D.11.0 - 3703 Meadowbank Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 26, 2021 PR-2021-092644 3703 MEADOWBANK DRIVE D.11 – 1 PROPOSAL Construct an addition and remodel a ca. 1966 residence and 1987 pool cabana. ARCHITECTURE Two-story symmetrical Colonial Revival house with hipped roof and brick cladding. Its full-width integral porch and second-floor balcony are supported by Classical columns. Ground-floor windows are 6:6, while second-floor fenestration comprises glazed 4-pane French doors. Wood shutters surround all doors and windows. The pool cabana at the rear of the lot features matching columns, full-height multi-light windows with fan lights above, and a metal mansard roof. It was constructed after the period of significance and does not contribute to the property’s historic character. RESEARCH The house at 3703 Meadowbank Drive was built in 1966 for Franklin W. Denius, decorated World War II veteran and renowned University of Texas sponsor. At 19, Denius fought in the Battle of Mortain in 1944 as an infantry staff sergeant, holding a vital position for the Allies against 40,000 Nazi troops. His foresight and innovation helped to create a turning point in the war after the Normandy landings, forever changing history. After Mortain, Denius participated in the capture of Aachen and the Battle of the Bulge; his honors include four Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, a Presidential Citation, the Belgian Croix de Guerre, and Knight of the Legion of Honor—the highest awarded in France, according to Denius’ obituary. He is touted as the tenth most decorated World War II veteran by some sources. After his Army service, Denius graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1949, beginning his career at the firm of Looney and Clark, where he later became partner. By 1976, Denius had opened his own practice. He specialized in oil and gas law, becoming president of the Southern Union Company later in his career, but also worked as a business consultant for President Lyndon B. Johnson, with whom he became friends. Denius’ 2018 obituary describes him as “a Texas giant, a man of destiny and civic and community impact” as it details his lifelong civic engagement: At one time or another Frank served as President of the Austin United Way, The Longhorn Club, The Headliner's Club, and was selected by the Austin Chamber of Commerce as the Outstanding Young Man of Austin in 1959. From 1957-1961, Frank was a member of the Texas Legislature Constitutional Revision Committee. Frank was also instrumental in orchestrating Texas A&M's conversion to a co-educational Institution. Frank also served one term on the Austin Independent School Board, and acted as Treasurer for several campaigns of his close friend Congressman Jake Pickle. In the mid-1980s until present, Frank became President of the Cain Foundation established by Frank's uncle, Wofford Cain, which annually grants substantial sums to primarily Texas-based charities throughout the State. For many Longhorns, Denius is best known as the founder of Texas Exes, the University’s alumni association. He served as official counsel to University presidents and spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns. He made it a point to attend every game and practice, and the team’s practice facility was named in honor of his unyielding support. His passion for Longhorn football bolstered his legacy as one of Austin’s most famous alumni, and in 2009, the Frank Denius Memorial Plaza was dedicated outside the football stadium. The official Longhorn Football webpage named him “a true hero” and “the ultimate Longhorn” in 2008, noting: The Texas Longhorns' special teams are called "The Special Forces" in honor of Frank Denius, a long-time supporter of the football team who was one of the ten most decorated soldiers involved in the European Theater and the D-Day Invasion in World War II. Every time the Longhorns practice, they do so at the practice facility named in his honor. Denius has been named a Distinguished American by the Greater Austin Chapter of the College Football Hall of Fame, and is chairman of the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Veterans Committee. D.11 – 2 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 potential historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General standards The proposed project removes intact historic material from the front of the house, remodeling the Colonial Revival façade to enclose the porch and balcony, reworking the roofline, removing existing windows to add steel fixed and casement windows, and adding stucco over existing brick. 3. Roofs The proposed project modifies the historic roof form, adding shallow hipped forms to the front, back, and side of the building to accommodate additions. The proposed new material is slate composite. 4. Exterior walls and trim The proposed project covers the existing historic brick with stucco. 5. Windows, doors, and screens The proposed project replaces all existing windows with steel fixed and casement windows. Proposed windows do not consistently match the size and details of the existing windows. 6. Porches The proposed project encloses the front porch and balcony, obscuring it entirely. The project’s replacement of the front porch and balcony with a partial-width porch and balcony at the front addition is not an appropriate modification for a character-defining feature of the building. 7. Chimneys The proposed project stuccos the existing brick chimney, a character-defining feature of the house, and adds two matching stucco chimneys. 8. Attached garages and carports The proposed project adds a bay to the existing rear garage and stuccos the existing brick. Residential additions 1. Location The proposed project includes front, side, and rear additions. It does not minimize the loss of historic fabric. 2. Scale, massing, and height The proposed rear additions are minimally visible from the street and appear subordinate to the main house; however, the front addition obscures the front of the house. 3. Design and style The proposed additions are not differentiated from the historic building, as the rest of the building is modified to match the additions. 4. Roofs The proposed rear addition’s roof is mostly compatible, save for the angled first-floor element. The addition of a shallow hipped element to the front of the house is not compatible. 5. Exterior walls The proposed additions’ stucco exterior material is somewhat appropriate at the rear of the building, but not the front. Proposed covering of brick with stucco on the existing house is not a compatible treatment. The project does not meet most of the applicable standards. PROPERTY EVALUATION Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high 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 an example of the Colonial Revival style. b. Historical association. The property appears to have significant historical associations with Franklin W. Denius. 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, D.11 – 3 cultural, or historical value to the city. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Consider initiation of historic zoning and/or referral to the August meeting of the Architectural Review Committee. Should the Commission choose to approve the demolition permit, require completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package prior to permit release. LOCATION MAP D.11 – 4 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos D.11 – 5 D.11 – 6 Source: Remodel application, 2021 D.11 – 7 D.11 – 8 Source: Applicant, 2021 D.11 – 9 Occupancy History City Directory Research, Historic Preservation Office, 2021 1992 F. W. Denius, owner Attorney 1985-86 Frank W. Denius 1981 1977 1973 1967 1965 Frank W. Denius Frank W. Denius Frank W. Denius Frank W. Denius Address not listed Biographical Information D.11 – 10 D.11 – 11 D.11 – 12 Source: The Washington Post, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/frank-denius-soldier-who-helped-to-hold-a- vital-hill-in-world-war-ii-dies-at-93/2018/08/25/e98bd3e8-a3e0-11e8-8fac-12e98c13528d_story.html DENIUS, Franklin W. Franklin W. Denius, iconic Texan, attorney and businessman, 93 years young, passed away peacefully at his Austin home on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Born January 4, 1925, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the only child of Francis C. and Samuel F. Denius. Shortly after Frank' birth his parents moved to Athens, Texas, where he was raised by his Mother and Grandmother, "Mattie" Wofford Cain. In spite of his birthplace, however, no one ever questioned Frank's love, devotion and loyalty to Texas nor his authenticity as a Texan. At 13, his influential and paternalistic uncle, Wofford Cain, persuaded Frank's Mother to enroll him at Schreiner Military Institute in Kerrville, Texas. Frank graduated High School at Schreiner. While continuing Courses at Schreiner, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred and thereafter he enlisted in the Army at 17 years old. Frank was initially dispatched to the Citadel Military Academy, where he matriculated, as well as trained as an artillery forward observer. After basic training at Camp Roberts, Frank was transferred to England in preparation for the D-Day Invasion. In 1946, Frank was discharged from the Army as one of the ten most decorated Soldiers in the European Theater of WWII, having fought in every major battle in Europe, perhaps most notably, landing on Omaha Beach in the "second wave" of the D-Day Invasion, and as a member of the "Lost Battalion" in the battle for Mortain, France, holding off 70,000 German troops and five Panzer Tank Divisions to defend Hill 314. For his military service, Frank received numerous medals for his service, including, four Silver Stars, the Belgian and French Croix de Guerre, a Presidential Citation, and the highest French Honor - Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur. Frank was also wounded twice, each time returning to battle, and he received two Purple Hearts. In spite of such decorations, he wore his honors lightly. He was a patriot who proved love of country at the risk of his life, accepting responsibility for the lives of others as a very young man. Upon discharge from the Army, Frank enrolled in his beloved University of Texas where he studied business and law. Frank graduated UT Law School in 1949. On an "off" Longhorn Football Weekend in Athens Texas, Frank married his "sweetheart" Charmaine Hooper, whom, not surprisingly, he met at an Athens High School Football game on leave from the War. Frank commenced his legal career at the influential Austin, Texas law firm of Looney & Clark. As a lawyer, he was capable of hardball but his style was subtle. He became a major player among the most major players, and he became a name partner in Clark, Thomas, Denius, Winters & Harris, until he left the firm in 1976 to pursue his solo practice. During his legal career, Frank frequently worked on President Lyndon B. Johnson's personal business affairs (and later became good friends with the President and his family), and many other of Texas' luminary businessmen such as, Clint W. Murchison, Wofford Cain, Howard Butt, Jack Crosby, and Grogan Lord, and specialized in utility law, particularly in the oil and gas industries representing numerous utility and oil and gas related publicly traded Companies. Frank eventually became President and Chairman emeritus of Southern Union Company, originally established by Wofford Cain and Clint Murchison. Frank Denius was a Texas giant, a man of destiny and civic and community impact. At one time or another Frank served as President of the Austin United Way, The Longhorn Club, The Headliner's Club, and was selected by the Austin Chamber D.11 – 13 of Commerce as the Outstanding Young Man of Austin in 1959. From 1957-1961, Frank was a member of the Texas Legislature Constitutional Revision Committee. Frank was also instrumental in orchestrating Texas A&M's conversion to a Co-educational Institution. Frank also served one term on the Austin Independent School Board, and acted as Treasurer for several campaigns of his close friend Congressman Jake Pickle. In the mid-1980s until present, Frank became President of The Cain Foundation established by Frank's uncle, Wofford Cain, which annually grants substantial sums to primarily Texas-based charities throughout the State. Frank is well known for his passion and love for the institution of the University of Texas and the Texas Longhorn Football Team, together with its many current and former athletes and coaches. Frank served as counsel to numerous Presidents of the University, and was actively involved in numerous UT Capital Campaigns. Frank was instrumental in founding and organizing the "Texas Ex Students Association" and was one of the Organization's first Presidents; Frank remained active in the organization for the remainder of his life. In his later years, you would find Frank attending football practice daily at the practice facility named after him, "Denius Fields", visiting with the coaches and kidding with his Longhorn "teammates". Frank's spirit will forever be there and in Memorial Stadium at Seat 26, Row 15, Section 4 at Memorial Stadium. Frank was in the present and a man of joy, kind acts never known by others, faithful to his family and friends. He was a strong and faithful Christian, and an active member of Westminister Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. Frank was a loving and compassionate Husband and incomparable and supporting Father. Frank and Charmaine were married 64 years. Education, intelligence, honesty, integrity, dedication, commitment, hard work, respect for others, his attitude of never giving up and always giving 110% effort in everything you do were the tenants of his character, and are the qualities and attributes he tried to instill in his children, as well as any individuals whom he mentored throughout his life. Frank was welcoming, and he was mannerly in a way lost for several generations and deeply missed by those who knew and recognized it; Frank was truly a "Southern Gentleman". Equally unparalleled was his thoughtful generosity and deep humanity; he not only gave financially, but of himself and his time. He was a man who laughed often, worked hard, loved his family, his friends, the State of Texas, The University of Texas, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. He mastered the major challenges he met in his long life and never lost his curiosity; and his attention to minute detail was amazing. Frank's gregariousness was special, and when he saw friends his face lit up with his special warm, friendly and infectious deep grin and his eyes never failed to light up. His boundless energy, ferocious capacity for work and mastery of detail was an integral part of what became the Denius legend. Frank was preceded in death by his Wife, Charmaine H. Denius and his grandson Frank Wofford McGill. Frank is survived by his son Wofford ("Woffie") Denius and his wife, Beth B. Denius, his daughter Charmaine D. McGill and her husband, J. Gordon McGill, his grandchildren Parker McGill and Reagan Denius. On behalf of Frank, the Denius Family would like to give special thanks to Renate Bombick for her love, friendship, and devotion to Frank and our family for over thirty-five years. A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd., Austin, Texas, at 1:00PM on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Any donations should be made to either Westminster Presbyterian Church or Hospice Austin. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish North Lamar (512) 452-8811. Remembrances may be left at www.wcfish.com. Dallas Morning News, 2018: https://obits.dallasnews.com/us/obituaries/dallasmorningnews/name/franklin-denius- obituary?id=1961224 D.11 – 14 D.11 – 15 Source: https://texassports.com/news/2007/5/28/052807aaa_381.aspx, 2007 D.11 – 16 The below compilation includes a synopsis of a video biography and oral history of Frank W. Denius by Milton Carr, as well as a memorial segment by Bill Little. Full text and video is available at https://www.texaslsn.org/frankdenius#. D.11 – 17 D.11 – 18 D.11 – 19 D.11 – 20 Source: “Longhorn Bridge Builders And Pioneers,” https://www.texaslsn.org/frankdenius#  D.11 – 21 Full photo gallery available at TexasSports.com: https://admin.texassports.com/galleries/general/frank-denius/4499 Source: University of Texas at Austin School of Law, https://law.utexas.edu/news/2018/07/29/in-memoriam-frank-w- denius-49/ D.11 – 22 Source: “UT News,” 2018, https://news.utexas.edu/2018/07/29/ut-mourns-the-loss-of-alumnus-frank-denius/ Below are annotated transcriptions of a 2015 interview with Denius for the National WWII Museum. View full oral history and transcripts at the Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank- denius “Early Life and Joining the Army”: D.11 – 23 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#early-life-and-joining-the-army “Basic Training and Service Overseas”: Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#basic-training-and-service-overseas “Omaha Beach”: D.11 – 24 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#omaha-beach “Fighting in the Hedgerows”: Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#fighting-in-the-hedgerows “Saint Lo”: D.11 – 25 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#saint-lo “His First Silver Star:” D.11 – 26 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius “Mortain”: D.11 – 27 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#mortain “Hill 314”: Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#hill-314 “Winning the Battle for Hill 314”: D.11 – 28 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#winning-the-battle-for-hill-314 “Fighting Across France”: Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#fighting-across-france  “Liberation of Paris”: D.11 – 29 Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#liberation-of-paris “French Civilians and Combat Awards”: Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#french-civilians-and-combat-awards “Education and Training”: Digital Collections of the National WWII Museum: https://www.ww2online.org/view/franklin-frank-denius#education-and-training D.11 – 30 The Austin Statesman, July 11, 1971 Permits D.11 – 31