HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits January 7, 2026 PR-2025-138065; GF-2025-144692 907 East 13th Street 15 – 1 Proposal Demolish a house constructed between circa 1873 and 1884. Architecture One-story center passage National Folk Style building with horizontal wood siding, a partial width front porch supported by turned posts, a side-gabled roof clad with standing seam metal, and double hung wood windows. While the front door has been replaced, the trim and transom above the window remain. Research The house at 907 E 13th St, originally addressed as 907 E Peach St, was built between 1873 in 1885 by Julius H. Nitschke. Nitschke and his family immigrated from Saxony, Germany in 1855. He and his four brothers owned and operated Nitschke Brothers Cabinetmakers on Congress Ave. Nitschke married Louisa Phillips in 1871. He worked as a carpenter, cabinet maker, and carpet layer until his death in 1910. His son, J.H. Nitschke Jr., also worked as a carpenter and dabbled in car repair and railroad work before becoming a career fireman. He sold 907 E 13th St. to the Goins family between 1912 and 1920. Anna Liza Goins, formerly of Manor, lived in the home until her death in 1956. She worked as a cook and as a laundress while also renting out rooms. Her children and their spouses lived with her intermittently throughout the early 20th century. After her death, her daughter Roxy Tucker lived there until at least the 1960s. The home’s occupancy is emblematic of how the demographics of this East Austin neighborhood changed. European immigrant families, numerous at the turn of the century, gradually migrated elsewhere while African American families were forced to migrate eastwards during the era of segregation. However, all of the building’s occupants were working class people who innovated to support their families and to build communities in the face of inequality and segregation. Property Evaluation The 2016 East Austin survey lists the property as eligible for local landmark listing, individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places, contributing to a potential local historic district, and contributing to a potential National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate integrity. The original porch was modified during the period of significance; the provenance of the existing turned posts is unclear. The porch was rehabilitated and incompatible asbestos siding …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Demolition and Relocation Permits January 7, 2026 PR-2025-149298 1205 East 13th Street 18 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1900 house. Architecture House is a single-story residence clad in vinyl siding. The roof is a side-gable assembly set at a moderate pitch. If there were any decorative elements at the original house, they are no longer present or covered by previous repairs or cladding. At the front, there is a porhc that extends across the middle of the façade. There is a rear addition that was permitted in 1969. The building retains its original form, but it is unknown how much material has been lost since construction. Research Few details could be found about the property and its residents apart from city directory listings. The first occupants were listed as renters and worked as laborers, laudresses, a porter, and a horseshoer. A couple, Wiley & Daphne Thompson, later owned the house for several decades. After Wiley Thompson’s passing around 1940, Daphne continued living there until the early 1950s, after which it was purhcased by Rev. James & Louis McDonald. Property Evaluation The 2016 East Austin historic resource survey lists the property as contributing to a potential local or National Register historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain low integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building does not appear to convey architectural significance due to significant alterations. 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, relocation, or deconstruction and salvage over demolition, but approve the demolition permit application upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. Location Map 18 – 2 Property Information Photos 18 …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 AT 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental Commission may 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, contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Bristol, Chair Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Name: South Shore PUD Addition, C814-2008-0087.02 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 1705 South Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, Texas 78741 Council District: 3 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, 512-963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #2. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and action on an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Austin and Round Rock Independent School District. Presentation by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Elizabeth Funk at Austin Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: January 7th, 2026 Round Rock ISD Interlocal Agreement Round Rock Independent School District COUNCIL DISTRICT: 6, 10 & ETJ ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535- 8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Suburban & Water Supply Suburban Watersheds / Buttercup Creek, Lake Creek, South Brushy Creek Watersheds REQUEST: School district requests approval of new Interlocal Agreement (ILA) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommended STAFF CONDITIONS: None Commented [LJ1]: All D6? None in ETJ? Commented [LL2R1]: good call! I even found on in district 10 also.
