Item 5-1500 E. 12th St_TravisCountyHistoricalCommission — original pdf

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November 12th 2024 TRAVIS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION Austin, Texas City Council, City of Austin Texas Re: Letter of support for 1500 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX Greetings, The Travis County Historical Commission is in support of preserving the building at 1500 E. 12th Street and allowing for a zoning change to historic zoning or until such time as proper documentation of its history can be made, and measures taken, to provide context and interpretation to the site. According to the Zoning Change Review Sheet, the property has served as a German neighborhood grocery/retail outlet, beauty parlor/barber shop, saloon/restaurant and African American fraternity house. It is linked to a variety of notable persons and has served different ethnic groups over time, illustrating the complex and changing nature of the East Austin community. We feel that a rush to develop might unintentionally truncate the possibility of learning more about the history of the tract and how it provides a narrative into the diversity and significance of this building to the neighborhood and larger community. It is eligible for landmark status due to several criteria, such as architecture, historical associations and community value. Austin is quickly losing its historic fabric to rapid and uncontrolled development. While some preservation initiatives do not warrant objection, we feel that this property is unique in that it is illustrative of the multiple uses and owners that made up the East Austin community. This area witnessed the evolution of Austin from a multi-ethnic enclave to a post 1928 African American District to the gentrification of more recent years. In so doing, it tells a rich historical narrative that both explains and expands our knowledge of the Austin history. The Travis County Historical Commission supports the nomination of the property at 1500 E. 12th Street as an historic landmark for the City of Austin and if any additional support is requested on this or other matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Bob Ward, Chair Travis County Historical Commission