HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 HR-2022-122453 HEIERMAN BUILDING 115 E. 5TH ST. 9.0-1 PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Alterations, demolition, and new construction of an addition to the existing 3-story commercial structure. 1) Demolish existing storefront assemblies; create a new custom storefront with metal framing and sill with new windows 2) Remove front façade sidelites and salvage entry door; create a new recessed entry with salvaged door. 3) Remove egress door and demolish brick infill on front façade 4) Windows are to be removed and replaced; existing openings are to remain 5) New rooftop construction of steel frame construction with curtain wall glazing setback 20’ from front facade. 6) Partial demolition of rear courtyard walls, all windows, roof enclosure and structure. 7) Construct and install new curtain wall windows with divided lites, exterior balcony, exterior blackened metal panel cladding, and enclosed area on level 1 in rear courtyard. ARCHITECTURE The Heierman Building was zoned Historic in 1977. It was contracted for construction circa February 1887 by Tom Smith, Sr. with materials from M. Paggi and Joseph Nalle as builder. It is a 3-story brick building believed to have been originally built as a commercial enterprise. Three walls were made of brick and one (west wall) of stone. It opened as the Provident Hotel circa 1890 and continued to operate as a hotel until 1923 (under various names). The family that operated it the longest were the Heiermans during its first 87 years hence the landmark name. Evidence suggests that the Hotel Provident had 10 guest rooms on both the second and third floors each. Rooms were single or suites and supplied with gas and electricity, closets and free bathrooms were supplied on each floor. The rooms likely surrounded a central hall and at least two of the rooms on each floor had a fireplace with coal grate. Research suggests the upper floor may have been converted to support the weight of a machine shop in the 1920’s and lower first floor walls were cut through to accommodate an automobile shop and showroom. A restoration was completed in 1974. The original façade was a symmetrical 6 bay Victorian storefront applied in front of a masonry structure. The original roof was metal with raised seams. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Anthony Saturday, September 3, 2022 11:55 AM HPD Preservation Leaving a comment on 1010 Springdale Road. Case Number 2022-104288 PR Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hey Amber, I recently received a notice about the potential demolition of 1010 Springdale and wanted to leave a comment about it. I am in favor of its demolition. My name is Anthony Lusardi and I live at 4807 Alf Ave. My comment is: "The lot in question is presently empty except for the vacant building 1010 Springdale. The lot is often used to store trucks and largely serves as an unproductive eye sore. I cannot find any actual historical significance of this building. The filing itself says only that it was owned and lived in by people long past. This is not a justification for historical significance. In short there is no discernible historical significance to this building. I as a homeowner living close by welcome the opportunity to see this empty lot and empty building turned into a productive multi‐story multi‐family building. Austin needs more housing and these are the types of works my wife and I want in our neighborhood." CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Historic Landmark Commission Supplemental Owner Provided Information 1810 Dexter Street, Austin, Texas 78704 PR-2022-116243; GF-2022-120476 September 7, 2022 Owner Statement Although we recognize the significant mid-century architectural contributions made by Architect A.D. Stenger, the integrity of the original design of 1810 Dexter has been irrevocably compromised by demolition of original elements and multiple structural additions to the front and rear of the home. These modifications not only compromised the design integrity and historical significance, but more than likely have contributed to the structural failures present in the home's current condition. The property owner does not wish to pursue historical designation. The property owner respectfully requests that the Commission decline to initiate historic zoning on the property and release the demolition permit for approval. Because the property presents a potential hazard to health or safety, the owner intends to demolish the structure upon issuance and release of the demolition permit. Property Overview 1810 Dexter was originally built in 1953. The property was purchased by the current owner on March 28, 2022. The buyer performed a general condition assessment of the structure, interior finish, and lot at the time of purchase. Available City of Austin building permits and associated records pertaining to the property were also reviewed. The assessment concluded that the property is distressed, with obvious indications that the foundation and structural components are significantly compromised. The purchase price did not reflect fair market value based on the known and obviously identified structural integrity and related issues, including the following: ● Significant site drainage issues surrounding the addition at the front of the house; ● Identified sub-slab water infiltration preferential pathways; ● Structural load path defects and resulting major cracking and shifting of framing components; ● Sloping and sagging foundation, despite a previously permitted and completed foundation repair in 2012 that included the installation of 37 piers below the slab on grade foundation; ● Significant interior water damage, including subfloor damage and bowing and sloping floors; and ● The presence of mold. 1810 Dexter Street is not located in a historical district. Since original construction the residential structure has been modified and expanded. The following permits were approved and received final building inspections by the City of Austin: ● 1996-015197 BP "Addn to Exist Living Room For Sf Residence"; 9/25/1996 ● 1999-008101 BP "Demo Existing Front Patios/Wd Decks/ Carport"; 8/5/1999 ● 1999-010916 BP "Addn To Mstrbdrm / Bth / Dining / …
