10, 2024HLC REVIEW | 723-725 EAST 6TH STREET . l a n o i s s e f o r P n g i s e D e h t t c a t n o c , e r u t a n g i s r o l a e s e h …
Victoria From: Sent: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Victoria Thursday, January 4, 2024 9:22 AM Ron Thrower; Contreras, Kalan; Fahnestock, Sam Item # - 6804 Mesa Drive - Request for demolition 6804 Mesa Survey.pdf; 6804 Mesa Pictures.pdf Hello Commissioner, On behalf of the landowner of 6804 Mesa Drive, I want to share information with you about this property, prior to the upcoming hearing on January 10th. The character defining features that made this structure unique and interesting in the 1960’s are no longer existing, calling to question the architectural integrity of the structure. As the property exists today, it is hardly recognizable to its original character; The U-shaped design touting a front facing courtyard have been walled off and closed in. The side-entry car port has been enclosed, becoming an interior space, and the property now has multiple 6ft rock walls that block much of the view of the property from the street. We respectfully ask that you consider the loss of integrity when reviewing his structure and request for demolition. Additionally, the property owner shares the following information: My name is Randy Johnson and I have owned 6804 Mesa for 10+ years and love our neighborhood. By way of background, I was born and raised here, attended public schools, graduated from UT and have spent 60+ years in Austin, including the last 30 years in NW Hills. Both of my daughters were raised in NW Hills and attended neighborhood public schools. I have respect for HLC’s mission, the commissioners, and staff. That said, I disagree with the idea of my home being considered for historical landmark designation. My reasons are outlined below: -The original house has been materially modified from its original condition and the street view has been mostly ‘closed in’ with walls added and the atrium and carport closed in. I am also attaching the survey of both lots and have highlighted the original street facing ‘sections’ in orange as well as the major additions and changes in yellow. All of these changes pre-date my ownership (see attached photographs)- Original atrium has been ‘closed in’ by a rock wall such that you cannot see the atrium at all. Original carport has been ‘closed in’ and converted to an interior room. A large, 6 ft rock wall has been added in front, on both the north and south sides and two middle sections of the lot, virtually eliminating any street …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS DECEMBER 13, 2023 PR-2023-138200; GF-2023-147641 6804 MESA DRIVE 32 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1962 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Mid-century Modern house designed by architect David Barrow, Jr. The Austin American notes its U-shaped plan around a central courtyard, expansive sliding glass doors and walls, and long covered porch.1 The house at 6804 Mesa Drive was constructed in 1962 by David B. Barrow and designed by architect David B. Barrow, Jr. for the 1962 Parade of Homes. Barrow and his father, David Barrow, Sr.—a long-time developer, realtor, and Planning Commissioner—were instrumental in establishing the Northwest Hills neighborhood and promoting its picturesque, hilled landscape as an ideal place for midcentury luxury homes. Barrow, Jr. studied under Harwell Hamilton Harris at the University of Texas and was the only student who went on to work for Harris’ Dallas firm as an associate. He joined Chuck Stahl to form Barrow & Stahl in the 1960s. David Barrow, Sr. and his associates in the Austin Corporation employed Barrow & Stahl for most of the planning and engineering services as Northwest Hills developed. 2 6804 Mesa was named the “Far Hills View Home” in the 1962 Parade of Homes. “Planned especially for its site,” reads the Austin American article featuring the home and its role in the Parade, “Far Hills View Home has been expertly constructed to blend with its surroundings.”3 In her National Register nomination for another Northwest Hills model home, Karen Twer discusses the importance of the Parade of Homes in Austin’s development history: By building model houses for events like the Parade of Homes, builders and developers could highlight the attractive and livable qualities of their volume-built houses and market new suburban developments to masses of potential homebuyers. As a kind of conceptual show window, their model houses needed to be centrally located…Not bounded by the existing urban landscape, developers could create the kind of neighborhoods second-time middle-class homebuyers were seeking. By hosting Parade of Homes events in outlying areas of growing cities, developers and builders were influential in shaping the suburban development of expanding cities like Austin. […] Builders and developers relied on architects to design the kind of distinctive houses that would rival custom-built houses…Model houses built for the Parade of Homes were collaborative interpretations of the kind of modern domestic lifestyle homebuyers dreamt of…In the 1960s, [Austin’s] Parade of Homes events continued …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS DECEMBER 13, 2023 PR-2023-095572; GF-2023-101935 1101 GARNER AVENUE 32 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1938 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story Tudor Revival house with two-story rear addition. The house is clad in rustic stone. Its cross-gabled roofline features intersecting gable ends with traditional cornice returns; the left-hand