A.5.0 - C14H-2021-0165 - Dr. Sidney, Jr. and Helen White House, 8601 Azalea Trail (2) — original pdf

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ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET A.5 - 1 CASE NUMBER: C14H-2021-0165 October 25, 2021 HLC DATE: PC DATE: APPLICANTS: Lamont and Alta Alexander, owners HISTORIC NAME: Dr. Sidney, Jr. and Helen White House WATERSHED: Shoal Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 8601 Azalea Trail ZONING FROM: SF-3 to SF-3-H SUMMARY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change from single family residence (SF-3) district to single family residence – Historic Landmark (SF-3-H) combining district zoning for its significance in the areas of architecture, historical associations, and community value. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: Architecture, Historical Associations, and Community Value: HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: October 25, 2021: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The house is beyond the bounds of the Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey (1984) and has never been included in a city survey. CITY COUNCIL DATE: ACTION: ORDINANCE READINGS: 1ST 2ND 3RD ORDINANCE NUMBER: CASE MANAGER: Steve Sadowsky PHONE: 974-6454 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: Austin Independent School District, Austin Lost and Found Pets, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, NW Austin Neighbors, Neighborhood Empowerment Foundation, Northwest Austin Civic Association, SELTexas, Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group, TNR BCP - Travis County Natural Resources BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: Architecture: The house was built by local builder Walter Carrington for African-American dentist Dr. Sidney White, Jr. and his wife, Helen, in 1968. The house is a wing-and-gable plan ranch-style house with features of mid-century Modern design. It has a brick veneer exterior with weeping mortar, a relatively rare architectural feature in Austin. The original door and windows have been replaced. The house now has casement windows which fit into the original window openings and do not materially alter the feeling of the original construction. The house was built by Walter Carrington, a prolific homebuilder in central Texas, who began his career in Austin in the early 1950s. Carrington waw born in San Angelo, Texas in 1924 and passed away in Austin in 2007. He was a graduate of the University of Texas and first went to work with Nelson Puett, a local real estate agent and developer, before starting his own home A.5 - 2 building company. Many of his homes, such as this one, are located in the Northwest Hills neighborhoods of Austin, but he was also responsible for most of the houses in University Hills, east of IH-35 during the same period. Carrington was a very open-minded builder: he did not engage in the still-then prevalent process of red-lining to keep African-American buyers out of neighborhoods. University Hills was a prime example of his business practice; the houses were comparable to those that he built in Northwest Hills, but at a slightly lower price point, which allowed greater diversity in the neighborhood. His University Hills neighborhood was designed, without regard to race, for university professors, IBM engineers, and other middle-class homebuyers that may have not been able to afford Northwest Hills, which was built for upper middle class professionals. It is notable that Carrington also did not discriminate by race in his Northwest Hills neighborhood; the house he built for Dr. Sidney and Helen White did not differ from the homes he built for his Anglo clients and featured many of the same innovations and architectural flourishes that he provided for his white buyers. It was also at the head of a prestigious cul-de-sac, another nod to its architectural significance. Carrington was known for his architectural and construction innovations, using architectural features found on the White house, such as weeping mortar, to create individualized projects. He was the first to build “garden” kitchens, which allowed for natural light to flood into the kitchen, also following the tenets of mid-century Modern design to diminish the contrast between the exterior and setting of the house through the use of large expanses of glass to atmospherically blend the outdoors with the interior design and living spaces. As further evidence of his dedication to innovation, he also participated in the construction of homes in Austin’s Air-Conditioned Village, a very important study and experiment in providing central air conditioning to homes designed and built for middle-class families in the early 1950s, and without which, would have delayed if not stopped the