Historic Design Standards City of Austin September 2022 Welcome In Austin, historic preservation encourages the preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts; promotes awareness of cultural and architectural heritage; and helps shape a more sustainable, equitable, and livable place. As the city grows, these Historic Design Standards will help property owners, designers, builders, and historic preservation professionals make consistent decisions about how to meet present-day needs while stewarding local built heritage and achieving larger goals. Clear standards and graphics show good practices, as well as changes to avoid. The Historic Design Standards were created by a working group representing property owners, designers, developers, advocates, and the Historic Landmark Commission. The working group sought to develop locally relevant standards grounded in national preservation principles. Many members are laypeople, and readability was a key concern: the standards needed to be understandable by property owners and neighbors considering whether to apply for historic district designation, as well as by architects. A Maintenance and Preservation chapter and illustrated glossary support those who want to learn more about architectural elements and materials. The Historic Design Standards promote long-term sustainability by supporting the retention and repair of existing buildings, which keep tons of old-growth wood and other material in use and out of the landfill. They also support sustainable solutions for making buildings more energy efficient now, from high-impact improvements like attic insulation and duct sealing to DIY changes such as weather-stripping around windows and doors. Historic Preservation Office staff are available to answer questions and provide feedback on proposed projects. Reach out to preservation@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-3393. Left cover image: People looking out over Austin, ca. 1940s Acknowledgments Design Standards Working Group The Historic Landmark Commission created the Design Standards Working Group on September 24, 2018 to create a new set of historic design standards, with the goals of providing clear, user-friendly standards and guidelines for all historic property owners and of simplifying the historic district application process. This document is the product of the working group’s efforts and is modeled on the Preservation Austin design standards template produced through a community initiative in April 2011. David Carroll, AIA Urban Design Commission, preservation architect Janet Beinke Historic district property owner Cara Bertron Historic Preservation Office staff Madeline Clites Preservation consultant Angela Gaudette Historic Preservation Office staff Laura Keating Urban Design staff Marie Oehlerking-Read Texas Historical Commission staff (prev.) Misael Ramos Representative from potential …
Frequently Asked Questions This FAQ sheet is intended to provide a brief orientation to the Historic Design Standards. Please contact preservation@austintexas.gov if you have further questions. 1 Why were the Historic Design Standards I own a property in a locally designated historic developed? Don’t we already have standards for district. How will the Historic Design Standards 3 historic properties? affect me? The Historic Design Standards were developed to clarify existing standards for historic landmarks and National Register districts. They will also make the historic district application process easier and more equitable for new districts. The Historic Design Standards will not affect previously agreed-upon design standards for existing historic districts. They do align with existing district design standards and may be adopted by property owners within each district if desired. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation form the foundation of preservation practice in the United States and are used in Austin to evaluate proposed changes to historic landmarks and in National Register districts. However, these very general standards can be hard to interpret when planning and evaluating specific projects. The Historic Design Standards clarify them with more specific good practices and illustrations. Right now, community members compiling a historic district application must hire a consultant or learn how to develop their own design standards. Then multiple rounds of review are required with other property owners and City staff. This adds time and cost to the application process—and results in design standards that are nearly identical to those for other districts. The Historic Design Standards will provide a consistent, predictable set of standards for all areas considering historic district designation. I own a historic landmark. How will the Historic 2 Design Standards affect me? If adopted by City Council, the Historic Design Standards will clarify existing standards for exterior changes to historic landmarks, as well as new construction on landmarked properties. The Historic Design Standards are based on the standards that City staff and the Historic Landmark Commission already use to evaluate projects. However, they are clearer, more specific, and easier to use. No process changes are proposed. 4 I own a property in a National Register district. How will the Historic Design Standards affect me? If adopted by City Council, the Historic Design Standards will clarify existing guidelines for National Register district properties. The Historic Design Standards are based on the standards that City staff and the Historic Landmark …