Round Rock ISD Interlocal Agreement Austin Watershed Protection | January 7, 2026 Leslie Lilly Interlocal Agreements (ILAs) with School Districts ▪ Agreements between municipalities and local schools which define site development regulations are authorized by state law Section 212.902 of the Texas Local Government Code ▪ Original agreement with RRISD was approved in 1994 and has expired ▪ ILAs with Austin Independent School District and others set precedent for new or amended school ILAs 2 RRISD Properties ▪ Only applicable to schools in COA Planning jurisdiction ▪ Travis and Williamson counties ▪ Suburban and Water Supply Suburban Watersheds ▪ 21 of 56 RRISD properties in Austin 3 RRISD within Austin RRISD within COA limits Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 4 RRISD: Landscape Standards ▪ City code except as modified ▪ Administrative variances for heritage tree removal ▪ Remove screening requirements ▪ No parking lot medians or islands required if perimeter trees are planted ▪ AISD standards 5 RRISD: Impervious Cover ▪ Section 10.2 & 10.3 ▪ AISD standards ▪ Nature trails and natural surface tracks exempt from impervious cover calculations ▪ Suburban ▪ 50% gross site area ▪ Water Supply Suburban ▪ 50% net site area ▪ Conditions for impervious cover transfer 6 RRISD: Cut/Fill and Slopes ▪ Cut/Fill Requirements ▪ 4’-8’ of cut/fill maybe administratively approved ▪ Any cut/fill over 4’ must be structurally contained ▪ AISD requirements ▪ Slope Requirements ▪ Construction on slopes of 25% to 35% permitted for construction of a building or parking area if the site was owned by the district on January 1, 1994 ▪ Similar provision to previous expired ILA 7 RRISD: Water Quality and Artificial Turf ▪ Current code water quality treatment – GSI ▪ Artificial turf fields are allowed and may be exempt from site IC calculations if ▪ WQ is met ▪ Gravel layer ▪ No PFAS 8 Staff Recommendations Staff support recommendation of approval for the RRISD ILA for the following reasons ▪ State law allows school districts to enter into agreements with municipalities to define site development regulations ▪ Precedents set by previously approved school ILAs must be provided to other schools seeking ILAs if desired and without discrimination. ▪ Environmental protections are still applicable and meet the specific needs of the school district. 9 Proposed Timeline Boards and Commissions Date Environmental Commission January 7th, 2026 Planning Commission January …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: January 7th, 2026 South Shore PUD Addition, C814-2008-0087.02 Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) LOCATION: 1705 South Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, Texas 78741 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, 512-963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.com WATERSHED: Urban Watershed, Lady Bird Lake Watershed REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #2. Recommended with conditions. Development associated with the addition of 1.4 acres to South Shore PUD (C814-2008-0087.02), located at 1705 South Lakeshore Blvd, shall comply with the following requirements. a. Development will comply with the 2025 City of Austin’s Green Building Program at a 3-star level. b. No new code modifications to environmental regulations will be sought. c. Except as modified by the PUD, the development will develop to current code. Commented [LJ1]: The street is named “South Lakeshore” to distinguish from Lakeshore Dr. so you have to spell out South. Commented [LJ2]: D3, no?
