ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: C14H- 2025-0086 HLC DATE: September 3, 2025 PC DATE: CC Date: APPLICANT: Drenner Group (Dave Anderson) HISTORIC NAME: Margaret Badger and M. H. Reed House WATERSHED: Shoal Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1712 Rio Grande Street ZONING CHANGE: GO-ETOD-DBETOD to DMU-H-ETOD-DBETOD COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change to add historic landmark combining district zoning (H) to the base zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: architecture and historical associations. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: CASE MANAGERS: Cynthia Hadri, 512-974-7620; Kalan Contreras, 512-974-2727 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Neighborhoods Council, City of Austin Downtown Commission, Downtown Austin Alliance, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Assn. (DANA), Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Historic Austin Neighborhood Association, Homeless Neighborhood Association, Judges Hill Neighborhood Association, Preservation Austin, Shoal Creek Conservancy, West Downtown Alliance, Inc. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The Historic Landmark Commission will review the addition of H zoning only at the upcoming September 3, 2025, public hearing. Base zoning changes will be evaluated at subsequent Planning Commission and City Council hearings. The 2025 Downtown Austin historic resource survey recommends the building as eligible for individual listing as a historic landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as eligible as a contributing structure in local and National Register historic districts. BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: § 25-2-352(3)(c)(i) Architecture. The property embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. The house is significant as a rare example of the American Foursquare style of the Prairie school of architecture in Austin. While prolific in the Midwest, Austin’s true Foursquare homes are few and far between. Frank Lloyd Wright is solely credited with creating Prairie style architecture. The style is defined by its horizontal lines, indoor-outdoor living spaces and open interiors. Though the building’s architect remains a mystery, some evidence suggests it is a …
ZONING APPLICATION FOR ZONING FILE NUMBER(S) TENTATIVE CC DATE CITY INITIATED YES NO YES NO ROLLBACK DEPARTMENT USE ONLY APPLICATION DATE TENTATIVE ZAP/PC DATE CASE MANAGER APPLICATION ACCEPTED BY PROJECT DATA OWNER’S NAME: PROJECT NAME: PROJECT STREET ADDRESS (or Range): ZIP COUNTY: If project address cannot be defined, provide the following information: ALONG THE SIDE OF APPROXIMATELY Frontage ft. (N,S,E,W) Frontage road FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH Distance Direction TAX PARCEL NUMBER(S): Is Demolition proposed? Cross street If Yes, how many residential units will be demolished? Unknown Number of these residential units currently occupied**: Is this zoning request to rezone a parcel that contains an existing mobile home park with five or more occupied units?** If Yes, how many? Type of Residential Unit: SF, duplex, triplex, townhouse/condo, multi-family, manufactured home: Number of Proposed Residential units (if applicable): If Yes, how many of the following: 1 Bedroom Affordable 2 Bedroom Affordable 3 Bedroom Affordable 4 or more Bedroom Affordable Unknown ** If 5 or more, tenant notification may be required and a certified form may be required with your application (LDC 25-1-712). Tenants must receive notification at least 270 days before the application is eligible for final ordinance readings by City Council. AREA TO BE REZONED: ACRES OR SQ FT Existing Zoning ___________ ___________ ___________ Existing Use ___________ ___________ ___________ Tract # # of Acres/SF ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ Max # of Res Units Per Acre ___________ ___________ ___________ Proposed Zoning ___________ ___________ ___________ Proposed Use ___________ ___________ ___________ Tract # ___________ ___________ ___________ Proposed # of Acres/SF ___________ ___________ ___________ Max # of Res Units Per Acre ___________ ___________ ___________ Proposed Total # of Units Per Acre ___________ ___________ ___________ Name of Neighborhood Plan: Page 7 of 19 rev 05/12/2023 RELATED CASES ZONING NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AMENDMENT (YES / NO) FILE NUMBER: ACTIVE ZONING CASE (YES / NO) FILE NUMBER: RESTRICTIVE COVENANT (YES / NO) FILE NUMBER: SUBDIVISION SITE PLAN (YES / NO) (YES / NO) FILE NUMBER: FILE NUMBER: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION (For the portion affected by this application) Provide either subdivision reference OR metes & bounds description. 1. SUBDIVISION REFERENCE: Name: Block(s)_____________ 2. METES AND BOUNDS (Attach two copies of certified field notesFILE NUMBER: DEED REFERENCE OF DEED CONVEYING PROPERTY TO THE PRESENT OWNER: VOLUME: SQ. FT: PAGE: OR DOCUMENT # or ACRES Is this a SMART Housing Project? Yes No If residential, is there other Tax Credits or …
From: To: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan case C14H-2025-0086 Friday, August 22, 2025 1:33:21 PM [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] External Email - Exercise Caution The board of directors of the West Downtown Alliance supports the application for Zoning change for 1712 Rio Grande. Thank you, Scott Sayers 1800 Nueces St. CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 HR-2025-102555; C14H-1977-0009 HORTON-DUVAL HOUSE 6706 BLUFF SPRINGS ROAD 4 – 1 PROPOSAL Deconstruct ruins of landmarked building destroyed by fire in 1996. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Due to serious life safety concerns, the Case Review & Escalations Division of the City of Austin Development Services Department seeks to remove the masonry remnants of the ca. 1852 building, destroyed by fire in 1996. Though the ruins were potentially salvageable after the initial fire, the thirty intervening years have led to deterioration beyond repair, and they now pose a significant hazard to pedestrians on the nearby sidewalk and people using the vacant land as temporary shelter. As the remaining masonry was quarried, hewn, and assembled by enslaved laborers from the nearby Sneed property, who later dwelt in the building, DSD staff propose respectful disassembly of the stonework and sustainable recycling, rather than removing the stones to a landfill. ARCHITECTURE Though the building was once an L-shaped vernacular residence with Greek Revival stylistic influences, few standing walls remain. See backup for images. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects at historic landmarks. Though the standards do not typically allow demolition of landmarked buildings, this unique case warrants an exception to the standards due to its extreme deterioration, decades of failed remediation, and imminent threat to public safety. PROPERTY EVALUATION As the property is also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark,1 the Texas Historical Commission has performed a site visit and evaluation of the property (see backup), determining that the building no longer retains sufficient integrity to qualify for the RTHL program. Similarly, the property no longer possesses sufficient integrity to qualify as a local landmark. Stabilization attempts were made after the fire in 1996, though limited progress was made due to lack of funding (the owner had purchased the property at auction in 1992), and deterioration continued. COMMITTEE FEEDBACK As the building has suffered extreme deterioration and near entire loss of integrity, and now poses an imminent life safety hazard, respectful removal of what masonry remains is appropriate. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness in concurrence with Committee feedback and Texas Historical Commission response. Recommendations for mitigation measures include a revised state marker as well as archeological documentation, which would be the responsibility of …
July 18, 2025 Kim McKnight Division Manager, Historic Preservation City of Austin PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 Via Email Re: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark project review, The Governor Horton Place (Horton—Duval House), Austin, Travis County (RTHL) Dear Ms. McKnight: Thank you for sending information regarding proposed project work to the Governor Horton Place, which is designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. This letter represents the comments of the Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission. The review staff, led by Alexander Shane, has completed its review of the project documentation provided on June 5, 2025, and has the following comments, recommendations, and expectations: On June 9, 2025, Texas Historical Commission staff met with staff from the City of Austin at The Governor Horton Place (1972) on Bluff Springs Road. The City of Austin Planning Department provided documentation prior to the site visit indicating the historic property at 6706 Bluff Springs Road had deteriorated beyond salvage. The building succumbed to fire in 1996 and was left in a state of disrepair for many years with partial exterior walls remaining. We understand the proposed exterior scope of work to be the demolition of the remaining masonry walls and clearing of the site. The 1996 fire, along with no additional care of the building, led to further deterioration of the structure. The City of Austin Structural Engineer submitted a report dated June 9, 2025, in which it was noted that between October 2022 and June 2025 two stabilizing walls collapsed at the building, increasing the instability of the remaining walls. Our office understands the growing concern by the community and by the City of Austin that the site of The Governor Horton Place has become a safety issue due to the weakening of the remaining walls. Since there is no security at the site, fears have been expressed over potential injury, due to the large tract of property and numerous access points. Normally, the Texas Historical Commission would encourage the property owner to attempt a rehabilitation effort to stabilize the weakened walls and look for ways to pull in monies to assist with building preservation. Based upon the deteriorated condition shared by the City of Austin in information submitted and noted during the site visit by Texas Historical Commission staff, we understand the demolition and clearing of The Governor Horton Place. Because this property is not owned by the City of …
To: Marlayna Wright Code Supervisor | Case Review & Escalations Division Austin Code Department Re: 6706 Bluff Springs, Austin, Texas 78744 Existing Structure Observation Mrs. Wright, June 9, 2025 This letter is in regard to a follow up visit to 6706 Bluff Springs, Austin, Texas 78744 to assess the structural integrity of the existing structure. The original letter regarding the structural assessment of the existing structure was issued October 4, 2022. A site visit was conducted on March 19, 2025, to perform a structural observation of the existing building. The existing structure did not improve and is considered a dangerous environment and life safety concern to those living on the property and those that have access to the priority. Since the last site visit conducted October 4, 2022, two (2) of the walls that were standing have collapsed. The wall along the south side of the building and west side of the building are no longer present. See Figures A and B. These walls provided lateral support for the adjacent walls. The failure of the walls adds to the instability of the remaining walls. There were needles and hazardous material on the ground in several locations of the site that is a health safety concern. See Figure C. At the time of our site visit there were several people living on the property and within footprint of the dilapidated building. See Figures D and E. The existing structure is a life safety concern to those living on the property and those that have access to the property. The structural integrity of the existing structures at 6706 Bluff Springs, Austin, Texas 78744, have been compromised, creating imminent hazard and danger to the health, safety and welfare of the public. This property is a health risk to those living on the property and for the neighborhood that is adjacent to the property. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Karim Helmi, PE City Structural Engineer Office of the City Engineer Transportation Public Works Department │ City of Austin 512.974.6539│ karim.helmi@austintexas.gov Photo A (West Wall) 2 | P a g e Photo B (South Wall) Photo C (Needle) Photo D Photo E 3 | P a g e