September 2, 2022 Terri Myers, Chair City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Re: Proposed Historic Design Standards Dear Ms. Myers, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write today to reiterate our support of the Historic Preservation Office's proposed Historic Design Standards. Our organization wrote a letter in support of the design standards in 2020. Since then, the landscape of preservation in Austin has shifted dramatically, making the adoption of the standards an even greater priority. Having a set of clear, citywide design standards is integral to the success of the forthcoming Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan, which seeks to outline strategies to protect our diverse built and cultural heritage. In the spirit of the plan, these standards will increase equity and accessibility in Austin’s local historic district application process. Our organization has adopted Underrepresented Heritage as an Advocacy Priority for the past three years and has committed to identifying, protecting, and celebrating sites associated with under-told histories. We see the citywide design standards as an encouragement to many groups who would not have the time or resources to develop unique standards for their proposed district. With recent changes in state law making the creation of local historic districts even more challenging, lessening the barriers to designation and the protections it provides is critical. The design standards will also streamline the Historic Landmark Commission process for city staff, developers, and advocates alike by providing clear and consistent standards. We believe this will create a more efficient and effective process for the benefit of all. We also believe the standards support the preservation of our city's diverse heritage, for the people of Austin, in a way that's compatible with increasing density. From commercial districts to neighborhoods, the standards provide guidance for balancing much-needed density with much-needed preservation and lay out a clear roadmap to achieving both of these goals. The standards also eliminate inconsistencies in the process, enabling builders and developers to work within a clear framework while providing the flexibility needed to be site-specific and creative. Preservation Austin encourages the Historic Landmark Commission to support the proposed Historic Design Standards. We know they will be an asset to our city for years to come. Thank you for your service to the community, Linda Y. Jackson, President
November 13, 2020 Terri Myers, Chair City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Re: Proposed Historic Design Standards Dear Ms. Myers, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write today to respectfully support Austin's Historic Preservation Office's proposed Historic Design Standards. We commend the time-intensive and community-focused efforts of the working group and the Historic Preservation Office staff. We believe that the design standards will increase equity and accessibility in Austin’s local historic district application process. Preservation Austin has adopted Underrepresented Heritage as an FY21 Advocacy Priority. We see the citywide design standards as an encouragement to many groups who would not have the time or money to develop unique standards for their proposed district. We are optimistic the design standards will encourage new local district applications. At the same time, these design standards will streamline the Historic Landmark Commission process for city staff and advocates alike by providing clear and consistent standards. We believe this will create a more efficient and effective process for the benefit of all. We also believe the standards support the preservation of our city's diverse heritage, for the people of Austin, in a way that's compatible with increasing density. Preservation Austin knows how crucial density is for Austin's future and appreciate that the standards do not discourage density but rather recognizes that it can occur alongside preserving our historic neighborhoods. Preservation Austin encourages the Historic Landmark Commission to support the proposed Historic Design Standards. We know they will be an asset to our city for years to come. We again recognize the dedication that went into creating these standards and hope to see them adopted. Thank you for your service to the community, Clayton Bullock, President
December 11, 2020 Honorable Mayor Adler Honorable City Council Members City Manager Spencer Cronk Re: Historic Design Standards Recommendation Dear Mayor and City Council Members, Given that Architects will be some of the primary users of the proposed Historic Design Standards, AIA Austin has been closely following their development and adoption process. With several of our members serving on the Historic Landmark Commission’s Design Standards Working Group, we are pleased to have been a major stakeholder and contributor in this endeavor. As no city adopted design standards exist today, there is little guidance in the current historic preservation process. Therefore, we believe this document is an important tool as it will finally provide a consistent and predictable set of design standards for Historic Landmarks, National Register District properties, and future local Historic Districts in Austin. Further, it will provide for a clearer application process, making historic designations easier to attain and in a more equitable way. While we would like to see a little more guidance for building elements related to adaptive reuse, as found in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, we recognize that this document is meant to serve all building types and believe it is a great step forward for the city. As outlined in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the city should strive to maintain and preserve our historic resources. To this end, AIA Austin supports the work done by the Historic Preservation Office, and the Design Standards Working Group, and strongly encourages City Council to adopt the Historic Design Standards. Sincerely, Eric Rauser, AIA AIA Austin President The American Institute of Architects AIA Austin 801 W. 12th Street Austin, TX 78701-1709 512-452-4332 www.aiaaustin.org