gable caps an arched entry door and abuts a prominent fireplace. The stone wall surrounding the property is of new construction. The house at 1101 Garner Avenue was built in 1938 for sisters Pearl, Maude, and Sophia Cummins. Pearl Cummins had been a Wichita Falls jewelry shop owner prior to moving to Austin with her sisters in 1937, after thirteen years of success. She then grew her business to include millinery as well as jewelry, and—with the help of sister Sophia, called Faye, who worked as the shop’s buyer—brought the designs of other Texas milliners to Austin throughout the 1930s and ‘40s. Faye Cummins was featured in a 1940 Statesman article honoring “Outstanding Business & Professional Women of Austin” for her association with the business. The shop expanded from a small shop on Congress Avenue to a larger one on E. 8th Street in the early 1940s. The Cummins sisters remained in their home on Garner Avenue for around ten years. PROPERTY EVALUATION Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate integrity. A rear-side addition, constructed in 1986, is minimally visible from the main streetscape; however, it greatly impacts the secondary streetscape. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it may meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is constructed in the Tudor Revival style. b. Historical association. The property is associated with the Cummins family, local milliners and businesswomen. 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 was not evaluated for its ability 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 Consider whether …
1101 Garner Avenue ITEM NO. 20 – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 HLC Background Current Owner acquired property in December 2021 ◦ Only 5 days of due diligence period ◦ Inspection obtained indicated home was built in 1974 Inspection revealed significant work required on roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems Significant time and money invested to make the house habitable, but not sustainable without major renovation Additional problems and items for renovation identified by tenant and not revealed in inspections Estimate that up to $1,000,000 required for renovation to market standards Demolition and redevelopment sought as a more feasible alternative Original Property Historically planned as a small lot subdivision with smaller homes on 4- lots Original home was 1-story with garage [Hand-drawn blue box was added later] Substantial Alterations after 1984 A second story of different design and materials was added (1986) Carport and garage added (possibly 1996) Rock wall and fences added (2016) – not original construction as noted in report BOA Variance for carport and garage addition (2016) No Apparent “Long-standing” and “significant” historical associations According to the staff report, it appears the Cummins sisters, who originally haled from Dallas and Wichita Falls, lived there for less than 10 years of the 85- year history of the house. There is no long-standing association with property While admirable for being women business owners in the 1940s, there is no indication that their work was of “historic importance that contributed significantly to the city, state, or nation” Report indicates that a better association with the Cummins sisters’ business would be 912 Congress where the shop was located. 912 Congress is a historic landmark zoned CBD-H Property Includes Additions and Alterations that have “significantly compromised its integrity.” The 1986 second story addition is less than 15 feet from the façade and begins at the gable of the original roof and is actually higher than the original gable Addition does not appear to meet Historic Design Standards The 1986 addition is of an entirely different design with different materials and is visible from both Dexter St. and the intersection with Garner Ave. and Dexter St. The portico is visible from Garner The 2016 Rock Wall (which was not original) obstructs the view of the front of the building Views From Dexter and Garner Rock Wall 2023 – GOOGLE EARTH 2013 – GOOGLE EARTH Summary Cummins sisters were admirable women business owners in early 1940s, …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS NOVEMBER 1, 2023 PR-2023-115579; GF-2023-130954 812 WEST ELIZABETH STREET 33– 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1890 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story T-plan Folk Victorian house with asbestos shingle siding, 1:1 wood windows, a partial-width porch supported by Classical columns, and a front-facing bay window. Details include a jigsawn frieze board and cedar shingles at gable ends. The house at 812 West Elizabeth Street was estimated to have been built around 1890 by the 2016 Bouldin Creek Neighborhood historic resource survey. It appears to have been part of a “homestead” owned by the Click family, who appear to have moved back and forth from their South Austin property to their ranch in Dripping Springs until the 1920s, when they moved permanently to Austin. George Harvey and Sarah Josephine Click were both children of Texas pioneers. They lived on their family’s South Austin property, surrounded by their children and in-laws, for much of their lives. The house at 812, occupied by both the elder Clicks and later rented by their pastor, appears to be the oldest on the block. Newspaper research showing that Myra Click Clayton purchased and developed surrounding lots during the late 1930s. During the 1950s, the home was owned by Inez Piper and her husband Clifford, a painter. The couple divorced in 1960. Later that year, sales clerk Consuelo Sanchez and Air Force serviceman Robert Martinez married and moved into 812 West Elizabeth Street. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2016 Bouldin Creek Neighborhood survey lists the property as a high priority. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high to moderate integrity. The survey notes that modifications took place in 1930, during the period of significance, though asbestos siding and screens appear to have been added later in the twentieth century. Non-original window awnings have been removed. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it may meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is constructed in the Folk Victorian style. b. Historical association. The property appears to be associated with the Click family, ranchers and early South Austin residents. history or prehistory of the region. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human d. Community value. The property was not evaluated for its …
812 W. Elizabeth Historic Bouldin Neighborhood Touchstone According to the City GIS data in 2023, the lot was originally part of the “South Heights” subdivision of 1893. The oldest reference to its build date is 1910 in TCAD property data. The oldest reference in a City Directory is 1918 - Morrison & Fourney. Note, street access to the residence may have been W. Gibson St. In 1918 little to no development is cited west of Sth 2nd. Street The Click family had long ties to early 19th century Texas settlements e.g. Click TX. (See CoA historic review of 812 W. Elizabeth). The last Click family member (Myra Click-Clayton) was there until 1939 PASTOR NAMED BY NEW CHURCH: CHURCH LEADER The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Nov 11, 1936; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Austin American Statesman pg. 3 In 1939 the house at 812 W. Elizabeth was rented to Pastor J.L. Holcomb who ministered the Capitol Heights Baptist Church First at 1002 W. Milton St. circa 1936 Secondly at 1500 Bouldin Ave. circa 1938 Church Celebrates Today The Austin American (1914-1973); May 8, 1938; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Austin American Statesman pg. 9 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Lastly, directly across the street from 812 W. Elizabeth. circa 1939 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. In 1965 the Capitol Heights Baptist Church moved from W. Elizabeth St & Bouldin Ave to become Fairview Baptist Church at 5606 Sth 1st St. Mission To Open Its Doors The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Jan 29, 1966; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Austin American Statesman pg. 2 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. After Capitol Heights Church left a new congregation entered Bouldin. One that reflected the Spanish speaking residents of the area. Rev. Elso Garcia ministered the “El Salvador Baptist Church” and offered Sunday services in Spanish. Sunday School & Church Union was in English. Future plans included a kindergarten & nursery school. The 1980 SW Bell Directory listed the Emanuel Temple Spanish Assembly of God across from 812 W. Elizabeth Street. Among the families that lived in and around 812 W. Elizabeth, they enjoyed an era when unfurnished houses were abundant in South Austin. From August 25, 1940 American Statesman Classified column, rent at 812 W. Elizabeth was $20.00 In 1939 rent houses near 812 W. Elizabeth were …
January 4, 2024 RE: 812 W. Elizabeth Street Historic Zoning Dear Chair Heimsath, Vice Chair Featherston, and Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write to you today in support of historic zoning for 812 W. Elizabeth Street, initiated for designation at the December meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission. Built ca. 1890, this Folk Victorian home remains as one of the last vestiges of Bouldin Creek’s early development. While the staff report for this case cites the home’s association with the pioneering Click family, in addition to its architectural significance, the chain of renters who lived here throughout the 20th century reveals that the property likely has deeper ties with historic communities of color that should be more thoroughly understood. Bouldin Creek, a modest neighborhood of small cottages and bungalows west of South Congress, was home to substantial Black and Mexican American communities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Following the Civil War, many people formerly enslaved on plantations in South Austin remained in today’s Bouldin Creek neighborhood. There they established the Brackenridge freedmen’s community, named for the segregated school located at 319 W. Elizabeth Street, two blocks from the subject property. Following the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920, Mexican immigration to Austin increased markedly. Around this time, Mexican Americans settled west of South 1st Street, anchored by two Spanish-speaking Catholic churches. 812 W. Elizabeth Street’s past occupants are typical of the neighborhood’s working-class history. A 1935 redlining map declared the entire area to be “Hazardous,” while neighborhoods east of South Congress were labeled “Still Desirable” and “Best.” This assessment was in no small part due to Bouldin’s communities of color (East Austin was similarly assessed as “Hazardous” on this map). These discriminatory real estate practices kept property values accessible, making rentals common. This diverse, working-class heritage is rapidly vanishing. Our research shows that from 2010-2021, 1309 residential demolitions occurred in the 78704 zip code where Bouldin Creek is located. Over this period, 78704 experienced the highest rate of residential demolitions of all zip codes citywide. The northeast corner of W. Elizabeth Street and Bouldin Avenue has already been diminished by the recent demolitions of homes at 816 and 814 W. Elizabeth Street, properties that have since been purchased by the owner of 812 W. Elizabeth Street. We urge the Commission to …