rapid development of Sunbelt cities like Austin. He served as president of the Austin Home Builders Association in the late 1950s and as a life director for the National Association of Home Builders. He was in business in Austin until the mid-1990s. Walter R. Carrington Walter R. Carrington, 82, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2007, after an extended illness and a lengthy period of Alzheimer's. Walter was preceded in death by his daughter Cathy Carrington. Walter is survived by his sons, Trey Carrington, Charles Carrington and Tim Carrington, all of Austin; ex-wife Raye Carrington of Llano, grandchildren Houston, Christopher, Kimberly, Callie and Miles Carrington, and great granddaughter Madison Carrington. Walter Carrington, born in San Angelo, was a long time Austinite. After his graduation from the University of Texas in 1945 Walter entered the real estate and construction business. He was active in Austin business and civic endeavors for 50 years, building homes for tens of thousands of Austin residents, in the city he loved. Walter was president of the Austin Association of Home Builders in 1957 and become a Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders. Walter was an active member of the Austin Association of Realtors and in 1972 was recognized by that association and given the Most Worthy Citizen honor. Walter was enthusiastic about life, and especially enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and pilot. A memorial service will be held at River Bend Church, Smith Chapel, Friday May 4th, at 10:00 a.m. The family request memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity in lieu of flowers. Obituary of Walter Carrington Austin American-Statesman, May 3, 2007. A.5 - 3 Historical Associations: The house was built in 1968 for Dr. Sidney White, Jr. and his wife, Helen. Dr. Sidney White, Jr. was born in Tyler, Texas on August 18, 1928 to Sidney White, Sr., a porter in a barber shop, and his wife, Lena White, a homemaker. He graduated high school in Tyler then went on to St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he obtained his undergraduate certificate in pre-dental services. After serving in the Korean War, he enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he earned his degree in dentistry in 1958. He spent several years interning at various institutions on the east coast before moving to Austin, Texas in 1960 to set up his own practice. At that time, due to segregation, there were few Black dentists in the United States, particularly in the Southern states. Black dentists were rarely, if ever, hired by white dentists to serve the Black community, so they had to open their own offices, which required finding office space and then purchasing all of their own equipment. Dentists like Sidney White, Jr. were at a major disadvantage in serving the Black communities in American cities, and for many years, White was the sole Black dentist in Austin. Dr. Sidney White, Jr. was a pioneer and a fighter for racial equality and civil rights. Besides attracting other Black professionals to Austin, he and Helen took on racial discrimination to ensure that the Black professional community in Austin could thrive. In 1965, he was the first Black dentist to be admitted to the Austin District Dental Society, paving the way for greater acceptance and integration of Black professionals in the community. He also established his office and a medical office building on Manor Road on the east side of Austin to be in the heart of the city’s Black community, and welcomed other Black dentists into his practice. Helen Marie Fields White was born in Austin February 26, 1932 to Robert Fields and Metra Walker Fields. When her mother passed away while Helen was still a teenager, she helped her father raise the family. After graduation from Samuel Huston College, she moved to California and began work for the Los Angeles Police Department in their detective’s bureau before returning to Austin to care for her ailing father. In 1962, she married Dr. Sidney White, Jr., the only Black dentist in Austin, who was serving an internship on the east coast; they were married for nearly 40 years. She obtained her teaching certificate and made her mark on Austin’s public school system, becoming one of the first Black elementary school teachers in still-segregated public schools in the city, including the prestigious Highland Park Elementary School. Helen White was socially active in the Black community and was instrumental with her husband in bringing Black professionals to the city. Her home was the scene of many social gatherings and dinners aimed at attracting Black professionals to Austin; her influence in establishing a Black professional class in the city was noteworthy. The Whites’ commitment to racial equality did not stop at the church doors either. Denied entry to white Episcopal churches in Austin, Dr. Sidney and Helen White were instrumental in establishing a welcoming congregation for Black Episcopalians, St. James Episcopal Church. Family lore credits Helen White with the construction of this house by Walter Carrington after she and her husband were told that, as African-Americans, they would need the permission of their proposed neighbors to construct their home in another section of Northwest Hills. Helen White was, equally as her husband, resolved to be treated equally, and did not indulge the still- thriving racism she encountered in her purchase of a home, even in the late 1960s. Along with her husband, she refused to accept the conditions placed upon the sale of the property as having to prove themselves worthy of home ownership in the neighborhood, and contracted with Walter Carrington to build this house without the humiliation of having to seek permission to move into the neighborhood. Her drive to establish equality in housing went a long way in reducing the effectiveness of redlining to keep Black residents out of once-exclusively white neighborhoods. Narrative from applicant: A.5 - 4 PROPOSAL Historic Landmark for 1968 house. ARCHITECTURE HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Built on a concrete slab, the sprawling one-story mid-century Modern ranch residential home responds to the hilltop topography of the cul-de-sac. The vertical wood siding with an accent wall of board-and-batten lifted and connected arched columns, and a weeping mortar brick with a unique stucco fashion veneer clad design is an impeccable one-of-a-kind addition to the neighborhood. The clay tile steps and front porch lead to the solid wood door with inlay glass, boast casement windows that support composition-shingled roof features a low- pitched L-shaped, front and side-gabled roofline topped with a weeping mortar brick chimney. The building’s stunning single-level design is the focal point, sitting at the apex of the cul-de-sac, showcasing a unique, upgraded ground-level brick ledge (dropped to ground level, not at the typical floor level) to camouflage the underpinning on the house. Unusual to this particular neighborhood is the electric fence/gate at the residence. The property landscaping that has enhanced the home has been maintained by Complete Lawn Service (a black-owned business) for over 25-years. A mature, lush landscape host a canopy of Live Oak trees with complimentary Pecan and Crepe Myrtle trees. RESEARCH AND BACKGROUND: The house at 8601 Azalea Trail in the Westover Hills (Section I) suburbs of Northwest Hills (aka Far West) in Austin was meticulously custom built for military veteran, business owner, and one of the first African American dentists in Austin, Dr. Sidney White, Jr., and his wife, educator and socialite, Helen Marie Fields White, in 1968 by noted Austin builder Walter Carrington Builders, Inc. The Whites devoted their life to promoting and supporting charitable, community and civic causes, and uplifting their African-American community and comrades. They opened their doors, hosting countless events at their suburban A.5 - 5 home, to key leaders and politicians, community members and visitors for regular galas, luncheons, meetings and fraternal inductions and ceremonies. Dr. Sidney White, Jr.: During their time in the home, Dr. White was the first African American president of the Austin Dental Society, the first African American dentist to become a member of the then 10th District Dental Society (Capital Area Dental Society), and taught at Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC, and as preceptorship faculty at Baylor University College of Dentistry. The fifth child of eight, Sidney White graduated from Emmett J. Scott High School in Tyler, Texas, and went on the receive his Bachelor of Science with pre- dental preparation from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. After graduation, White was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for two years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged, he taught as a science teacher and later (1958) was admitted to and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Dental School at Howard University, and interned at Goldwater Memorial Hospital in New York City. In 1960, he entered general practice in Austin, TX, where for numerous years he was the only African American Dentist in the city. Austin's Notable African American Dentists: early 1930's-1950's - Dr. Everett Givens (highly respected individual; Givens Park was named for him) "Dr. Givens had one of the first two-story houses in the Black community. It was grand and had a swimming pool in the back!" remembered Anita Swain. 