Austin History Center Association 2020-21: A year of challenges and achievements Presenter info Chad Williams ● Board Member, AHCA ● Past Chair, Library Commission ● Past Vice Chair, Charter Revision Committee ● Past Chair, Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission The challenges Navigating & surviving COVID-19 The pandemic brought unique challenges for all non-profits. For AHCA, the inability to bring folks together threatened our ability to raise membership and revenue. Without the opportunity to hold live events, we knew it would be extremely difficult to stay top-of-mind for potential donors as well as our members. The achievements Membership has grown… like we’ve never seen it grow before ● AHCA membership has increased over 800% to approximately 650 members in the last 3 years ○ June 2018 - 80 ○ June 2019 - 331 ○ June 2020 - 534 ○ June 2021 - ~650 (Greater diversity in membership) The achievements (cont.) The Eberly Luncheon proves to be an online hit! ● Our principal annual fundraiser, conducted over Zoom, has grown by 64% even in the face of a pandemic. ● This year’s Eberly Luncheon had more commercial (private business) sponsorships than ever before. ● One of the most attended AHCA events ever. The achievements (cont.) Oral history recordings continue to be a primary focus ● Since June 2019, AHCA has conducted 29 more Oral Histories to AHC. You can hear and see them on our new 54 page website: http://www.austinhistory.net. ● Almost 100 oral histories of Austinites have been placed at AHC since 2016 for posterity. The achievements (cont.) AHCA Endowments are growing ● AHCA Endowments for operations expenses have seen growth surpassing seven figures for the first time in the Association’s 42-year history ○ 1983 Endowment: >100% growth ○ 2016 Emergency Fund: 57% growth ○ 2021 AHCA Operations Endowment The achievements (cont.) A Master Plan for preserving Austin’s history ● AHCA has raised $52,000 toward a Master Plan for combining the Faulk with AHC. ● Working with APL leadership, an AHCA Strategic Planning Committee has been formed, chaired by former Mayor Ron Mullen, to test the community for a Capital Campaign, in the $40-50M range, to reimagine a Archival, Research and Exhibition History Campus of 144,000 sq ft for all Austinites. For your consideration AHCA seeks to formalize its partnership with COA similar to what ACF, the Long Center, and Austin Parks Foundation currently have. AHCA has taken steps to …
A STATE-OF-THE-ART ARCHIVAL HISTORY CENTER FOR AUSTIN! Progress and planning update, April 2021 Conceptual rendering by Evan Taniguchi, Taniguchi Architects, Board of Directors & Past President of AHCA The Austin History Center (AHC), part of the Austin Public Library (APL) system, is a rapidly growing asset for Austin’s future. For 41 years, the Austin History Center Association (AHCA) has advocated to develop this destination-venue for ALL of Austin. The visionary passage of bonds by Austin voters in 2012 and 2018 is enabling critical infrastructure updates and repairs to the Faulk Library and the Austin History Center. AHCA shares an update about our aggressive pursuit of a critical path of planning activities: 1. In 2018, AHCA leaders and staff partnered with AHC staff and community stakeholders in a dynamic visioning process commissioned by APL and led by Gensler. Gensler’s report, Re- imagining the Faulk; Vision Project; Report on the Future of the Faulk Library Building - January 2019, strongly re-affirmed that archival use was the most desired outcome for the Faulk Building. 2. In 2019, AHCA committed to raise funds for a Master Plan to guide redeveloping and repurposing the 1978 Faulk Library building, the adjacent 1933 Library building, and the flex- space in between. To date, AHCA has raised $53,050 toward this goal. A Master Plan will support and facilitate our visioning process for programming and civic use that is compelling, engaging, attractive, accessible, and pertinent to the diverse history of ALL of Austin and its visitors. 3. In 2019, AHCA received a $12,000 donor grant to hire three graduate students at Texas State University’s School of Public History for Fall 2020-Spring 2021. These outstanding interns are tasked with researching master planning and programming at similar large American history centers, including the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Atlanta History Center and San Diego History Center. They have also focused on the use of emergent technologies for history centers and archives to engage the public and provide dynamic and appealing exhibit ideas for the AHC Master Plan. Following the interns’ research, incoming AHCA President Kent Collins toured/ visited with Executive Staff of the Atlanta History Center this April! AHCA Executive Director Jeff Cohen also plans a July 2021 visit to the Atlanta History Center. 4. Ongoing tireless efforts to grow the profile and footprint of the AHCA in the Austin community have resulted in nearly 700 annual members for our organization. Our …
Versión en español a continuación. Human Rights Commission Meeting April 26, 2021 Human Rights Commission to be held April 26, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (April 25, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 26, 2021 Human Rights Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, April 25, 2021 (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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FECHA de la reunion April 26, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (April 25, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que …