34 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JANUARY 10, 2024 PR-2023-151749; GF-2023-156894 1119 TILLERY STREET PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1940 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH PROPERTY EVALUATION 1-story cross-gabled house with cutstone veneer, 1:1 windows, and central tapered chimney with applied “H” ornamentation. The house at 1119 Tillery Street was built around 1940. Its early occupants were John Douglas and Daisiebell Henninger. The Henningers were a large extended family who all owned property on Tillery Street, using the large lots mostly for farming. John and Daisy Henninger owned a greenhouse and raised cactus and ducks; their parents and siblings owned and operated the Green Valley Fruit Company. John D. Henninger worked as a gardener and carpenter. 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 constructed with Minimal Traditional elements and incorporates unique cutstone veneer and the Henningers’ initial at the chimney. 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 was not evaluated for its ability 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 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, but release the permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 34 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 34 – 3 Demolition permit application, 2023 Occupancy History City Directory Research, December 2023 1959 John Douglas and Daisy Henninger, owners - carpenter 1955 John D. Henninger, owner 1952 John D. and Daisy Henninger, owners – gardener Daisiebell Henninger Note: Aleen Henninger, widow of John Henninger and mother of J.D. Henninger, listed at 1125 Tillery St.; Henry Henninger at 1124 Tillery; Fred and Ida Henninger at 1127 Tillery, Cecil and Edna Tillinger, proprietors of Green Valley Fruit Co. at 1121 Tillery; Rudolph and Pearl Henninger, florists, at 1131 Tillery …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JANUARY 10, 2024 PR-2023-157751; GF-2023-161486 2307 QUARRY ROAD 35 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1940 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story Tudor Revival house with two-story rear addition and basement. The house at 2307 Quarry Road was built in 1940. Its earliest occupants were Dewey and Velma Knutson. Dewey Knutson was a director at the Comptroller’s Department, and Velma Knuston was a nurse. They sold the house in the mid-1950s to Donald M. and Olwyn Anderson. Donald Anderson was an assistant director of personnel at the University of Texas, and later became the assistant director of the Texas chapter of the American Medical Association. Olwyn Anderson, a talented athlete, worked as a high school tennis coach at Austin High School. PROPERTY EVALUATION Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate integrity. Siding has been replaced 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 constructed in the Tudor Revival style. 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, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 35 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 35 – 3 35 – 4 35 – 5 Demolition permit application, 2023 Occupancy History City Directory Research, November, 2023 1959 Donald M. Anderson, owner 1955 Donald M. and Olwyn Anderson, owners – assistant director of Classified Personnel Office, University of Texas 1952 Dewey M. and Velma Knutson, owners – maintenance director, State Comptroller’s Dept.; nurse, Robert Bratton 1949 Dewey M. and Velma Knutson, owners – maintenance director, State Comptroller’s Dept.; nurse, Robert Bratton 1944 Dewey M. and Velma Knutson, owners – employee, State Comptroller’s Dept.; nurse, Dr. S. …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JANUARY 10, 2024 PR-2023-157233; GF-2023-161494 3705 BALCONES DRIVE 36 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1951 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One- and one-half story Ranch house with Colonial Revival influences, clad in brick with a rambling footprint and 6:6 and 8:8 replacement windows. The house at 3705 Balcones Drive was constructed in 1951. Its first long-term occupants were Stephen E. and Patricia S. Clabaugh and their children. Both Stephen and Patricia Clabaugh were geologists; Dr. Stephen Clabaugh taught at the University of Texas for 33 years and served as chairman of the Geology Department, and Dr. Patricia Clabaugh worked for the US Geological Survey before her marriage and went back to UT for her doctorate after their children entered school. Stephen E. Clabaugh’s obituary notes his professional achievements as a leading Texas geologist and dedicated instructor: He taught at the University of Texas for 33 years. He was the Fred M. Bullard Professor Emeritus in Geological Sciences. He taught physical geology, mineralogy and petrology, metamorphic petrology, and an elementary field geology course, among others. He received the UT Student's Association Award for teaching excellence in 1957. In 1958, he received the Minnie Stevens Piper Award for "outstanding academic, scientific, and scholarly achievement and for dedication to the teaching profession." He served as Department chair from 1962 to 1966. In 1974 and again in 1978, he received UT's Carolyn G. and G. Moses Knebel Distinguished Teaching Award…. He was a member of the Geological Society of America for more than 50 years. In 2006 he was inducted into The Jackson School of Geosciences Hall of Distinction.1 PROPERTY EVALUATION Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate integrity. Windows have been replaced, and parts of the building appear to 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and have been reconstructed. determined that it may meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is constructed with Styled Ranch influences. b. Historical association. The property is associated with Dr. Patricia S. and Dr. Stephen E. Clabaugh, prominent Texas geologists and University of Texas instructors. 