D.11.0 - 2708 Scenic Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS MAY 24, 2021 GF-21-066980 2708 SCENIC DRIVE D.11 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1952 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Two-story mid-century Modern house clad in vertical wood siding and stone veneer, with fixed and sliding aluminum full- height and clerestory windows, flat-roofed breezeways, a low-pitched side-gabled roofline, double-width stone chimneys, and balconies and skybridge with decorative metal handrails. The building’s multi-level design responds to the hillside topography of the site. The house at 2708 Scenic Drive was built for attorney Robert C. McGinnis, Sr. and his wife, philanthropist Ethel Clift McGinnis, in 1952 by noted Austin architect and University of Texas luminary Roland G. Roessner. During his time in the house, Robert McGinnis was president of the Bar Association, a member of the State Judicial Qualifications Commission, and an instructor at the University of Texas, where his father had previously served as dean of the School of Business Administration. Ethel Clift McGinnis devoted her life to promoting charitable causes. During her tenure at 2708 Scenic Drive, McGinnis directed the Pan-American Roundtable, the Volunteer Bureau of Austin, and the Austin International Hospitality Commission. As part of her work, McGinnis hosted dozens of events at her riverside homes, opening its doors to community members and visitors for regular galas, luncheons, and ceremonies. STAFF COMMENTS Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high to moderate integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it may meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of Mid-century Modern/Contemporary architecture. It was designed by midcentury Austin architect Roland Gommel Roessner. b. Historical association. The property is associated with Ethel and Robert McGinnis. 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 Consider initiating historic zoning. Recommend rehabilitation and adaptive reuse over demolition, but should the Commission choose to release the demolition permit, require completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package prior to release. LOCATION MAP D.11 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos D.11 – 3 D.11 – 4 D.11 – 5 D.11 – 6 Applicant, 2021 Occupancy History City Directory Research, May 2021 1959 Robert C. and Ethel McGinnis, owners Powell, Rauhut, McGinnis & Reavley, 702 Brown Building Secretary-treasurer K&M Supply Co. Robert C. and Ethel McGinnis, owners Powell, Wirtz, Rauhut & McGinnis Attorneys-at-law, 702 Brown Building Robert C. and Ethel C. McGinnis Powell, Wirtz, Rauhut & McGinnis Attorneys-at-law, 702 Brown Building Address not listed 1957 1955 1952 Biographical Information D.11 – 7 The Austin American (1914-1973); Aug 5, 1956 D.11 – 8 The Austin American (1914-1973); Nov 9, 1958 The Austin American (1914-1973); Sep 13, 1959 D.11 – 9 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Jan 18, 1960 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Sep 14, 1960 D.11 – 10 The Austin American (1914-1973); Jan 22, 1961 D.11 – 11 The Austin American (1914-1973); Nov 5, 1961 D.11 – 12 The Austin American (1914-1973); Nov 5, 1961 D.11 – 13 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Oct 18, 1962 and Jan 25, 1963 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Feb 9, 1966  D.11 – 14 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Apr 14, 1968 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Mar 12, 1971 D.11 – 15 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Nov 10, 1971 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Nov 23, 1971 D.11 – 16 The Austin Statesman; Dec 26, 1971 D.11 – 17 From https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utaaa/00040/aaa-00040.html Permits D.11 – 18