South Shore PUD Amendment C814-2008-0087.02 Austin Watershed Protection | January 7, 2026 South Shore PUD C814-2008-0087 2 Existing PUD Lady Bird Lake Lakeshore Blvd ▪ Original PUD approved in 2008 for 19.3- acre area ▪ Code modification to allow construction of regional stormwater pond in CWQZ ▪ 100 acres of off-site water quality treatment ▪ 3-star AEGB ▪ Exceed landscaping requirements by 10% ▪ Plant material 80% (native & adapted)/ 20% non-invasive 3 Proposed Addition ▪ 1.4-acre addition ▪ No floodplain, CEFs ▪ Small portion of CWQZ ▪ Applicant requests building height of 180' Lady Bird Lake Proposed Addition Lakeshore Blvd Regional Stormwater Pond In CWQZ 4 Staff Recommendations Staff recommends approval of the PUD with the following conditions ▪ There will be no additional environmental code modifications allowed with the new addition ▪ The development associated with the new addition will use the 2025 3-Star AEGB standards ▪ As otherwise specifically modified by the PUD ordinance, the development will comply with current code. 5 Thank you! Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Austin Watershed Protection
Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: patricia calhoun Monday, December 1, 2025 3:06 PM Historic Preservation Office patricia calhoun; Brenda Malik; Misael Ramos; Marilyn Poole 2406 E MLK, Jr. Blvd Demolition Protest Importance: High You don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Good afternoon, Hunter, Thank you for returning my call today regarding the Certificate of Appropriateness for 2406 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.. I am a resident of the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Historic District and I am in favor of a Postponement of this ruling pending plans or some type of document showing the use of this property. This property is adjacent to an original and well-known homeowner of this Historic District; I would strongly object to approval for demolition without site plans or other documentation showing that the structure is not suitable for rehab. Thank you, Patricia Calhoun, ASID, IIDA, RID Patricia Calhoun THE PERFECT ADDITION 972-814-6543 (Cell) 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". 1 Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: 1(713)6282228 <ctmavayaalerts@austintexas.gov> Tuesday, December 2, 2025 8:19 AM Historic Preservation Office [Transcribed] Voice Message From: 1 (713) 6282228 VoiceMsg[ID=1414728 G=40 F=228 A=588B9018-E3E0-4915-B196-27EE696E9546 C=1 CID= 1(713)6282228].wav Hello, my name is Marilyn Webb. I'm a neighbor of case number 20. G F 202-514-4858. The 2406 East Mar(cid:415)n Luther King junior Boulevard. I object to this applica(cid:415)on. The builder or whoever owns the property has has never discussed the cer(cid:415)ficate of appropriateness of a demoli(cid:415)on at this contribu(cid:415)ng property. I would like to see any alterna(cid:415)ves to pull demoli(cid:415)on. As it is a contribu(cid:415)ng property. Please give me a call, I'm going to make an a(cid:425)empt to file this objec(cid:415)on. Thank you. Yes. 1 Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear Mr. Sturgill, Ora Houston Tuesday, December 2, 2025 9:49 AM Historic Preservation Office 2406 E. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. - Case # - PR-2025-144142; GF 2025-144858 External Email - Exercise Caution I am Ms. Ora Houston and I own property at 1902 Maple Avenue, 78722, Lot 8 Washington Subdivision. Am requesting that the Historic Landmark Commission grant a postponement regarding the Certificate of Appropriateness for the above …
Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Subject: Misael Ramos < Wednesday, December 10, 2025 8:00 AM Historic Preservation Office Demo > External Email - Exercise Caution Hey Mr. Sturgil, I’m with the Rogers-Washington Holy Cross neighborhood association and wanted to reach out regarding the 2406 MLK. We currently want to request a postponement since we’re just starting to speak with the applicant. By chance do you know when HLC might be reviewing this case? 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". 1
Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Subject: Leslie Currens Monday, December 1, 2025 9:27 PM Historic Preservation Office Postpone the Demolition Permit Decision for Old Rosedale School You don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Chairman Heimsath and commission members, As a neighbor near the Rosedale School, I request that you postpone a decision on the demolition of this property, as requested in case number: DA 25-142965. A legal fight over deed restrictions on the property is being waged in court, and it’s premature to consider a permit to demolish the building until the court case is resolved. The building itself may have useful life left on it. Until the future of the property is decided, it would be best not to demolish the building at this time. Sincerely, Leslie Currens 5615 Bull Creek Rd, Austin, TX 78756 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". 