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 was not evaluated for its ability to …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JANUARY 10, 2024 PR-2023-158329; GF-2023-161497 2802 PEARCE LANE 37 – 1 PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE Demolish a ca. 1910 house and outbuilding. One-story rustic cabin with a Craftsman-style, shingle-clad front gable; deep front porch supported by simple posts atop massive, tapered stone piers; 6:6 wood windows; and rustic stone cladding throughout. The lot also contains a small, windowless stone outbuilding, consistent in appearance with Texas vernacular smokehouses or springhouses. RESEARCH As the property was annexed in 1982, historic-age research is largely unavailable from public sources. However, TCAD records indicate that the building’s legal description is Lot 1 of the Leigh Subdivision, with the plat filed in 1968, and that Mrs. Amelia Leigh, wife of the late Horage R. Leigh, owned the property. During the 1940s, the Leighs lived in Gonzales, and during the ‘50s, they lived across the river bend on Mt. Barker Drive. The building is directly adjacent to the Ski Shores marina. Aerial photographs show that the building was associated with small-scale farmland into the 1940s, though TCAD records indicate it was built in 1910. PROPERTY EVALUATION 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 may meet two criteria, but research on its occupancy and associations is incomplete: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of Texas vernacular architecture, combining classic Craftsman styling with rough rustic stone and unpainted woodwork. b. Historical association. The property was not able to be evaluated for its associations due to limitations on c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human available public research materials. history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. The property was not evaluated for its ability 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 was not evaluated for its ability to possess a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Either encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse but release the demolition upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package, or postpone the public hearing …
38 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JANUARY 10, 2024 PR-2023-151263; GF-2023-161708 1711 NEWTON STREET PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Renovate ca. 1915 church to create a duplex. Replace existing windows and doors with aluminum-clad windows in existing openings. Add new horizontal basement windows. Partially demolish and remodel back house. Gabled church building with horizontal siding, square steeple tower with hipped roof, and vertical two-light windows at secondary elevations. Exposed rafter tails are visible beneath the eaves of its seamed metal roof, and a double concrete stairway leads to its gabled entryway. According to the 2016 Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Survey, St. Annie’s African Methodist Episcopal Church was built around 1915. In a 2016 article by Alberta Phillips, the author notes the church’s importance to the area as a “[remnant] of a once-thriving black community of freed slaves who lived in this area following the Civil War and into the 1950s. Today, a handful of structures, including at least two African American churches, are all that is left of the so-called Brackenridge community.”1 Notably, Willie Wells of the Negro League and National Baseball Halls of Fame was laid to rest after services at St. Annie’s, his neighborhood church. Phillips notes the 2016 survey conducted by historian Terri Myers of Preservation Central, Inc., explaining the significance of the Brackenridge neighborhood: The Brackenridge community, during its apex, comprised nearly half of the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. It was one of Austin’s first freedmen communities named for the former all-black Brackenridge School on Elizabeth Street, near the Texas School for the Deaf. Like other African-American communities, Brackenridge was redlined in the 1930s to prevent banks from making home and business loans to residents.2 In 2016, Myers—a long-serving member of the Historic Landmark Commission—requested initiation of historic zoning for the church, though the designation did not take place at that time.3 PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2016 Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Survey lists the church building as a high priority and contributing to a potential historic district. The survey does not address the pastor’s house separately. 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 meets two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of twentieth-century vernacular religious architecture. b. Historical association. The property is …