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 HR-2025-099714 ETHEL PEARL’S BEAUTY SALON 1504 EAST 11TH STREET 5.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Repair and rehabilitate a landmark for use as a residence. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Remove vinyl siding and replace with wood lapped siding 2) Replace non-original front door and windows 3) Infill several windows for conversion of use to a residence ARCHITECTURE The building is a single-story, rectangular shaped structure with a moderately pitched hipped roof. There are numerous doors and hung windows present at the East 11th and Angelina Street facades. The structure sits on piers set slightly above grade, and one corner features a brick skirting that is showing signs of sagging. At the rear of the house is a ca. 1962 addition. The walls are clad in non-historic vinyl siding installed around 2007, and the property became a landmark in 2013. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects at historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General standards Material that is proposed to be removed all appears to be non-original, mostly from the 2007 intervention. Generally, replacement materials differ from those that are present, but this is due to existing materials that would now be determined as inappropriate if proposed at a City of Austin landmark. 4. Exterior walls and trim Vinyl siding, which was installed around 2007, is proposed to be replaced with wood siding. This new material should be vetted for appropriate size and orientation but is generally appropriate as a material for building stock in this area of East Austin. Removal of the brick skirting at the southwest corner is not recommended and retaining that material should be explored as a solution. 5. Windows, doors, and screens Some existing windows are non-original and have been covered with solar screens in the 2007 intervention. Proposed windows are fixed in place. It is recommended that the installation of operable or fixtures that appear operable be explored as an alternative at primary facades. In areas that may still have their original windows, such as the east half of the south facade, retaining these fixtures with an addition of an interior storm or reversible solution for noise and energy efficiency is highly recommended. 6. Porches A …
S 67D02'19" E 47.00' One Story Brick and Frame Residence (1,377 sf) PP ' 0 0 . 0 6 W ' " 0 0 7 3 D 3 2 S Existing Conc. Drive (92 sf) E Elec. Service Gas Conc. Porch (63 sf) Conc. Walk (26 sf) Site Plan 1/8"=1'-0" (1/16" = 1'-0" for 11"x17") E x i s t i n g W o o d F e n c e ' 0 0 . 0 6 E ' " 0 0 7 3 D 3 2 N AC d e m u s s A h t r o N Conc. Walk (65 sf) N 67D02'19" W 47.00' Existing 4' Sidewalk 11th STREET (60' R.O.W.) T E E R T S A N L E G N A I ) . . W O R . ' 0 5 ( SHEET INDEX A-1.0 SITE PLAN / FLOOR PLAN PROJECT INFORMATION LEGEND Address: 1504 E 11th Street Austin, Texas. 78702 Legal: Zoned- SF-3-H-NP Being a portion of lots 5 & 6. Rectors Subdivision Vol. 1; Page 45 of the Travis County Deed Records DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK Extensive interior remodel while maintaining the historic character of 11th street elevation. 2 bedroom and 2 bath proposed. EXISTING LOT SIZE Lot = 2,820 s.f. Property Line Fencing Setback Public Util. Easement Electrical Service New Addition Existing Structure PP FH Power Pole Fire Hydrant a. Smoke Alarms: Provide Smoke Alarms - hard wired, interconnected, battery backup, at each sleeping room and immediate common area outside of sleeping rooms. If applicable, on each additional story including basements and habitable attics. In accordance with 2021 IRC Sec R314. X E b. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Provide Carbon Monoxide Alarm - hard wired with battery backup, installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and/or have an attached garage. In accordance with 2021 IRC sec R315" l k a w e d S i i . t s x E -6" WH AC Existing Conc. Drive (92 sf) Elec. Service Gas Conc. Porch (63 sf) Conc. Walk (26 sf) N G I S E D / R E M M A H p i h s r e n t r a p n o i t c u r t s n o c & e r u t c …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 PR-2025-062597 WEST LINE HISTORIC DISTRICT 705 BROWNLEE CIRCLE 6.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Construct a multi-unit residence. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Construct a three-unit residential building. The previous building on the property was listed as non-contributing to the historic district and not reviewed by the Historic Landmark Commission. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects in National Register districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location The setback of the proposed construction is similar to the non-contributing resource that has been approved for demolition. It is also similar to other houses on the block and is located on a curved section of street to allow any variation in setback to blend. 2. Orientation Consisting of several units, there is not a cohesive main entry that can be described as facing the street. 3. Scale, massing, and height The property and street are set on a sloping elevation. To that end, the two-stories above grade as proposed, when viewed from the street, do not project substantially higher than neighbors on the block. The massing of the proposed structure creates the appearance of the second floor being offset from the main floor, creating a very modern look. 4. Proportions While this block of houses does feature varying forms and sizes of houses, the proposed design for this lot is very different from other contributing properties. However, it is noted that the majority of properties on the block, including both immediate neighbors, are non-contributing to the district. 5. Design and style The overall design of this new construction is a departure from the district generally, which does make it distinct from contributing properties. No historic architectural styles are being emulated, and materials are generally modern or presented in a modern layout or assembly. 6. Roofs While the roof form proposed does not appear to be simple or basic, there are few penetrations or crickets proposed that may unnecessarily complicate the design. Due to numerous rooftop decks, a sloped roof only appears at the front elevation. Some sort of standing seam metal is proposed, which is compatible with the modern design of the rest of the house. This material is common enough (if not original) on buildings in …
05/08/2025 BRWN NEW 4-UNIT RESIDENCE 705 Brownlee Circle Austin Texas 78703 U.S.A. CDPROC 49 May 14, 2025 e.g. CDPROC25April 03 2025SCOPE (NEW, RENOVATION, ADDITION)BRWN705 Brownlee Circle Austin Texas 78703 U.S.A. VICINITY MAP y p x c E a P o M 705 BROWNLEE CIRCLE, AUSTIN, TX 78703,EE.UU R O D L F WIN W Cesar Chavez St C OLO R A D O RIVE R LEGAL DESCRIPTION PROJECT ADDRESS: 705 Brownlee Circle Austin Texas 78703 U.S.A. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 32 OF PARK VIEW, VOLUME 5, PAGE 69, PLAT RECORDS, TRAVIS CO.,TX DESCRIPTION OF WORK: DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DUPLEX AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW 4-UNIT RESIDENCE OWNER'S NAME: BRAD HOSKINS & MELISSA SKIDMORE E N FIE L D R D W 15th St D LV R B A M A N L PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS ARCHITECT WEBBER + STUDIO 1220 LAVACA ST AUSTIN, TX 78701 512-236-1032 STRUCTURAL ENGINEER FORT STRUCTURES 2120 E 7th ST. STE 200 Austin, TX 78702 MECHANICAL ENGINEER FRESH AIR SIZING 3306 DALTON ST AUSTIN, TX 78745 512-466-7679 ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING ENGINEER S3 INGENIEROS KPMG BUILDING L2 ESCAZU, COSTA RICA +506-4020-2342 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER HOLT ENGINEERING, INC. 2220 BARTON SKYWAY AUSTIN, TX 78704 512-447-8166 W Cesar Chavez St y w L H A N GIO E R R E T IN WATERPROOFIING CONSULTANT ACTON PARTNERS P.O. BOX 203663 AUSTIN, TX 78720-3663 CIVIL ENGINEER TBD LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TBD INTERIOR DESIGNER TBD CONTRACTOR/BUILDER TBD SHEET INDEX ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT G001 G001 G002 G002 G003 G003 G004 G004 G005 G005 G006 G006 G100 G100 G101 G101 G102 G102 G103 G103 G104 G104 G105 G106 G106 G107 G107 D001 G201 D101 D001 D102 D101 SP101 D102 SP102 SP101 SP103 SP102 A100 SP103 A101 A100 A102 A101 A103 A102 A110 A103 A111 A110 A112 A111 A113 X111 A114 A112 A120 A113 A121 A114 A122 A120 A123 A121 A129 A122 A200 A123 A201 A129 A202 A130 A300 A131 A301 A132 A302 A133 A303 A134 A304 A200 A305 A201 A306 A202 A307 A300 A308 A301 A309 A302 A310 A303 A311 A304 A312 A305 A313 A306 A501 A307 A502 A308 A503 A309 A504 A310 A505 A311 A506 A401 A601 A402 A602 A403 A603 A404 A604 A405 A606 A406 A700 A407 A701 A408 SC100 A409 SC101 A410 SC102 A411 SC103 A412 SC104 A413 A414 A501 A502 A503 A504 A505 A506 A510 A520 COVER SHEET COVER SHEET PROJECT INFORMATION PROJECT INFORMATION PROPERTY INFORMATION PROPERTY INFORMATION EXISTING CONDITIONS PHOTOS EXISTING CONDITIONS PHOTOS …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 PR-2025-088150; GF-2025-091771 OLD WEST AUSTIN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 2514 WOOLDRIDGE DRIVE 7 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1938 building. ARCHITECTURE Two-story Georgian Revival house with curved portico, symmetrical shuttered windows, brick veneer, and a side-gabled roof with added dormers. RESEARCH The house at 2514 Wooldridge Drive was constructed in 1938 for Clarence McCullough and his family. McCullough, who began his career as assistant cashier at the Security Trust company, slowly rose in prominence as a banker. Eventually, he partnered with rancher and fellow real estate broker Dr. Joseph Koenig to develop the Violet Crown Heights subdivisions between 1946 and 1948, lending Koenig’s name to one of its major thoroughfares. In 1950 and 1951, they built the adjacent Violet Crown Shopping Center. “On the northwest corner of North Lamar and Brentwood Street,” notes Violet Crown historian and resident Susan Burneson, “the center was in the heart of Violet Crown Heights, Section 1.”1 In spring 2025, KUT journalist Juan Garcia and Burneson discussed the development of Austin’s most well-known midcentury center: The violet crown nickname [was] used in real estate marketing throughout the early 20th century, but few had the impact Dr. Joe Koenig and Clarence McCullough had when they started selling land in what used to be north Austin in the ‘40s…Right along [Violet Crown Heights], the pair built a shopping center in 1951. They called it the Violet Crown Shopping Center, which had a handful of violet-crown-themed businesses…immortalized as “The Emporium” in Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age film Dazed and Confused. 2 McCullough and Koenig maintained offices at the Violet Crown Shopping Center. Clarence McCullough’s son, who lived at 2514 Wooldridge Drive throughout his time at the University of Texas, later became the center’s manager.3 McCullough and his wife, Ruth, lived at the house on Wooldridge Drive until at least the 1980s. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Old West Austin National Register district. 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 a rear second-floor addition was constructed in 1991; the front façade dormers may have been added at this time. 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 for landmark designation: a. Architecture. …
From: To: Subject: Date: Candace Volz Contreras, Kalan 2514 Wooldridge Dr. Wednesday, August 27, 2025 1:26:44 PM External Email - Exercise Caution Hello Kalan - We recently noticed an Historic landmark Commission sign at 2514 Wooldridge, as well as a demolition sign. Looking online, I found the "processes and notes" form on the Permits website (attached). What does "rejected" mean under "Historic Preservation? This owner, Hank Farrell, is with a property development/ management company and owns two adjacent properties on Wooldridge and, behind 2514, 2515 McCallum. In addition to the loss of 2514 Wooldridge as a contributing property in our NRD, it appears that Farrell will be tearing down 2514 to 1) create an "estate-let" or playground behind or next to one of his other contiguous properties, or 2) develop two or three of the lots into multi-family housing? Either outcome, plus the loss of the contributing property, is damaging to the historic appearance of our neighborhood. It does appear that the history of 2514, plus its largely intact facade, merits "H" zoning. But I disagree with the HLC staff's backup recommendations for "relocation or deconstruction and salvage". Both mean it leaves our neighborhood- the Wooldridge streetscape plus residents are the losers. Documenting the house is also a loss- what does a file cabinet or digital file full of "documentation" do for Austin's future?? Thank you for considering Pemberton Heights and Austin's future appearance as you make this decision. Incidentally, we've lost two contributing houses on Preston Ave. in the past 6 months, one torn down and one remuddled. 1412 Preston, the remuddled house, is no longer a contributing house in our NRD. It's appearance has been drastically changed. I know your office is understaffed, but in the meantime, Austin's architectural history is going down the drain. Candace Volz