1940's - Dr. Hammonds 1950's - Dr. Duncan (a short tenure in Austin, then moved to San Antonio) 1960's-2000's - Dr. Sidney White, Dr. Norman Mason (left in 2018), Dr. Madeline Anderson, Dr. Reginald Christopher 2000's - Dr. Oliver Wayne McElveen Upon graduating from Meharry Medical and Dental College, and Howard University Dental College, Dr. White was literally on his way to establish his practice in San Antonio, in 1958, when after a stop-over in Austin prompted him to stay a while in the city. He met with Hobart and Venolia Gaines, a prominent couple in the area, who originated from Dr. White's hometown of Tyler, TX. Prior to integration, Hobart was the principal of LC Anderson High School, then later he became the first African American Assistant Superintendent for the Austin Independent School District. The couple convinced Dr. White to open his practice in Texas' Capitol City. A.5 - 6 Consequently, in 1968, Dr. White co-developed the Medical Plaza Complex at 2113 E. MLK, Jr. Blvd. with Dr. Sylvester Bradford, Austin's first African American optometrist, founded and joined Dr. White's crusade to focused on recruiting dental, medical and pharmacy services minority professionals to Austin. Dr. White and Dr. Bradford initially established their practice He, and Mrs. White were intent on diversifying Austin's professional business population, just as they had done within his dentistry office. Dr. White was well ahead of his time ensuring he had a very diverse work staff hiring men and women including blacks, whites, and Hispanics. And, this diversity trickled into his patient enrollment as well with about 30%-40% of his practice serving non-Black individuals. Dr. and Mrs. White hosted countless dinners, parties and gatherings at their lavished home to recruit minority dentists, physicians and professionals to Austin. In the era of Jim Crow and segregated hotels, there were limited overnighting options, the Whites also allowed the invitees to transient at their home. In 1970, Dr. Norman Mason, DDS, another Howard University graduate, was referred by his cousin to visit Dr. White in Austin. Mason said, "My cousin said Sidney [Dr. White] was overworked, so my wife and I stopped by his office. He invite us to his home for dinner and to stay the night. When we insisted we were going to stay at a hotel, they [Dr. and Mrs. White] paid for the hotel. They took us all over Austin, and we were so impressed with how clean the city was. It took my wife and I all of 30-seconds to know Austin was the place for us! As soon I I received my [test score] results from the Board, we became Austinites!" [1]. Dr. Mason was also onboard with Dr. White's mission to recruit more Black human capital to the city. By 1975, Dr. Wayne McElveen, DDS, a practicing dentist from New Jersey, was recruited by Dr. White and Dr. Mason. "Having heard about the forward-thinking liberal-mindedness of people in Austin (being the capitol), the sell of practicing in Austin was not a hard one," said McElveen [2]. His work paid off, and thanks to him, innumerable African American talent was recruited to Austin. In adition to practicing dentistry, Dr. White's role was also to contribute to his community where and how he could. Realizing that to attract talented African Americans professionals to Austin there had to also be an outlet for them to recreate, Dr. White became a co-owner in one of Austin’s largest Black nightclubs of its time – Phases. Hastened by negative treatment received in white-owned clubs in the city, Phases was born of the owners conviction that the time had come for Austin to have a first-class club owned by blacks, run by blacks and catering to blacks. "We definitely wanted a site on the east side of town...because this is where the original black community settled," said Dr. White. A.5 - 7 The nightclub, opened April 14, 1978, in a beige-colored building across from Rosewood Park and quickly evolved into more than a bar club. On any given 24- hour day, the club would dish up breakfast for one of the black college fraternity, cater lunch for City Council members or candidates, serve evening cocktails to a bevy of black businessmen, host a hundred screaming women for a ladies' night, and spin records in the disco for a younger crowd. "Dr. White was reserved, but you always knew he was inventorying the business when he stopped by the club. "Dr. Bradford was the character and was very talkative. Both men were very nice and great to work for", said Pamela Crenshaw, former waitress at Phases.