1 Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Subject: Joshua Villarreal Monday, December 1, 2025 9:27 PM Historic Preservation Office Old Rosedale School You don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Joshua Villarreal, I am a resident and owner of 4700 Rosedale Avenue, literally feet from the old Rosedale School. I am writing to express my concern as an Austin and Rosedale resident on the hearing tomorrow to decide the historical value and potential demolition of the school. It seems to be premature to hold this hearing while there is a court ruling in the balance on the site's existing deed restriction limiting a single residence per parcel, and the hearing should be postponed until there is clarity on what could be built on the site. There is also an active lawsuit from Austin Independent School District suing the Rosedale H homeowners, which includes myself and my wife. Pretty shocking to be sued by my own school district and feels like a breach of the social contract between citizens and their own government who is supposed to be for them, not against them. Thanks, -- Joshua Villarreal (210) 328-9679 CAUTION: This is an …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE January 7, 2026 at 4:00pm PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee may be participating by videoconference. 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 Christopher Crain, 512-974- 8041, christopher.crain@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: PLANNING COMMISSION ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION Adam Powell (Vice Chair) Imad Ahmed Peter Breton Hank Smith (Chair) Betsy Greenberg AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING on October 8, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to amend the bylaws for the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee to increase required meeting frequency from quarterly to monthly. 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 Christopher Crain at the Planning Department, at 512-974-8041, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee, please contact Christopher Crain at 512-974-8041.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025 The Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee convened in a Regular Called meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 2103 in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Greenberg called the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee Meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Imad Ahmed, Betsy Greenberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Fouts, Adam Powell, Hank Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee REGULAR CALLED MEETING on 9, October 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 10/09/2024 were approved on Hank Smith motion, David Fouts second on a 5-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the Internal Review Report for the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee by Christopher Crain, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Christopher Crain, Planner Senior, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Smith was elected as chair on Commissioner Greenberg’s motion, Commissioner Fouts second on a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Powell was elected on Commissioner Ahmed motion, Commissioner Smith second on a 5-0 vote. 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025 4. 5. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommendation to initiate amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors. No action was taken on this item. Discussion and possible action to recommend initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted and conditional uses for residential zones. Motion to recommend an initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors was approved on Commissioner Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Fouts second on a 4-1 vote. Those members voting aye were: Commissioner Ahmed, Fouts, Powell, and Smith. Those voting nay were: Commissioner Greenberg. 6. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule for the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee. The motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee Annual Schedule FY 26 on Commissioner Powell’s motion, Commissioner Hank’s second on 5-0 vote. Commissioner Greenberg adjourned the meeting at 4:44p.m. without objection. 2
Bylaw Change Process Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Bylaw amendments approved by board majority Board or Commission submits proposed amendments to the Austin City Clerk’s Office (ACCO) ACCO submits proposed amendments to Audit and Finance Council Committee (AFC) Liaison & Chairs are invited to speak/answer questions AFC makes recommendation to full Council AFC submits their recommendation for amendments to full Council for approval 24
EXHIBIT "A" SCHOOL DISTRICT LAND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT This School District Land Development Standards Interlocal Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into the by the City of Austin (“City”) and Round Rock Independent School District (“School District”). Where required, the provisions of this Agreement shall also be considered ordinances issued by the City in compliance with its general powers and under the Texas Local Government Code (“LGC”). WHEREAS, the City recognizes that the School District owns its Educational Facility where it prepares students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in college, career, and life for decades to come, and that ownership and longevity of use of this Facility are major influential factors in agreeing to the terms contained within this Agreement; WHEREAS, the City and the School District are both political subdivisions of the State of Texas such that certain limits apply to municipal regulation of school district construction of Educational Facility; WHEREAS, Section 212.902 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that a municipality and a school district may enter into an agreement to establish review fees, review periods, land development standards ordinances and to provide alternative water pollution control methodologies for school buildings; WHEREAS, the City and the School District both desire that children living within their mutual jurisdictions should be educated in a high quality Educational Facility; WHEREAS, the City and the School District acknowledge and agree that a uniform set of land development standards applicable to the School District Educational Facility both (i) allows for the School District to more effectively construct its Educational Facility in a timely manner at a lower cost of taxpayer dollars, and (ii) provides superior protections for the health, safety, and welfare of City residents. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City and the School District, pursuant to the laws of the state, hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE I: ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE AND MODIFICATION 1.1. City Ordinances and Rules. The terms of this Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto shall supersede any conflicting requirements of the City’s code of ordinances and adopted rules (“City Code”). Otherwise, City Code shall apply to School District development, except that no School District Educational Facility complying with prior agreements of City Code shall be considered a nonconforming use of noncomplying structure by the City if it complies with the terms of any such agreement or City Code, including through the granting of any related …
January 5, 2026 RE: Bethany Cemetery Historic Landmark Designation Dear Chair Heimsath, Vice Chair Evans, 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 today in support of historic landmark designation for Bethany Cemetery for its community value, landscape features, and historical associations. Bethany Cemetery is one of Austin’s most significant sites of Black heritage, and we are honored to partner with the Bethany Cemetery Association and its leader, Sue Spears-Martin, in preparing this nomination. Established in 1893, Bethany Cemetery is the oldest known Black cemetery in Austin, providing burials to African Americans in Austin at a time when there were few options to do so. The cemetery encompasses hundreds of known burials, dating from 1879, before the official founding of the cemetery, to 1985. The people laid to rest at Bethany speak to the plurality of the African American experience in Austin, including stories of enslavement and emancipation, Buffalo Soldiers, State of Texas employees, religious leaders, domestic workers, entrepreneurs, and athletes. During an era when Black life was chronically under-documented in the official record, Bethany Cemetery provides a critical genealogical record for hundreds of lives. Bethany Cemetery exemplifies Black communal effort and perseverance in the absence of public support. With no municipal cemetery available to African Americans at the time, five Black businessmen established the Bethany Cemetery Company in 1893, purchasing the land and providing burials to Black Austinites. By the 1930s, Eva Taylor Ross led the effort to care for the cemetery, working to bring attention and remembrance to Bethany Cemetery until her passing in 1992. In the mid-1990s, the mantle was assumed by Sue Spears-Martin, current president of the Bethany Cemetery Association, whose leadership has mobilized community support, preserved Bethany’s stories, and sustained restoration efforts amid nearby development pressures. Bethany Cemetery provides a critical link to Austin’s Black past that must be preserved for generations to come. We are proud to support the designation of Bethany Cemetery as a City of Austin Landmark. Thank you for your consideration and your service to the City of Austin. Sincerely, Miriam Conner, President
