D.5.0 - 3621 Windsor Rd — original pdf

Backup

HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JANUARY 24, 2022 PR-2021-191341/GF-2021-205527 3621 WINDSOR ROAD D.5 – 1 Demolish a ca. 1949 house and garage apartment. PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story, cross-gabled brick residence with basement, central copper-roofed bay window, partial-width covered porch, and mulled and single multi-light wood windows. A two-story garage apartment clad in brick and board-and-batten siding is behind the primary building. The house at 3621 Windsor Road was designed by C. H. Page and Son and constructed in 1949 for Alma Langham Thomas, along with a rear accessory dwelling unit, originally servants’ quarters. Thomas, a former rancher, school principal, and oilwoman, was a prominent philanthropist and civic contributor during her tenure in the home. Born a rancher’s daughter and married to rancher E. R. Thomas, who died in the 1920s, Thomas spent her early life in Oklahoma and West Texas. Upon moving to Austin to attend the University of Texas at age 38—along with her two sons—she completed a Master’s degree and returned to Midland to work as a school principal. Thomas moved back to Austin in 1948 after oil was discovered on her family’s ranchland. She traveled extensively for the rest of her life, donating art objects from her travels to university collections throughout the state. Thomas was the first woman appointed to Southwestern University’s executive board of trustees. She was honored for her philanthropic contributions to arts education with a theater building bearing her name in 1956. In Austin, she was a leading patron of the fine arts, serving on the boards of the Austin Arts Council, Austin Woman’s Club, Texas Fine Arts Association, and Austin Symphony. 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, designed by C. H. Page and Son, displays early Ranch- and Revival-style influences. b. Historical association. The property appears to have significant historical associations with philanthropist Alma c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human Thomas. 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 initiation of historic zoning based on the home’s association with Alma Thomas. Should the Commission decide against historic zoning, encourage adaptive reuse and rehabilitation or relocation, then release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP D.5 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos D.5 – 3 D.5 – 4 D.5 – 5 Occupancy History City Directory Research, December 2021 1959 Alma Thomas, owner (widow of E.R.) Demolition permit application, 2021 1957 Alma Thomas, owner 1955 Alma Thomas, owner 1952 Alma Thomas, owner 1949 Address not listed Biographical Information The Austin American (1914-1973); May 23, 1948 D.5 – 6 The Austin American (1914-1973); May 11, 1952 D.5 – 7 The Austin American (1914-1973); May 3, 1953 The Austin American (1914-1973); Nov 15, 1953 D.5 – 8 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Dec 23, 1954 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Apr 14, 1956 D.5 – 9 D.5 – 10 D.5 – 11 The Austin American (1914-1973); Dec 29, 1957 D.5 – 12 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Jun 9, 1958 and The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Feb 18, 1965 D.5 – 13 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); May 4 and 7, 1971 D.5 – 14 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); May 23, 1971 D.5 – 15 The Austin American Statesman (1973-1980); May 4, 1977 Permits Water Service Permit, 1948 Sewer Service Permit, 1949 D.5 – 16 Water Service Permit, 1949 Water Service Permit, 1951 Building Permit, 1948 D.5 – 17 Building Permit, 1948