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 PR-2025-095243; PR-2025-095042; GF-2025-095661 TRAVIS HEIGHTS- FAIRVIEW PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT 1709 DRAKE AVENUE 8.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1925 residence and construct a house. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Demolish a single-story detached house, which is a contributing resource to the National Register historic district. 2) Construct a two-story single-family house in generally the same location. ARCHITECTURE The Craftsman bungalow located at 1709 Drake Avenue is a single-story house with a corner inset porch and front gabled roof. The street facing façade features two pairs of hung windows which appear to be original. There is a small roof covering the front of the porch, inset among the larger gables. This roof is supported by decorative brackets and some rafter tails are visible from the street. The house’s foundation is pier and beam, and it is overall in good condition. RESEARCH Upon construction at the end of the 1920s, the property went through a series of owners until at least the 1950s. Many of these residents were local craftspeople and service industry workers, and for a time the owners and operators of a local café lived at the address. Despite many of the owners only living at the address for a short time, several later lived in other parts of Travis Heights or South Austin before and after their stay at 1709 Drake Avenue. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects in National Register districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location New construction is proposed in generally the same location as the existing building. 2. Orientation The two-story residence faces the street, similar to the existing building. 3. Scale, massing, and height A two-story residence replaces a one-story building as proposed. Per Standard 3.1, the height of new construction should respond to nearby contributing structures. There are some contributing structures that have two stories, but these are often later additions or set back from the front. However, the side gable construction at the second floor proposed in this application does minimize its overall visual height. 4. Proportions The proposed new construction generally keeps with the proportions of contributing properties on the block and in the district. Mentioned above, the second story is …
GENERAL TREE NOTES IMPACTS NO IMPACTS TO 1/2 CRITICAL ROOT ZONES (CRZ) (>4 INCHES) OR CANOPIES (>25%) OF PROTECTED TREES ALLOWED. THIS INCLUDES NEW UTILITIES AND NEW FENCE POSTS. UTILITY TRENCHING MUST AVOID THE 1/2 CRZ. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, THESE UTILITIES MUST BE AIR-EXCAVATED FOR THE TOP 30 INCHES BY A CERTIFIED ARBORIST TO AVOID CUTTING ANY ROOTS 1.5INCH+ DIAMETER. CONTRACTOR REQUIRED TO PROVIDE RECEIPTS AND PHOTOS AT THE FINAL TREE INSPECTION. ALL DEMOLITION IN THE 1/4 & 1/2 CRITICAL ROOT ZONES OF PROTECTED TREES MUST BE DONE WITH HAND TOOLS. PRUNING ANY PRUNING MUST HAPPEN ONLY ONCE DURING PROJECT, SHOULD TAKE PLACE PRIOR TO POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION DAMAGE AND MUST BE PERFORMED BY A CERTIFIED ARBORIST. SAVE RECEIPTS FOR THE FINAL TREE INSPECTOR. CRITICAL ROOT ZONE (CRZ) FENCING (5 FOOT + TALL CHAIN LINK) PER AUSTIN’S ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA MANUAL SECTION 3.5.2 IS REQUIRED FOR DURATION OF THE PROJECT FOR ALL PROTECTED TREES THAT HAVE CRZS WITHIN THE LIMITS OF CONSTRUCTION (LOC). THE LOC INCLUDES FOOT OR EQUIPMENT ACCESS PATHWAYS AS WELL AS MATERIAL OR SPOILS PLACEMENT AREAS. MULCHING WHEN TREE FENCING CANNOT INCORPORATE THE ENTIRE AVAILABLE FULL CRZ, AN 8 INCH LAYER OF SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH WITHIN THE ENTIRE AVAILABLE ROOT ZONE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROTECTED TREES WHICH HAVE ANY DISTURBANCE (INCLUDING ACCESS PATHWAYS) INDICATED WITHIN THEIR CRZ. IF HEAVY EQUIPMENT WILL BE ROLLING OVER THE MULCHED ROOT ZONE, FILTER FABRIC BETWEEN SOIL AND MULCH IS REQUIRED. ON TOP OF THE MULCH, JOB SITE CAN LAY BREATHABLE MATS OR PLYWOOD SHEETS TO CREATE A WORK SURFACE THAT CAN BE EASILY ROLLED OVER. WHEN NATURAL GROUND COVER IS NOT PRESENT TO MAINTAIN SOIL MOISTURE DURING CONSTRUCTION, A 3 INCH LAYER OF SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH INSIDE CRZ FENCINGIS REQUIRED. DO NOT PILE MULCH DIRECTLY AGAINST THE TREE TRUNKS. PLANKING WHEN TREE FENCING CANNOT INCORPORATE THE ENTIRE AVAILABLE ½ CRZ, STRAPPING 2X4 OR THICKER LUMBER (6 FOOT TALL MIN) SECURELY AROUND TREE TRUNK AND ROOT FLARE. ACCESS ALL ACCESS TO THE BUILD SHALL BE AREA SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED SITE PLAN. ALL MATERIAL STAGING, SPOILS, CONCRETE WASHOUT, DUMPSTER AND PORTABLE TOILET LOCATIONS SHALL BE LOCATED WITH THE "STAGING AREA" SHOWN THE PLOT PLAN. PROPERTY LINE BLDG SETBACK [COA] PROPERTY LINE BLDG SETBACK [COA] EXISTING SHED POOL (18X10) EXISTING SHED (N19°00'E 49') 5'-0" PERMIT SET 7-29-2025 STUART SAMPLEY A R C H I T E C T P 512-771-8856 STUARTSAMPLEYARCHITECT.COM MEMBER …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 PR-2025-086196; GF-2025-094899 902 WEST JOHANNA STREET 9.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1935 house. ARCHITECTURE The Craftsman-inspired bungalow located at 902 West Johanna Street is currently a side-by-side duplex with a shared front porch. This porch stretches across the middle half of the front elevation and is covered by a front-facing gable roof, which is inset within a gable covering the main house. Decorative brackets are present at both gables, along with latticework attic vents. The walls are clad in narrow teardrop siding, and the house is elevated on piers. A 1948 addition is present at the rear of the property. RESEARCH It isn’t known whether the house was originally constructed as a duplex, or if it was converted to such an orientation shortly after being built. From its construction around 1935 until the mid-1950s, the house was owned by Cecil & Daisy Naven, who had moved to Austin from Wichita Falls around the start of the Great Depression. Cecil Naven worked for several years at Southwestern Bell before being listed in city directories as a mechanic and repairman. During this time, they periodically had renters living at the address, presumably in the other half of the house. A work permit for a rear addition was filed with the city in 1948. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2015 Bouldin Creek historic resource survey lists the property as a medium priority. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of Craftsman bungalow architecture. 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 Strongly encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then material …
Front (North) Facade Side (East) Facade Side (West) Facade Rear (South) Facade architecture City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. City Hall — Council Chambers 301 W. 2 nd street Austin, TX 78701 Review Case No. GF 2025-094899 902 W Johanna st, Austin, TX 78704 To whom it may concern, We, on behalf of our client Frances Nahas (FEN Holdings LLC), after careful review and thought propose to demolish the existing home at 902 W Johanna St, Austin, TX 78704 in preparation for a future new construction home. Our client is adamantly opposed to the imposition of historic zoning on her property. Please consider this a valid petition and advise me if any further action is required to perfect this right. Regards, Point B Design Group Bob Allsop, Senior Associate Rachel Smith, Associate Principal cc: Bob Allsop, Rachel Smith, Frances Nahas t Point B Design Group | 1009 W 6th St Austin TX 78703 | 512-568-9803