Case Number: HR 2025-158169-3710 CEDAR ST Contact: Hunter Sturgill Public Hearing: Historic Landmark Commission, January 7, 2026 Date: January 6, 2026 Position: I object. I am Pamela Bell, President of the North University Neighborhood Association (NUNA). I live at 3500 Speedway, on the block directly across the street from this proposed development. I have many concerns about the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) considering the appropriateness of the developers’ plan at this time, as the plan is incomplete and lacks the detail required for an informed decision: • The site plan comes up very small and shows that the portion of the site that is “H” actually touches the south edge of the historic building with no setback. Is this correct? • The project is likely being submitted as one site including new buildings on the south end. Shouldn’t the HLC be reviewing and considering the impacts of the new structure which shares this site as well? • Will a certificate of appropriateness be sought for this part of the site or for the entire project? • The drawings are not identified with a title block and have no designer identified. Doesn’t the HLC require sealed drawings? • It is difficult to determine the original building from the additions. • Attention has been paid to interior apartment layouts but little attention to exterior changes, design, doors, windows and materials. • Roofing material and wall colors are not indicated. • Will there be changes to the original building? Will the paint remain on the stone? • Will the existing windows remain? Will they be replaced? • Has the applicant submitted for federal rehabilitation tax credits? Those applications are much more descriptive than these drawings and include specifics regarding the work and many photographs. They should be submitted to HLC as well. We heartily agree with staff that this project needs to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee. We hope you will direct the ARC to seek answers to our questions. Respectfully, Pamela Bell, Ph.D. 3500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78705 512-560-1953
Historic Neon: Violet Crown (c 1950) and Austin Motel (1938) 21st Century Neon Applicable SOI Standards for Rehabilitation: #3, #9, and #10 The proposed sign: • Is reversible; moves neon to the corner, leaving the historic house untouched • Features neon design that is compatible and appropriate for the era, but with a contemporary and differentiated feel • Marks current use without faking historical context; clear differentiation between a commercial-style sign and original residential building Guidelines for Signs in National Register Historic Districts or at a City Historic Landmark • Neon limitations specify neon on facades; we have addressed this with a freestanding sign • Metal sign with matte finish • Limited colors used in a sign to no more than three (three paint colors, three neon colors) • Avoid lettering which appears too contemporary in the sign; no more than two typefaces are allowed
EAST RIVERSIDE DR R 5 8'- 0 1/4 " ( F U L L C R Z ) 13" BURR OAK 204 7" BURR OAK 114 R A D ALMED RIVERSIDE DR RUTHERFORD PL AVONDALE RD E V A A A VIS T T L A ACADEMY DR EDGECLIFF TER Lady Bird Lake RIVERSIDE DR D V L S B T H EIG VIS H A R T R 2 9'-0 1/4"(1/2 C R Z) R14'-6"(1/4 CRZ) 58" LIVE OAK 51" LIVE OAK 1 0 8 ' - 8 1 / 4 " R12'-9"(1/4 CRZ) 25' SETBACK 218 GARDEN 5 ' I S D E Y A R D S E T B A C K UNCOVERED DECK lvl. +0.00 236 34.86 SQ. FT. ADDITION STAIR CASE 109 12" POST OAK A L T A V I S T A A V E " 0 - ' 5 2 108 6" BURR OAK 60'-10 7/8" FRONT GARDEN 1259 SQ.FT 462.78 SQ. FT. EXISTING COVERED PORCH ROOF lvl. +18' 1/2" ROOF lvl. +20' 11 1/2" RIDGE ROOF EXISTING TWO STORY RESIDENCE 3BED/2.5BA 1,526.82 SQ. FT. K C A B T E S D R A Y E D I S T E E R T S 5' 1 lvl. -0'-6" ROOF lvl. +9'-6" 107 9 1'- 2 1 / 8 " 106 8",8",6.5" CREPE MYRTLE R8'-0 1/4"(FULL CRZ) R4'(1/2 CRZ) R2'(1/4 CRZ) 8" PECAN GRAVEL DRIVEWAY R25'-6"(1/2 CRZ) 16" DEAD lvl. -1'-6" UNCOVERED POOL DECK 152 POOL 148.90 SQ.FT lvl. -5'-6" 5'-0" 10' BACK YARD SETBACK lvl. -1'-6" lvl. +6'-10" RELOCATED EXISTING STORAGE 85.28 SQ.FT ROOF EMPTY lvl. -0'-6" PROPOSED CARPORT 501.62 SQ. FT. 15'-0" 1 0 ' - 0 " Z) R ULL C R50'-11 3/4"(F R5'(1/4 CRZ) 196 R10'(1/2 CRZ) R20'(FULL CRZ) 20" LIVE OAK 176 81'-3 7/8" 11" HACKBERRY R2'-9"(1/4 CRZ) PROPERTY LINE RZ) R5'-6"(1/2 C Z) R L C L U 1 3/4"(F 0'-1 1 R 0(cid:10)1(cid:10) 2(cid:10) 0(cid:10)1(cid:10) 3(cid:10) 4(cid:10) 7(cid:10) 8(cid:10) 15(cid:10) 20(cid:10) 35(cid:10) 30(cid:10) 65(cid:10) SURVEY 3(cid:18)32(cid:5)(cid:32)1(cid:10)(cid:16)0(cid:5) 2 SITE PLAN 3(cid:18)32(cid:5)(cid:32)1(cid:10)(cid:16)0(cid:5) 1 . C L L i , n g s e D e v i t a N n i t s u A f o i n o s s m r e p i n e t t i r w e h t t u o h t i w d e t i i b h o r p …