April 23, 2021 Ms. Donna Carter Carter Design Associates 817 W. Eleventh Street Austin, Texas 78701 RE: 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue - Historic Façades Dear Ms. Carter: At your request I visited the above-mentioned locations to observe and to provide a rendered opinion regarding an approach toward salvaging the historic fabric of the existing buildings facing Congress Avenue. The three masonry and wood framed structures were constructed in the early 20th century and have experienced a myriad of uses and modifications throughout their history. For the purposes of this report, we will be limiting our attention to the front elevations. It is my understanding that a significant development is planned for these sites, but the historic nature of the façades will need to be maintained. I have been charged to render an opinion for the historic rehabilitation based on the current structural integrity and the options associated with achieving the intended goal. Existing Condition The three structures have been vacant and have not been maintained for many years. As such the buildings have become dilapidated and have been exposed to the elements for quite some time. The existing wooden framed roof and upper floor systems are damaged extensively and have created a life/safety concern. The original masonry walls that divide the buildings are for the most part in acceptable condition. The existing main level slabs appear to be performing adequately. The existing façades are quite damaged and in need of extensive repair. Supporting steel beams are very old and compromised and are exhibiting signs of excessive deflection. Exposure has also contributed to their loss of structural integrity. Options It is my understanding that two options are being weighed for the rehabilitation of the building fronts. 1. Repair the elevations in-place. 2. Remove the existing materials and replace them in a historically appropriate fashion during or after the completion of the development. Based on the significance of the proposed development and the extensive effort required to protect an already compromised elevation, it is the opinion of this office that the existing materials should be removed and replaced at a more appropriate time in the development’s schedule. Firm No: F-3323 1018 W. 11th Street, Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78703 T: 512.499.0919 F: 512.320.852 www.structurestx.com If option 2 is indeed executed, a very comprehensive cataloguing of the in-place assemblies will be required. Scaffolding will be required at the interior and exterior …
907‐09‐11 Congress Avenue Grandberry Building and Mitchell‐Robertson Building, Congress Avenue Historic District April 26, 2021 907‐911 Congress Avenue Proposal Overview Buildings to be deconstructed and reconstructed with redevelopment of site. • • • Property owner to submit detailed deconstruction and reconstruction plan for these sites for historic approval of partial demolition permit. Property owner to submit and receive site development permit for new structure, to include reconstructed historic elements and façades per plan. Property owner to reconstruct façades along with redevelopment of site. Timeline of Recent Events BSC Complaints Filed First Presentation to ARC Second Presentation to BSC Installed Repairs Third Presentation to BSC 1/28/21 2/22/21 3/8/21 3/22/21 4/12/21 Fall ‘20 2/12/21 2/24/21 3/11/21 3/24/21 First Presentation to BSC Cancelled HLC Meeting Second Presentation to ARC First Presentation to HLC Third Presentation to ARC Timeline of Future Events Present Partial Demolition Permit for approval Site Plan Submitted and Reviewed by HLC Site Plan Approved and Site Redeveloped with Reconstructed Facade 5/24/21 4/26/21 Presentation and Directions from full HLC Demo Permit Within 90 Days Phased Proposal Complete redevelopment of 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue in phases as anticipated and described: • • • Completely document existing conditions of the properties. Correlate as found conditions with historic documentation. Prepared detailed deconstruction plans and specifications for properties. Execute RC and post bond for reconstruction. • Demolish properties – document and store elements to be reconstructed. Coordinate reconstruction plans with Redevelopment plans. Update • Draft restrictive covenant committing to have façade • • • • reconstructed within 3 years of deconstruction Site observations by architect and engineer to confirm current condition of the property. Letter from engineer regarding deconstruction and reconstruction of façades Contracted with laser scanning company. Confirmed access possible to interiors, rear and upper level exterior elevations. Working on safe access to façade Initiated research on 911 to augment information previously submitted to HLC on 907 and 909 1881 Image 1949 Image 2021 907 907 909 909 Displaced Distress Cracking 911 911 • Note trusses go in same direction as façade. There is no structural connection • Note condition of Roof Next Steps • Engineer to identify structurally sound areas. • Determine safe access paths for documentation • personnel and mark on site. Coordinate safety issues with commercial scaffolding company. • Using safe access paths, laser scan buildings. • Photo document buildings. Coordinate photos with base drawings . Execute RC and …
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: Paul Boitmann Friday, April 23, 2021 2:06 PM PAZ Preservation 612 Highland Avenue *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Elizabeth Brumnett, My wife Kathie and I have reviewed the plans for the new house being proposed next door and we approve. It looks very nice and will be a great addition to the neighborhood. Paul Boitmann 610 Highland Ave. Austin Paul G. Boitmann 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Merlion Capital Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:27 PM PAZ Preservation McDowell, Taylor Theodore McDowell – Request to Participate in Public Comment for Case Number HR 21-048226 – 1910 Maple Ave Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Completed *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Theodore McDowell, and I am the owner of Merlion Capital, LLC, which is a legal entity that owns real property located within 