HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, September 15, 2025 – 11 a.m. Permitting and Development Center Conference Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the 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 NOT on the agenda 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, use the QR code or the link on this agenda. For questions, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sofia Wagner at (512) 974-3393. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jeffrey Acton Trey McWhorter Judah Rice CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Operations Committee purview, as outlined in Historic Landmark Commission bylaws Equity-Based Preservation Plan progress dashboard and implementation plan Feedback on list of potential educational and outreach materials Possible changes to historic preservation sections of the Land Development Code Proposed near-term items for Committee review and input 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 the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Operations Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at 512-974-1446. ,£, First Floor City of Austin Permitting and Development Center () OD Coffee Shop South Elevator;; ' lNo,-k:,t;;.tio,os 110-8.01 · 1108.16 Courtyard Employee Entrance Dr.;wing not toswle, repr...sentatioo purposes only. . Event Center Trahng Parking Garage l Elevators Restrnoms Employee Break Room 6.25.20 REGISTER TO SPEAK https://forms.office.com/g/7ReQu6LfJD\ Historic Landmark Commission Architectural Review Committee 2025 Meeting Schedule Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at 4:00PM Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 4:00PM Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at 4:00PM Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at 4:00PM Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 4:00PM Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – 4:00PM Permitting and Development Center Conference Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the 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 NOT on the agenda once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed three minutes to comment. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, use the QR code or the link on this agenda. For questions, email preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kevin Koch Jaime Alvarez Harmony Grogan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers who register to speak prior to the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 604 Brazos St. Driskill Hotel – Landmark Council District 9 Proposal: Install new signage at two facades of the hotel. Applicant: Marcos Crane 1504 E. 11th St. Ethel Pearl’s Beauty Salon – Landmark Council District 1 Proposal: Rehabilitate and repair building exterior. Applicant: Mike Hale 210 W. 6th St. Sixth Street National Register Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Adaptive reuse; rooftop equipment screening; plaza-facing patio enclosure; signage; door/window modifications. Applicant: Michael Whellan 80 Rainey St. Rainey Street National Register Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Construct an ADA-accessible kitchen and bathroom addition. Applicant: Drew Raffaele 1709 Drake Ave. Travis Heights National Register Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Demolish a contributing building and construct a new building. Applicant: Stuart Sampley 902 W. Johanna St. Council District 3 Proposal: Demolish a building. Applicant: Bob Allsop 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 the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Architectural Review Committee of the Historic Landmark Commission, please contact Sofia Wagner, Interim Staff Liaison, at 512-974-3333. First Floor City of Austin Permitting and Development …
Historic Landmark Commission Applications in Review for September 3, 2025 Regular Meeting This list does not constitute a formal agenda and is subject to change. A final agenda will be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. The public may comment on formal agenda items in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to comment once per item and are allowed three minutes to speak. To participate remotely by telephone, speakers must register by noon on the day before the hearing via the QR code and link at the end of this document. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Commission Approve the minutes from the August 6, 2025, regular meeting of the Historic Landmark PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND ACTION Historic Zoning Applications 2. 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 3. C14H-2025-0086 – 1712 Rio Grande St. Malcolm and Margaret Badger Reed House Council District 9 Proposal: Applicant-initiated historic zoning Applicant: Dave Anderson City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Permit Applications 4. HR-2025-102555 – 6706 Bluff Springs Rd. Horton-Duval House Council District 9 Proposal: Deconstruct existing ruins Applicant: Marlayna Wright City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 5. HR-2025-099714 – 1504 E. 11th St. Ethel Pearl’s Beauty Salon Council District 1 Proposal: Rehabilitate and repair building exterior. City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 National Register Historic District Permit Applications 6. HR-2025-075283; PR-2025-062597 – 705 Brownlee Circle West Line National Register Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Construct a new building. (Postponed by HLC on August 6, 2025) Applicant: David Webber City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 7. PR-2025-088150 – 2514 Wooldridge Dr. Old West Austin National Register Historic District Council District 10 Proposal: Demolish a contributing building. Applicant: Clean Tag Permits City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 8. PR-2025-095243; PR-2025-095042 – 1709 Drake