[3]. (James Pinkerton, Austin American-Statesman, Onward, May 3, 1983) Dr. White distinguished himself by his commitment and service in the community and to his profession. "He was a giver. He loved his church and community, and he and Helen gave with their time, talents and treasures" remembered Mason. McElveen reflected, "Sidney introduced the idea of us [dentists in his office] going to predominantly schools with minority students to speak to them on how dentists benefit their overall health. So, we spoke at elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. I was a good thing." In 1965, he was recognized with the lifetime ethical and professional care and respect of his peers by being named 10th District Dental Society (Capital Area Dental Society) Dentist of the Year (1989-90), and nominated as Dentist of the Year by the Academy of General Dentists. His numerous professional, civic and community affiliations include: - American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association-Life Member - Gulf State Dental Association-Admiral Club Member, Gulf Pac-Chairman -Presidential Service Award Receipt - Member-National Dental Association, E.H. Givens Dental Society, Academy of General Dentists, American Academy of Implant Congress, National Analgesia Society, past member-Austin Dental Advisory Board. Dr. White was a distinguished fellow in the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine; he was a charter and board member of the Austin 100 Club, co-founder and charter member of the Capital City Lions Club. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and received the organization’s Civic and Service Award for his contribution to community. "Sidney was a lifetime member and always financial, but did not participate much in the day-to-day happenings, but did participate in activities benefitting the community. And, he never failed to have a table at our Black and White Ball. He was always willing to help and hosted several meetings at his home. The frat [Kappa Alpha Psi] would meet Laity Lodge (a religious-oriented retreat facility owned by the Butt family [of H-E-B] outside of Kerrville, TX with cabins), and everyone wanted to go to Sid's because of his infamous "punch" made with Hawaiian punch and adult libations of his own special concoction.", said James "Jim" Johnson, fraternity brother and golfing partner of Dr. White. Johnson recalled Dr. White hosting several meetings at his home for fraternity events, where his wife, Helen served delicious nibbles.[4] A.5 - 8 A life-long dedicated Christian servant, Dr. White was a devout member of St. James Episcopal Church (his brother was an Episcopal priest) where he served in numerous capacities, which included several years (1963-64, 1969-70, 1972- 73, and 1980-81) as Senior Warden. "Dr. White was already there by the time I got there in 1963. He was a great supporter financially - one of our best pledgers (individuals pledging to give monetary funds to the church). He helped to get St. James started during a time of strict segregation. When black Episcopalians were not allowed to worship in the white Episcopalian churches, key black folks established their own. Dr. White was also apart of the Bishop's Committee, an usher, and an avid photographer of events and activities at the church. And, he helped the church embrace an atmosphere of welcome and radical hospitality. Dr. White was certainly known as a 'pillar of the church' and was well-loved for all his efforts", remembered Catherine Petit, long-time member and friend of the Dr. White.[7] Dr. White was well-established in the church, and he "attempted to start a mens group there similar to the Knights of Columbus. "He called it 'Men of St. Andrews', but I don't know if it still remains", said Johnson. "Along with Mr. Lonnie Jackson, he [Dr. White] started the St. James Jazz Festival, which is still enjoyed today", recalled Georgetta Bryant, a long-time member of St. James.[8] Dr. White was a man of great vision, and shared his vision with others with a hand-up for anyone in need. On August 16, 1962, Dr. Sidney White married Helen Marie Fields who appreciated and shared his vision. They were married for 39-years. Helen Fields White: Educator, socialite, fashionista, housewife, godmother, sorority sister – these are just a few descriptors Helen Fields White held in her lifetime. Helen was a rare bird from Austin, Texas. The youngest of four children, at the age of 14 on her mother’s death, she raised her niece, while her father worked, and the other children reared their own families. A.5 - 9 She graduated with high honors from high school, and went on to attend and graduated from then-Sam Huston College (now Huston-Tillotson University), where she was a model student, and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts in 1952, she moved to California and proudly landed a job with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Detective unit utilizing her inquisitive nature. She soon moved back to Texas to care for her father, and shortly after his death she began teaching elementary school during the desegregation era. Helen, being the best of the best, was one of the first and few African American teachers selected to teach at Highland Park Elementary, a white rudimentary institution. She later was offered and accepted a teaching position at Simms Elementary. Helen was a renaissance woman of her time – astute at business and very independent – she purchased a new car and a new home all before 30 – AND on her own. This was notable feat for a Black woman before the 1960’s! "She went to a dealership and wanted a Ford T-bird, and the dealer told her she 'dare not attempt to purchase a car because she was not married. She promptly left and went to Leif-Johnson Ford and purchased a Ford Falcon, then smartly drove by the first dealership to let them know she, an unmarried African American woman DID, in fact, purchase a car in her own name and on her own", recited her godson, Lamont Alexander.[5] Helen was from a family of means. Her grandfather purchased a block of homes in Austin's East side and divided it amongst his children. One of those children, Helen's father, a railroad worker and chauffeur for the famous Nelson-Davis family (owners of a well-known local grocer chain at the time), spoiled his children, so Helen was used to nice things. "She and her family came out to our house [the Alexander Homestead - one of the first African-American families to settle in Austin] for fresh corn and watermelon dressed in their Sunday best - they were always fancily dressed! Every time they'd come to the farm she had on a different dress. I only had two dresses! And, her father was driving in a big car. I remember at one time they had a Packard," recalls Helen's third cousin, Anita (Alexander) Swain.[6] Helen was known to be a fashionista. Along with the spacious and immaculately decorated 'home on the hill' and Dr. White continued to lavish her with the finer thing in life - expensive clothes and furs, and sparkly jewels, including a three- carat diamond ring! Accompanied with her stunning looks, insightful fashion sense and shrewd business acumen, suitors were not difficult to come by, but the only one that caught her eye was Dr. Sidney White, Jr. She was proud to boast the title “doctor’s wife”, and was all to happy to embrace his vision of helping others and uplifting those in the Black community. She was all too happy to set the table for invited guests A.5 - 10 But they also enjoyed life, catering indulgent parties, elegant dinners and hosting membership inductions and events for their respective fraternity and sorority members. The Whites were one of the premiere African American “it” couples of the time. Homebuying: Procuring a home was not easy in the 1960’s for African Americans, and that was no different for the Dr. and Mrs. White – AND particularly in such a neighborhood as Northwest Hills. They had the means to purchase nearly any house in the Austin area, and initially chose a lot on Graystone in the Northwest Hills subdivision, but due to segregation and deed restrictions of the time, the builder said the only way he would build for them was if they “asked” residents in the area if it was okay if they built their home there and received written approval from those neighbors. Although, Dr. White was known to be a very composed man, this request made his blood boil. Helen was already incensed. There was no way the Whites would seek approval from neighbors for a house or property that they were purchasing. The Whites also received quite a pushback about their home purchase in the white-area of town. "Folks in the African American community called them traitors and threatened not to do business with them. Sometimes it seems that white folks were more receptive to them than Blacks", remembers Mason. Not a non-monolithic people, Johnson reminisces, "It was cool to see them doing well and in that home - people loved seeing them there! And they were so gracious - they shared what they had - always having dinners and parties and inviting people over. Sidney was an avid golfer. We played at Hancock Golf Course nearly every Saturday for years, sometimes even running into Rick Perry (governor). And, when we didn't eat breakfast at Julio's Mexican Restaurant, Helen would make breakfast or lunch for us after golfing. Helen chose a decor that had somewhat a Spanish and African influence and she kept everything so organized. She was meticulous. I was a smoker then and I'd flick a few ashes into one of the ashtrays, chat a bit with Sidney and by the time I turned around, she had cleaned the ashtray and placed it back for my next round of ashes. She was proud of her home and kept it immaculate."! Regardless of what was said, good or not, the Whites always lent a hand where they could and constantly strived for upward mobility and continued to fight for integration issues for the betterment of the African American community. Informational Interview Credit List: [1] Dr. Norman Mason, personal communications, August 5, 2021 [2] Dr. Oliver Wayne McElveen, personal communications, August 5, 2021 [3] Pamela Crenshaw, personal communications, August 29, 2021 A.5 - 11 [4] James "Jim" Johnson, personal communications, August 27, 2021 [5] Lamont A. Alexander, personal communications, August 2, 2021 [6] Anita (Alexander) Swain, personal communications, August 7, 2021 [7] Catherine Petit, personal communications, August 31, 2021 [8] Georgetta Bryant, personal communications, August 28, 2021 Information texted from Gail Wormley, August 29, 2021 Article on the struggle to elect Dr. Sidney White, Jr. to the Austin District Dental Society Jet magazine, June 3, 1965 A.5 - 12 News story on the election of Dr. Sidney White, Jr. to the Austin District Dental Society. The article notes that Dr. White was the only African-American dentist practicing in the city at that time and was the first to be admitted to the society. Austin Statesman, April 14, 1965 Ad for Dr. Sidney White, Jr.’s dentistry practice Austin Statesman, September 23, 1968 A.5 - 13 Advertisement for Dr. White’s dentistry office Austin American-Statesman, August 5, 1979 A.5 - 14 A.5 - 15 A.5 - 16 A.5 - 17 A.5 - 18 WHITE, Helen Marie Helen Marie Fields White passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, July 12, 2015, at the age of 83. Funeral Services and entombment will be held on Friday, July 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption Chapel Mausoleum, 3650 S IH-35, Austin, TX 78704. Born the youngest of four children to James "Jim" and Metra Walker Fields on February 26, 1932 in Austin, TX, Helen grew into a lovely young lady and very cerebral - having graduated with honors from Old Anderson High School. She went on to attend then-Sam Huston College, now Huston-Tillotson University, where she was a model student in the area of elementary education studies. While at Tillotson, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, eventually receiving a coveted 50+ status with the organization. After graduating, she spent a short stint in California, then later moved back to Texas where she met the man of her dreams, Dr. Sidney White, Jr. the first African American dentist in the city. They were married on August 16, 1962. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 40 years, Dr. Sidney White, Jr., her parents, and siblings: Roline Fields Foster, James Fields, Jr., A.5 - 19 and Metra Fields Galloway. Helen leaves to rejoice in her memory, her loving and devoted godson, Lamont A. Alexander (Alta) and a host of family and friends. Floral remembrances may be sent to Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home, 607 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752. Monetary contributions may be sent directly via check or money order to Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702 with a notation 'Ms. White' to benefit the advancement of student education in honor of Mrs. Helen Marie Fields White's love of learning. Published by Austin American-Statesman from Jul. 15 to Jul. 16, 2015. A.5 - 20 A.5 - 21 A.5 - 22 A.5 - 23 Community Value: This house possesses community value in its unique location and what it stands for – racial integration of an upper middle class residential area of Austin, Texas. This house was built for a Black couple in the late 1960s at a time when redlining and other provisions to keep Black families out of previously all-white neighborhoods was still very prevalent in Austin, and therefore qualifies as an important historic site to tell the story of the end of residential segregation in the city. The identification of this house as a center for the movement to recruit Black professionals to the city conveys the importance of this house to the community. It was a headquarters and social center for the Black community, and defied social norms with its unique location in Northwest Hills. A.5 - 24 PARCEL NO.: 0246020810 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 7 BLK D WESTOVER HILLS SEC 1 ESTIMATED ANNUAL TAX ABATEMENT: $4,064 (income-producing, no cap); city portion: $377. APPRAISED VALUE: $726,444 PRESENT USE: Single family residence. CONDITION: Excellent PRESENT OWNERS: MRR Investments, LLC (Lamont and Alta Alexander) 3804 Panther Hall Leander, Texas 78641 DATE BUILT: ca. 1968 ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS: Door and windows replaced. ORIGINAL OWNER(S): Dr. Sidney, Jr. and Helen White (1968) OTHER HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS: None. A.5 - 25 Google Streetview photo (2014) Photo taken by applicant (2021) The arches have been painted to blend in with the house. LOCATION MAP A.5 - 26 A.5 - 27 Building permit to Walter Carrington, builder, for the construction of this house (1968)