500 feet of 1910 Maple Avenue, Austin, Texas 78722. I would like to register as a speaker at the April 26, 2021 meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission in respect of Case Number HR 21‐048226 – 1910 Maple Avenue. I am registering as a neutral speaker with respect to this matter. The information required pursuant to the meeting agenda is copied below: (a) Speaker Name: Theodore ("Taylor") McDowell (b) Item Number: HR 21‐048226 – 1910 Maple Avenue (c) Speaker Position: Neutral Thank you, Theodore McDowell 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Jen Margulies Monday, April 26, 2021 1:54 PM PAZ Preservation Brenda Malik; Contreras, Kalan Re: Speaking in favor of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross item on today's agenda Thank you so much. Below are our additional comments: The Rogers‐Washington‐Holy Cross Neighborhood Association is happy to share our support for the approval of Item HR‐ 2021‐048226, dealing with remodelling of 1910 Maple Ave. We have had the opportunity to review the plans for the work at 1910 Maple Ave, and we feel that the proposed work is strongly aligned with the guidelines for our historic neighborhood. In fact, in seeking historic district status, we hoped that new homeowners in the neighborhood would do exactly as the new owners at 1910 Maple Ave have done: recognize the architectural uniqueness of the homes here and the important social histories contained within these streets, and make efforts to restore and preserve their home's unique character and historic characteristics. We appreciate their approach to restoring the property and offer our support for this item. Thank you, Historic Rogers‐Washington‐Holy Cross Neighborhood Association On Mon, Apr 26, 2021 at 12:48 PM PAZ Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov> wrote: The deadline to register to speak has passed, unfortunately. We are still able to share written comments if received at this email address—I can upload the email below, or if you have additional comments, please send them to us by 2:30 so we can meet the last posting deadline of the day. Hi, Jen and Brenda, Thank you, Elizabeth Brummett | Development Services Manager, Historic Preservation Office City of Austin | Housing & Planning Department Pronouns: She/Her/Hers T: 512.974.1264 | www.austintexas.gov/housing elizabeth.brummett@austintexas.gov 1 From: Jen Margulies Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 11:52 AM To: PAZ Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov>; Brenda Malik Subject: Speaking in favor of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross item on today's agenda *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Those of us from the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Neighborhood Association were wondering if it is still possible to register our support in writing or during the meeting for item HR‐2021‐048226 related to 1910 Maple Ave. We feel that the planned work on this property is very much aligned with the goals of our neighborhood preservation, and we hope to see it approved by the commission. Hello, Thank you, Jen Margulies ‐‐ If you need an immediate response, please call me at CAUTION: This email …
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: Rosemary Merriam Monday, April 26, 2021 1:34 PM PAZ Preservation HLC Meeting Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Sent from Mail for Windows 10 I sent this in last Friday or Thursday and haven ‘t gotten a response. I am also requesting that 1201 Enfield not be on the consent agenda I sent a letter for the file on Friday and in the meantime I have also learned that the building was an original home for the Women’s battered center‐not sure whether for the administrative offices or to provide a secure space for women and children who are seeking a safe place to stauy. 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
Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: Jan Slagter Friday, April 23, 2021 4:37 PM PAZ Preservation 1816, W 11th Street historic case number PR-21-046417 *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Good morning Ms Brummett, Firstly I would like to thank you for your time and for the information you gave me about the redevelopment of the above property. Please disregard the form I mailed in giving my support to the project, this was before I’d seen the actual plans. I was given to believe from Mr Carillo the contractor that it was just a single family dwelling, with pool and garage, it’s obviously a lot more. I have no issue with the current small home on the lot being demolished and a larger home being built, my concern is with 3 two story building being squeezed on to a long thin lot. Looking at the plans I have to say my first thought was it looked like a compound not a home. One of the many joys of living in historic Clarksville is the wide variety of smaller to medium sized homes, with trees and gardens. I would hate to see us lose this with the building of much larger homes. Please lets not repeat the Mcmasions of Tarrytown. Thank you for letting me have my say. Janice Slagter 1809 Waterston Ave 78703 Sent from my iPad 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 Brummett, Elizabeth From: Sent: To: Subject: M A Sunday, April 25, 2021 10:37 AM PAZ Preservation 1816 W. 11th Street Clarksville Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Preservation Board, I have reviewed the plans for this project in my neighborhood. I think this current design is going to take away from the character and history of Clarksville. Not one portion of the build pays homage to Clarksville or its architectural history. The plans appear to be just another modern farm house on a million dollar lot. The size and design change the quaint inviting characteristics of Clarksville which is stark contrast to the house of one of the founding families of this neighborhood which stood for over 50 years in that …