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION BRIEFING: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NOMINATIONS SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 MONTOPOLIS NEGRO SCHOOL 500 MONTOPOLIS DRIVE PROPOSAL A valid nomination to the National Register of Historic Places has been submitted to the Texas Historical Commission for the Montopolis Negro School property at 500 Montopolis Drive. Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission is required by the provisions of the State of Texas Certified Local Government program to comment on the nomination and to notify the THC and CLG program coordinators of its position. The nomination will be heard by the Texas Historical Commission’s State Board of Review on September 19, 2025. Copies of the draft nomination and meeting information are available at thc.gov/sbrmeeting and (see backup). STAFF RECOMMENDATION Recommend approval of the nomination to the State Board of Review.
Historic Photo, 1940 Malcolm H. and Margaret Reed House 1712 Rio Grande photo courtesy Austin History Center East (Primary) Elevation 1712 Rio Grande Delta Tau Delta members gather on the front lawn for a photo, ca. 1930s 1712 Rio Grande photo courtesy of Delta Tau Delta Members enjoy the front porch ca. 1936. 1712 Rio Grande photos courtesy of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity brothers perch and plan on the front porch ca. 1940. 1712 Rio Grande photos courtesy of Delta Tau Delta South Elevation Oblique view of southeast corner 1712 Rio Grande South Elevation, ca. 1937 1712 Rio Grande photo courtesy of Delta Tau Delta South Elevation, ca. 1937 1712 Rio Grande photo courtesy of Delta Tau Delta Original Staircase no longer extant 1712 Rio Grande photos courtesy of Delta Tau Delta Delta Tau Delta members pose for group photo inside the house, ca. 1930s 1712 Rio Grande photos courtesy of Delta Tau Delta Hillel Foundation makes their home at 1712 Rio Grande, 1930. 1712 Rio Grande Fire damaged home’s interior twice in 1925 and 1932. Malcolm H. and Margaret Reed House 1712 Rio Grande Dolph Briscoe at Mount Bonnell Recognition of the home’s significance in a 1973 newspaper article. Dolph Briscoe, Jr., governor of Texas, lived in the house as a UT student. 1712 Rio Grande Delta Tau Delta members continue to have strong ties to UT traditions. 1712 Rio Grande photos courtesy of Delta Tau Delta Malcolm H. Reed was a notable figure in Austin’s early history. 1712 Rio Grande
From: To: Subject: Date: Candace Volz Contreras, Kalan 2514 Wooldridge Dr. Wednesday, August 27, 2025 1:26:44 PM External Email - Exercise Caution Hello Kalan - We recently noticed an Historic landmark Commission sign at 2514 Wooldridge, as well as a demolition sign. Looking online, I found the "processes and notes" form on the Permits website (attached). What does "rejected" mean under "Historic Preservation? This owner, Hank Farrell, is with a property development/ management company and owns two adjacent properties on Wooldridge and, behind 2514, 2515 McCallum. In addition to the loss of 2514 Wooldridge as a contributing property in our NRD, it appears that Farrell will be tearing down 2514 to 1) create an "estate-let" or playground behind or next to one of his other contiguous properties, or 2) develop two or three of the lots into multi-family housing? Either outcome, plus the loss of the contributing property, is damaging to the historic appearance of our neighborhood. It does appear that the history of 2514, plus its largely intact facade, merits "H" zoning. But I disagree with the HLC staff's backup recommendations for "relocation or deconstruction and salvage". Both mean it leaves our neighborhood- the Wooldridge streetscape plus residents are the losers. Documenting the house is also a loss- what does a file cabinet or digital file full of "documentation" do for Austin's future?? Thank you for considering Pemberton Heights and Austin's future appearance as you make this decision. Incidentally, we've lost two contributing houses on Preston Ave. in the past 6 months, one torn down and one remuddled. 1412 Preston, the remuddled house, is no longer a contributing house in our NRD. It's appearance has been drastically changed. I know your office is understaffed, but in the meantime, Austin's architectural history is going down the drain. Candace Volz
September 3, 2025 Historic Landmark Commission Members City of Austin At a time when social and economic conditions are rapidly changing the landscape of East Austin, there comes an opportunity to preserve something historic and meaningful. The Calhoun House under consideration today is one such opportunity. The one-story home is located at 2401 Givens Avenue in East Austin, within the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Historic District, east of the Texas Capitol. The Calhoun House was one of the first to be built in this subdivision and it is the anchor of a key intersection. This house has been owned and inhabited by the Calhoun family since its construction for Theodore Calvin (T.C.) and Thelma Calhoun in 1959. The RWHC Historic District is one of the most intact concentrations of post-World War II housing for African Americans in Austin. As an early neighborhood developed by Black professionals for Black professionals, its development pattern is strongly tied to its cultural significance as a professional, middle-class, suburban neighborhood. The Calhoun House embodies the architecture trend and style known as “California ranch.” The ranch form, low slung, traces its root to a West Coast style that goes back nearly 100 years ago, to the 1930s. The home is in excellent condition and retains its original style and serves as a community gathering place in East Austin. Historic Association T.C. and Thelma Calhoun left behind more than their homestead -- they left behind a legacy. They were both committed educators and prominent civic leaders in Austin during the mid-twentieth century, when racial policies hindered the success and prosperity of Black Americans. The Calhouns played pivotal roles in the success and cohesiveness of the RWHC neighborhood, but left their mark on the entire community. T.C. was the second principal of Kealing Junior High, the first junior high in Austin to serve African American students. He was principal there for more than 30 years and retired when desegregation policies closed it in 1971. T.C. was also a deacon and trustee of Ebenezer 3rd Baptist Church, a founder and treasurer of the Austin-Travis County Teachers’ Credit Union, President of the Texas State Teachers’ Association, a president of the Austin Negro Chamber of Commerce and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Thelma Calhoun lived to be 103 years old. She was a graduate of the original L.C. Anderson High School, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and as …