Ave. Travis Heights National Register Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Demolish a contributing building and construct a new building. Applicant: Stuart Sampley City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Demolition and Relocation Permit Applications 9. PR-2025-086196– 902 W. Johanna St. Council District 3 Proposal: Demolish a building. Applicant: Bob Allsop City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Briefing on National …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, September 3, 2025 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some Commission members may be participating by videoconference. View the meeting 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 allocated 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, please use the QR code or link at the end of this document. For questions, please email preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair Roxanne Evans (D-2), Vice Chair Jeffrey Acton (Mayor) Harrison Eppright (D-1) Kevin Koch (D-3) Judah Rice (D-4) Harmony Grogan (D-5) Carl Larosche (D-6) Jaime Alvarez (D-7) Bat Taniguchi (D-9) Trey McWhorter (D-10) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Historic Landmark Commission regular meeting on August 6, 2025. 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 approve the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 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. Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 4. HR-2025-102555 – 6706 Bluff Springs Rd. Horton-Duval House Council District 9 Proposal: Deconstruct existing ruins Applicant: Marlayna Wright City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness in concurrence with Committee feedback and Texas Historical Commission response. 2 5. HR-2025-099714 – 1504 E. 11th St. Ethel Pearl’s Beauty Salon Council District 1 Proposal: Rehabilitate …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, August 6th, 2025 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some Commission members may be participating by videoconference. View the meeting online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. COMMISSION MEMBERS: X X X X X X Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair Roxanne Evans (D-2), Vice Chair Jeffrey Acton (Mayor) Harrison Eppright (D-1) Kevin Koch (D-3) Judah Rice (D-4) X X X AB AB Harmony Grogan (D-5) Carl Larosche (D-6) Jaime Alvarez (D-7) Bat Taniguchi (D-9) Trey McWhorter (D-10) DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 PM 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the July 2, 2025, regular meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission. MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner Larosche. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote: 9-0. The motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND ACTION Historic Zoning Applications 2. C14H-2025-0022 – 1701 San Gabriel St. Stedman-Graves House Council District 9 City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Grant the proposed zoning change from family residence (SF-3) to family residence-historic combining district (SF-3-H) zoning. Sean Reynolds spoke in favor of historic zoning. MOTION: Close the public hearing on a motion by Commissioner Acton. Commissioner Larosche 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 Larosche seconded the motion. Vote: 9-0. The motion passed. 3. PR-2025-041615 – 607 E. 38th St. Council District 9 Proposal: Commission-initiated historic zoning 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. Barbara Epstein spoke in favor of historic zoning. Chad Bradbury spoke in favor of historic zoning. Jorge Alzaga spoke in opposition to historic zoning. George Gonzalez spoke in opposition to historic zoning. Barbara Epstein spoke in favor of historic zoning. Jorge Alzaga spoke in opposition to historic zoning. MOTION: Close the public hearing on a motion by Commissioner Larosche. Commissioner Rice seconded the …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: C14H- HLC DATE: August 6, 2025 PC DATE: CC Date: APPLICANT: Lisa Vela, Next Level Permits, LLC (commission-initiated) HISTORIC NAME: WATERSHED: Waller Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 607 East 38th Street, Austin, TX 78705 ZONING CHANGE: SF-3-CO-NP to SF-3-H-CO-NP COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 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. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: architecture and historical associations. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: CASE MANAGER: Austin Lukes, 512-978-0766 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Neighborhoods Council, CANPAC (Central Austin Neighborhood Plan Area Committee), Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Hancock Neighborhood Assn., Homeless Neighborhood Association, North Austin Neighborhood Alliance, Preservation Austin DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The 2019 Historic Resource Survey of North Loop, Hancock, and Upper Boggy Creek lists the house a medium priority. This survey does not give recommendations for landmark designation. 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. Originally built as a side-by-side duplex in the Hancock neighborhood, the property at 607 E. 38th St. is one of the last remaining and most intact examples of this typology in this part of the city. It features wood frame construction clad with lapped teardrop siding with a narrow profile. While many earlier built properties in Hancock, as well as surrounding neighborhoods such as Hyde Park1, were subdivided to house additional tenants during the Great Depression, this house was purpose-built for two units. This is visually apparent by the two equally sized and prominent front doors at the corners of the building, each covered with a modest gable over their respective entries. The house is elevated …
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 …