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, August 3, 2022 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL - Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. COMMISSION MEMBERS: x Terri Myers, Chair x Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair x Anissa Castillo ab Witt Featherston x Kevin Koch x Carl Larosche x Harmony Grogan x Trey McWhorter x Blake Tollett x Beth Valenzuela x Caroline Wright DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Meghan King gave an update from Preservation Austin about upcoming events and opportunities. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. July 6, 2022 – Offered for consent approval MOTION: Approve the minutes, per passage of the consent agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Heimsath. Commissioner Koch seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. BRIEFINGS 2. Law Department – Update with Grants Committee 1 Presenter: Neal Falgoust 3. Initial Concepts for Heritage Wayfinding Design Presenter: Melissa Alvarado and John Bosio PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION Historic Zoning Applications 4. C14H-2022-0098 – 1605 Leona St. – Discussion Donley-Goode-Walton House Council District 1 Proposal: Owner-initiated historic zoning. Owner: Nneka Shoulds City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Recommend historic zoning. Nneka Shoulds spoke in favor of historic zoning. There were no speakers in opposion. MOTION: Close public hearing, on a motion by Commissioner Larosche. Commissioner McWhorter seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. MOTION: Recommend historic zoning based on architectural significance and historical associations, on a motion by Commissioner Heimsath. Commissioner Castillo seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 5. HR-2022-084104 – 6301 Bluff Springs Rd. – Discussion Sebron Sneed House Council District 2 Proposal: New construction (Postponed July 6, 2022) Applicant: Christi Mueck City Staff: Kimberly Collins, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-1801 Committee Feedback: recommend stabilizing the ruins, an engineering stabilization plan, and ongoing archaeological monitoring of any excavation within the historic footprint. In addition, they continued the request that development does not obscure the view of the ruins. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends postponing to the next HLC meeting on September 7, 2022 until the applicant brings the Commission a Preservation Plan containing the following elements: a professional engineering report with stabilization …
EQUITY-BASED PRESERVATION PLAN Historic Landmark Commission briefing—September 7, 2022 Cara Bertron, Rocio Peña-Martinez, Julia Brookins, Meghan King PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP Michelle Benavides Jolene Kiolbassa Mary Reed* Noel Bridges Julia Brookins* Ursula A. Carter Mary Jo Galindo* Jerry Garcia Hanna Huang* Kevin Koch Lori Renteria Kelechi Madubuko Gilbert Rivera Brenda Malik Maria Solis* Alyson McGee Erin Waelder Leslie Ornelas Brita Wallace* Emily Payne Bob Ward Linda Y. Jackson Rocio Peña-Martinez* Caroline Wright Meghan King* Misael Ramos* *Drafting Committee member 2 PRESERVATION PLAN WORKING GROUP 12 months 22 working group and drafting committee meetings 1,100 hours 3 GOAL Replace Austin’s 1981 preservation plan with an inclusive, equity-focused, and community- oriented process and outcome ) t h g i r ( l i i n o s u c n I l a c o S d n a n o i t a v r e s e r P , ) r e t n e c d n a t f e l ( n i t s u A f o y t i C / r i a h C n e p O : s e g a m I 4 COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Equity-based preservation plan WHAT Draft plan • Vision • Draft recommendations Engage community • Refine/expand framework • Timeline and metrics • Partners ENGAGEMENT Preservation Plan Working Group, with targeted input Grounded in broad, inclusive community engagement WHEN GOAL 2021-22 Draft framework 2022-23 Plan adoption 5 COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Equity-based preservation plan WHAT Draft plan • Vision • Draft recommendations Engage community • Refine/expand framework • Timeline and metrics • Partners ENGAGEMENT Preservation Plan Working Group, with targeted input Grounded in broad, inclusive community engagement WHEN GOAL 2021-22 Draft framework 2022-23 Plan adoption July ‘22 ULI Technical Assistance Panel Fall ‘22 - Summer ‘23 Community outreach & engagement around draft plan 6 COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Professional facilitator Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet 7 COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS 8 COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS ✔ Affordable housing advocate ✔ Archaeologist ✔ Architect ✔ Attorney ✔ Business owner ✔ City board or commission ✔ Community member ✔ Contractor ✔ Developer Economic development organization (withdrew) ✔ Educational institution ✔ Engineer ✔ Heritage organization Heritage tourism professional (withdrew) ✔ Historic property owner ✔ Historical commission (City, County, State) Landscape architect (withdrew) ✔ Neighborhood association ✔ Preservation organization ✔ Preservation consultant ✔ Religious …
Commission for Women Working Group Membership Updated September 2022 Homelessness Rebecca Austen Flannery Bope Pam Rattan Safety Health Desiree Bermea Neva Fernandez Juliana Gonzales Josie Serrata Amanda Lewis* Flannery Bope Juliana Gonzales Diana Melendez Josie Serrata Jocelyn Tau Vanessa Bissereth Priscilla Cortez Diana Melendez Quality of Life Study Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Josie Serrata *Community participants Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls