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Megan Meisenbach Contreras, Kalan; Historic Preservation Office; Heimsath, Ben - BC C14H-2025-0086 1712 Rio Grande Street Item 3 on Wednesday"s Agenda Tuesday, September 2, 2025 11:10:15 AM Texas Humanities 1410 Rio Grande.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from this is important . Learn why External Email - Exercise Caution Greetings Chairman Heimsath and Historic Landmark Commissioners, Officers of the Judges Hill Neighborhood Association support the nomination of 1712 Rio Grande Street for Historic Landmark Status. We welcome this addition to the Judges Hill Neighborhood that has 25 Landmarks. Landmark designations include: Two properties individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places Nine properties designated as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks 25 City of Austin Historic Landmarks (these include the properties with National and State designations) The 1712 Rio Grande Street, adjacent to Judges Hill seems related to the Texas Humanities Building, at 1410 Rio Grande St. Thank you, Megan Meisenbach Austin Landmark Historic Matsen House Texas Landmark Judges Hill Neighborhood CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250903-010 Date: September 3, 2025 Subject: National Register Applications at State Board of Review, Texas Historical Commission Motioned By: Vice-Chair Evans Seconded By: Commissioner McWhorter Recommendation Recommend approval of the National Register of Historic Places nomination of the Montopolis Negro School at 500 Montopolis Drive to the State Board of Review. Vote: 9-0 For: Chair Heimsath, Vice-Chair Evans, Commissioners Acton, Alvarez, Grogan, Koch, McWhorter, Rice, and Taniguchi Against: None Absent: Commissioner Larosche Attest: Kalan Contreras Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 1 of 1
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250903-012 Date: September 3, 2025 Subject: Nomination to Rally Austin Board of Directors Recommendation Nominate Bradford Patterson for a second three-year term on the Rally Austin board of directors. Motioned By: Vice-Chair Roxanne Evans Seconded By: Commissioner Trey McWhorter Vote: 9-0 in favor For: Chair Heimsath, Vice-Chair Evans, Commissioners Acton, Alvarez, Grogan, Koch, McWhorter, Rice, and Taniguchi Against: None Absent: Commissioner Larosche Attest: Kalan Contreras Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 1 of 1
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Historic Preservation Office FW: PR 25-088150 - 2514 Wooldridge Drive Wednesday, September 3, 2025 1:41:40 PM 2512 Wooldridge Dr.png 2515 McCallum.png You don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Subject: PR 25-088150 - 2514 Wooldridge Drive Sofia Wagner Historic Landmark Commission Hearing date September 3, 2025 I object to the application to demolish 2514 Wooldridge Dr. This property was recently purchased by a developer, Hanford (Hank) & Yvette Farrell who own the adjacent home, located at 2512 Wooldridge Dr. (photo attached), and the property directly behind 2514, which is 2515 McCallum (photo attached). The property next door, 2512 Woodridge Dr is also a candidate for historical preservation as it was likely built in the 1930s, around the same time as 2514 Wooldridge. Mr. Farrell is the founder of RPM Living Investments, LLC which is a multifamily management company. Mr. Farrell intends to tear down both of these historical homes in favor of a larger scale property, potentially for multi-family purposes. It is my understanding he intends to build a subsurface 6 car garage. Demolition of this historic home (and 2512 Wooldridge) would be detrimental to the character of our neighborhood, creating a loss in continuity of the street and a tremendous loss to the charm of our neighborhood. This property certainly has community value as it showcases the style of home during the 1930s and defines the character of the Pemberton neighborhood. This home is a historical artifact of Central Austin’s early development. Its demolition by a developer would prioritize short-term profit over preserving Austin’s unique history. In addition, this property and the adjacent 2512 Wooldridge are diagonally across the street from my residence which is on the Shoal Creek greenbelt. Following underground work with the drainage systems in the vicinity and recent rains, I have experienced water run off that is impacting the integrity of my property. I am concerned about demolition and rebuilding of a larger/more expansive home or multi-family units with underground garages that may cause irreparable harm or loss to my property. We have already experienced loss of a portion of our property, as have other neighbors on the street, and a demolition and new build of this magnitude could cause further damage. I respectfully request the application for demolition be denied. Johnny Mansour 2503 Wooldridge Drive Austin, Texas, 78703 CAUTION: This is …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, 6:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 COMMISSION MEMBERS: X Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair X Roxanne Evans (D-2), Vice Chair X VAC VACANT (D-1) Jeffrey Acton (Mayor) X Kevin Koch (D-3) Judah Rice (D-4) X X Harmony Grogan (D-5) AB Carl Larosche (D-6) X Jaime Alvarez (D-7) X Bat Taniguchi (D-9) X Trey McWhorter (D-10) APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak before the meeting will be allocated three minutes to speak about an item(s) that is not posted on the agenda. Meghan King spoke on Preservation Austin updates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Historic Landmark Commission regular meeting on August 6, 2025. MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Vice- Chair Evans. Commissioner McWhorter seconded the motion. Vote: 9-0. The motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND ACTION Historic Zoning Applications 2. 3. PR-2025-041615 – 607 E. 38th St. Council District 9 Proposal: Commission-initiated historic zoning. (Postponed by applicant on August 6, 2025) Applicant: Historic Landmark Commission City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Do not grant historic zoning, as the property does not meet two criteria for designation. Strongly encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse or relocation, then material salvage and reuse, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. Charles d’Harcourt spoke in favor of historic zoning. Jorge Alzaga spoke in opposition to historic zoning. MOTION: Close the public hearing and release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote: 9-0. The motion passed. C14H-2025-0086 – 1712 Rio Grande St. Reed House Council District 9 Proposal: Applicant-initiated historic zoning Applicant: Dave Anderson City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Grant the proposed zoning change to add historic landmark combining district zoning (H) to the base zoning. Tere O’Connell spoke in favor of historic zoning. Robin Shepherd spoke in favor of historic zoning. MOTION: Close the public hearing on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote 9-0. The motion passed. MOTION: Approve the historic zoning application per staff recommendation on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote: 9-0. The motion …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: The Clovis at Mckinney Falls, SP-2024-0202D Applicant: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC Location: 6507 Mckinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction Staff: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed …
The Clovis at Mckinney Falls 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway SP-2024-0202D Mohamad Abdulkader Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 2 OUTLINE Property Data Synopsis Site Constriction/Regulation Variance Requests Grading Exhibits Variance Recommendation and Conditions 3 Property Data Cottonmouth Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Austin 2-Mile ETJ Synopsis 4 15.97-acre site located at the intersection of McKinney Falls Parkway and Dee Gabriel Collins Road Elevation ranges from 631’ along to 578’. Site is generally flat, though there are some steep slopes along the orange highlighted areas shown below. Site Constriction/Regulation Accessibility – A driveway constructed fill 8’ to 15’ is required by the Travis County Fire Marshall to provide two different access points to the property. 5 Variance Requests 6 To allow fill from 8 to 15 feet in the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) Grading Exhibit (Fill) 7 Variance Recommendation and Conditions 8 Staff recommends the variance, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff condition: 1. Contain the fill with an engineered structural retaining wall. 2. Parking lot trees (1.5” caliper from ECM Appendix F) within 50 ft. radius of all parking spaces. 9 THANK YOU 10 References Google Earth GIS property profile Variance packet 11
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 09/03/2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: The Clovis at Mckinney Falls SP-2024-0202D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC LOCATION: 6507 Mckinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: Cottonmouth Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: 1. Contain the fill with an engineered structural retaining wall. 2. Parking lot trees (1.5” caliper from ECM Appendix F) within 50 ft. radius of all parking spaces. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: The Clovis at McKinney Falls Ordinance Standard: Current code/WPO Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 to 15 feet. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other owners with similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development have access to the ROW. The Travis County Fire Marshall review is requiring two different access points to the property through both McKinney Falls Parkway and Dee Gabriel Collins Road. The northwest site of the property adjacent to Dee Gabriel Collins Rd. consists of slopes 25% and greater. The applicant proposes fill 8 to 15 feet to construct a driveway in compliance with fire access regulations that require finished driveway slopes to be 10% or less. 2. The variance: a. is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance. Yes. The requested fill variance is necessitated by the lot configuration, existing topography, roadway connectivity, and the need for a second fire lane access. The proposed location of the second driveway is limited due to the Travis County Sight Distance restrictions at the Dee Gabriel Collins Rd. and McKinney Falls Parkway intersection. b. is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025 were approved as amended on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. Commissioner Changsut was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department Flood Response – John Beachy, Division Manager, Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Kevin Shunk, WPD John Beachy, WPD Francis Acuña, public comment 1 Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:12 pm without objection. 2
The Reservoir Update – FY 2024 and 2025 B r e n t B e l l i n g e r, P h . D . C o n s e r v a t i o n P r o g r a m S u p e r v i s o r Wa t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n D e p a r t m e n t S e p t e m b e r, 2 0 2 5 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Overview • A u s t i n L a ke s I n d e x • Goal – understand conditions and drivers impacting our waterways • Policy Relation – make management recommendations to protect and/or improve ecological conditions • A q u a t i c v e g e t a t i o n ( h o t t o p i c ) • Management challenges • S h o re zo n e h a b i t a t • Efficacy of code-and-criteria mitigation rules • M i c ro p l a s t i c s • Recent collaborative effort with University of Texas C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Austin Lakes Index Score Scores remain fair-to-good • • Summarize: water and sediment chemistry, biological communities, habitat Influenced by: land-use, pollutant inputs, climate, flow C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Lake Austin • Aq uatic vegetation • Native and non-native plants • Grass carp populations • 358 grass carp stocked in July • Boater and homeowner per spective • Want more plant management • Fishermen per spective • Want less plant management …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250903-002 Date: September 3, 2025 Subject: The Clovis at McKinney Falls SP-2024-0202D Location: 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Cottonmouth Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: 1. Contain the fill with an engineered structural retaining wall. 2. Parking lot trees (1.5” caliper from ECM Appendix F) within 50 ft. radius of all parking spaces. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Have a five-year tree management plan 2. Utilize 609-S native seed planting, Blackland prairie grasses, and pollinator plants in green space areas, especially along the driveway and slopes 3. Utilize Dark Sky, bird-friendly, downcast lighting throughout the property, including warm-hue outdoor lighting 4. Incorporate pedestrian, bike, and multi-modal design into the property driveways to allow for greater and safer accessibility to roadways VOTE 7-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair
