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ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: TBD HLC DATE: January 24, 2022 PC DATE: APPLICANT: Historic Landmark Commission (owner-opposed) HISTORIC NAME: Charles E. Green House (El Rancho Verde) WATERSHED: Johnson Creek NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN: West Austin Neighborhood Group A.1 – 1 ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1505 Forest Trail ZONING CHANGE: MF-3-NP to MF-3-H-NP COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff finds that the house meets the criteria for landmark designation for its unique architecture, landscape features, and historical association with Charles E. Green, editor of the Austin American-Statesman for over 30 years. The commission may want to consider the character of Green’s writings in determining whether to recommend historic zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: Architecture, historical associations, and landscape feature HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The 2011 MoPac reconnaissance survey report lists the property as contributing to a potential historic district. Note that the Historic Landmark Commission previously conducted a public hearing for demolition of this property but did not reach a resolution. The case was initially heard on January 23, 2017 (see staff report). After multiple applicant-requested postponements, the case did not reappear on the September 25, 2017 agenda. CITY COUNCIL DATE: ORDINANCE READINGS: ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: CASE MANAGER: Elizabeth Brummett PHONE: 512-974-1264 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Lost and Found Pets, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Central West Austin Neighborhood Plan Contact Team, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Empowerment Foundation, Preservation Austin, SELTexas, Save Barton Creek Assn., Save Historic Muny District, Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group, TNR BCP – Travis County Natural Resources, Tarrytown Alliance, Tarrytown Neighborhood Association, West Austin Neighborhood Group BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: Architecture: The house retains a high degree of integrity and is a unique example of its style and construction materials. It is a one-story, U-plan, brick veneer house with “weeping” mortar, corners of rubble volcanic stone, and a central stone chimney. The moderately pitched hipped roof has brackets along the eaves. Windows are 1:1 wood sash with 4:4 screens and blue wood shutters on the facade. The centrally located front entrance has a chevron-patterned wood door. The interior of the house is also remarkably intact. Rustic elements include heavy timber trusses and warm wood wall paneling and flooring in the living room. A bathroom tile depicts a cowboy smoking a cigarette. While an architect is not known, the house expresses the personality of Charles E. Green, for whom it was built. Announcing A.1 – 2 a housewarming party in the Austin American, a gossip columnist relayed the house was called El Rancho Verde, a play on Green’s name. “To find Charlie’s house, just drive out west until you catch the gleam of the little blue shutters, and there you are!” Historical Associations: The house at 1505 Forest Trail was built in 1935 for Charles E. Green, principal editor of the Austin American-Statesman for over 30 years. Green also was the founder of the Headliners Club, a long-time supporter and friend of Lyndon Johnson, and involved in multiple civic affairs. While his primary role at the American-Statesman was as editor, he also wrote a daily local interest column and occasional news pieces. Some of his writing uses offensive stereotypes regarding African Americans and demeaning language regarding women, which the commission may want to consider; see writing samples below. Nevertheless, Green’s power and influence as the longest serving editor of the American-Statesman meets the criterion for historical associations. Green lived in this house for only a few years between 1935 and his marriage to Floy Robinson in 1941, but it is the surviving home most closely associated with his productive career. Multiple accomplishments coincide with his time in the house, including being named managing editor of the Austin American in addition to the Statesman and political appointments. Subsequently, he and his wife Floy lived at 2203 Mountain View Rd. in 1942. That house is extant, but it was not built for Green and only briefly was his home. Permits show the Greens built a house at 2705 Verde Vista in 1941. It was outside the area listed in city directories at that time and is first shown as their residence in 1947. It remained Charles Green’s home at the time of his death in 1967. The house was demolished in 2002. Landscape Feature: Stonework on the site includes landscape borders, a low stone wall at the street, a tall stone wall along the southern boundary of the property, and an outdoor fireplace. The latter two elements, in particular, resemble the rubble volcanic rockwork of the house and are presumed to be historic features. The back of the property overlooks the West Enfield Neighborhood Park and pool. PARCEL NO.: 0113040106 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 0.285 AC OF LOT 1 BLK 10 WESTFIELD A ESTIMATED ANNUAL TAX ABATEMENT: $4,623 (income-producing, no cap); city portion: $1,623. APPRAISED VALUE: $900,000 PRESENT USE: Single-family residence CONDITION: Good PRESENT OWNERS: Ihsan A. Raad 9903 Chester Cv. Austin, TX 78750 DATE BUILT: ca. 1935 ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS: None ORIGINAL OWNER(S): Charles E. Green OTHER HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS: None LOCATION MAP A.1 – 3 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos A.1 – 4 A.1 – 5 Photographs from Zillow.com, undated A.1 – 6 Application, 2021 A.1 – 7 A.1 – 8 Photographs from 2017 staff report A.1 – 9 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2021; January 2017 John A. Bartte, renter No occupation listed 1977–86 No return Richard and Edna M. Hernaund, owners No occupation listed Edna M. Lindsey, owner (widow of Robert B.) Employed by the public schools Edna M. Lindsey, owner (widow of Robert B.) No occupation listed Robert B. and Edna M. Lindsey, owners Department chief, Texas Employment Commission Robert B. Lindsay, owner Robert B. and Mae Lindsay, owners Assistant department chief, State Employment Commission Gifford E. and Sarah White, owners White Instrument Laboratories Corson L. Jr. and Jeannette Hilton, renters USA Olive Crow, owner (widow of George D.) George D. Crow, owner Teacher at the University of Texas George D. Crow Jr. Student at the University of Texas 1944 George D. and Olive Crow, owners George D. Crow Jr. USA George D. and Olive A. Crow, owners Note: Charles E. Green is listed at 2203 Mountain View Rd. Charles E. Green, renter Managing editor, Austin American-Statesman, newspaper. Note: The house is listed as 1503 Forest Trail. Charles E. Green, renter Managing editor, Austin American-Statesman, newspaper Note: The house is listed as 1503 Forest Trail. Charles E. Green, renter Managing editor, Austin American-Statesman, newspaper Note: The house is listed as 1503 Forest Trail. 1992 1973 1968 1965 1961 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1942 1941 1940 1939 1937 1935 Charles E. Green, owner Managing editor, Austin American-Statesman, newspaper Note: This house is listed as 1503 Forest Trail. The house subsequently addressed as 1503 Forest Trail is listed as 2014 Enfield Road. Also note that George D. and Olive Crow are not listed in the directory. Address not listed. Note: Charles E. Green, managing editor of the Austin American-Statesman, is listed at 57 Enfield Road. A.1 – 10 Biographical Information Charles E. Green (resident from ca. 1935–ca. 1941) Charles E. Green was born in 1901 in Mineral Wells, Texas. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, he began working as a police reporter for the Fort Worth Press (later the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). He also worked as a reporter at Odessa’s News & Times and the Laredo Times, where he became managing editor. In 1929, he started as managing editor of the Austin Statesman. Austin’s two major newspapers, the morning Austin American and evening Austin Statesman, had merged under the same ownership in 1924. They continued separate publication of morning and evening papers under their respective names, with a joint Sunday Austin American-Statesman paper. According to a history of the newspaper by Roger M. Busfield: Managing editor of the American at the time of the merger was Ray Lee. He served in that post until 1935, when he resigned, and Charles E. Green, then managing editor of the Statesman, was named editor of the two papers, a post he has held ever since. Green came to the Statesman in 1929 from the Laredo Times, then owned by March and Fentress, and one of about 10 newspapers the partnership controlled at one time or another. (History of the Austin Statesman, 1871-1956, Austin, Texas, June 27, 1956, 141) Along with this added role as managing editor of the American, Green was named managing editor of the Sunday American- Statesman edition. When Busfield wrote his account in 1956, Green was already the longest-serving editor of the Austin American-Statesman to date: “The present editor, Charles E. Green, outranks all former editors in terms of service. He has served as editor of the Statesman, and the American too, for 21 years” (151), from the point at which he became editor of both papers in 1935. At the time of his death on Christmas Day in 1967, Green counted 30 years as the principal editor of the American-Statesman. In addition to his editorial role, Green wrote a daily local interest column, “Town Talk,” beginning around 1932. The column has a casual tone and colorfully descriptive language, featuring informal anecdotes of local life. Green also wrote occasional personal interest and news pieces. Multiple “Town Talk” articles use offensive stereotypes and problematic language to refer to African Americans; other pieces of his writing are demeaning in how they characterize women, including women’s roles in the workforce. By 1940, Green had introduced another way to reach audiences: Town Talk of the Air, a 10-minute weekday radio program featuring news reports and commentary, broadcast from the newsroom. Socially, Green was a founding member of the Bachelors Club, which organized dances and other entertainment. He hosted meetings of the club in his home on Forest Trail. Green was politically well connected and active in many civic roles. Mayor Tom Miller appointed Green to multiple posts, including member of a committee to plan the sesquicentennial of the U.S. constitution, member of a committee to conduct an unemployment census in 1937, and chairman of a citizens advisory committee on aviation matters in 1940. Green also served on a board of appraisers for condemnation of land for a state highway, a traffic safety council, and a national legislative committee of the Chamber of Commerce in the 1930s. He served as a delegate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1938 and also travelled to Washington, D.C. with an Austin delegation to discuss federal-aid projects for the city in 1940. Austin was featured on the national radio talent show Major Bowes Amateur Hour in 1938, with Green and Mayor Miller among the audience members. Green also regularly gave public talks on journalism and current events. Green founded the Headliners Club in 1954 and established their journalism awards program. Annually, the Headliners Foundation of Texas, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters continue to select winners of the Charles E. Green Awards to honor Texas journalists’ reporting and commentary. Articles on 1505 Forest Trail A.1 – 11 Charles Green received a building permit for his brick veneer residence at 1505 Forest Trail. “Home Building on New Spurt Here,” Austin Statesman, May 10, 1935, 12. Excerpts from “Diantha’s Diary: Austin Social Gossip Day by Day,” Austin American, July 21, 1935, A5 and Sept. 15, 1935, A9 discuss construction of “Charlie” Green’s house, El Rancho Verde. A.1 – 12 Green was a charter member and hosted meetings of the Bachelors Club at his home. See “Arthur Duggan New Bachelor President,” Austin Statesman, Sept. 21, 1939, 10. Charles Green’s career A.1 – 13 Excerpt describing Charles Green’s early career, from Lorraine Barnes, “They’re All Good Fellows, These Typewriter Pounders: Youth, Experience Are Both Present in Papers’ Staff,” Austin American, July 19, 1936, B6. A.1 – 14 Charles Green became managing editor of the Austin American and Sunday American-Statesman, in addition to the Austin Statesman, in 1936. “Ray Lee Quits Newspaper Place to Work at U.T.: Charles Green Named Editor for Three Austin Papers,” Austin American, Sept. 13, 1936, 1. A.1 – 15 The Town Talk column also became a radio program. “Daily Radio Program Put on by Staff: Town Talk of Air Presented Many New Problems,” Austin Statesman, Sept. 26, 1940, 5. A.1 – 16 Sample masthead of the Austin Statesman listing Charles E. Green as editor, Nov. 9, 1939. Charles E. Green (at the desk) in the Austin American-Statesman offices, 1949. A.1 – 17 “Charles E. Green: Newspaperman,” Austin Statesman, Dec. 26, 1967, 42; see larger text on following page. A.1 – 18 Enlarged text from “Charles E. Green: Newspaperman.” Writing samples A.1 – 19 Green took over the daily “Town Talk” column early in his career at the Austin Statesman. The column consists of anecdotes and encounters of life in Austin. This is the first column that bears his initials. C. E. G., “Town Talk,” Austin Statesman, Dec. 16, 1932, 4. A.1 – 20 This example of Green’s writing uses harmful racial stereotypes and language. C. E. G., “Town Talk,” Austin Statesman, Apr. 30, 1934, 4. A.1 – 21 Example of Green’s writing. Charles E. Green, “They’re Packed Up and Ready to Get Out of Lowlands!” Austin Statesman, Sept. 22, 1936, 1. A.1 – 22 “Your Candid Camera Was Born in Scientist’s Nitric Acid Bottle,” Austin American, Jan. 31, 1937, A6. A.1 – 23 Green considered retiring the “Town Talk” column in 1937 but ultimately kept writing it. C. E. G., “Town Talk,” Austin Statesman, Feb. 26, 1937, 4. A.1 – 24 Example of Green’s writing that uses demeaning language regarding women in the workplace. Charles E. Green, “Hand that Rocked Cradle Now Writes Texas Bills,” Austin American, Feb. 28, 1937, A6. Civic and political engagement A.1 – 25 Green was appointed by Mayor Tom Miller to multiple posts, including member of a committee to plan the sesquicentennial of the U.S. constitution, member of a committee to conduct an unemployment census in 1937, and chairman of a citizens advisory committee on aviation matters in 1940. Left, “Both Court Plan Sides Join Constitution Observance: Miller Names His Committee,” Austin Statesman, June 18, 1937, 16. Right,“Green Heads Aviation Body: Miller Selects Advisory Board,” Austin Statesman, Dec. 12, 1940, 1. See also “17,500 Jobless Census Cards Distributed in Austin Area: Morgan Steering Unemployment Check-Up,” Austin Statesman, Nov. 16, 1937, 2. A.1 – 26 Green was active in other civic roles, serving on a board of appraisers for condemnation of land for a state highway, a traffic safety council, and a national legislative committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Left, “Condemnation Suits for Tracts of Land,” Austin Statesman, Oct. 9, 1937, 7. Middle, “Safety Council Revived by City,” Austin Statesman, Feb. 3, 1938, 1. Right, “Legislative Group’s Personnel is Named,” Austin Statesman, Feb. 9, 1938. A.1 – 27 Green served as a delegate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1938. He also travelled to Washington, D.C. with an Austin delegation to discuss federal-aid projects for the city in 1940. Left, excerpt from “C C Looks Forward to Fine Centenial [sic],” Austin Statesman, Jan. 6, 1939, 1. Right, “Morgan Back from Capital: Manager Confers with Congressmen,” Austin American, Aug. 25, 1940, 11. A.1 – 28 Austin was featured on the national radio talent show Major Bowes Amateur Hour, with Green among the audience members. Left, “City is Honored by Bowes on Air,” Austin Statesman, May 5, 1938, 17. Right, “Austin’s Big Night with Major Bowes,” Austin American, May 8, 1938, 9. A.1 – 29 Green delivered talks on news coverage of World War II. Left, “Green Tells How War Is Covered,” Austin Statesman, Sept. 18, 1939, 1, 3. Right, “Propaganda Discussed at Forum,” Austin Statesman, Feb. 4, 1941, 11. A.1 – 30 “Central Texas Welcomes Lyndon Johnson at Huge Homecoming Tonight at 8,” Austin Statesman, June 16, 1941, 1. A.1 – 31 “Party for Lyndon,” Austin Statesman, Oct. 26, 1959, 1. Personal life A.1 – 32 Green with colleagues including future wife Floy Robinson, from “Newspapermen Work Hard Too,” Austin American, June 5, 1938, C1. A.1 – 33 A.1 – 34 “Miss Floy Ross Robinson Is Bride of Charles E. Green: Quiet Ceremony Read for Austin Couple on Terrace of Home of Bride’s Parents,” Austin American, Aug. 10, 1941, A1–2. A.1 – 35 Death certificate for Charles E. Green, Ancestry.com, Texas, U.S., Death Certificates, 1903–1982. A.1 – 36 George D. and Olive Crow (residents from ca. 1941–ca. 1951) This house was later purchased by George Davis Crow and his wife Olive, who had moved to Austin from Dallas. George Davis Crow was a native of North Carolina and had been a manager of the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas for many years before he moved to Austin. He taught at the University of Texas, where his son George Crow, Jr. was a student. After he died in 1946, his widow Olive continued to live here until around 1951. His 1918 World War I draft registration card shows that George Davis Crow was living in Dallas. He was the manager of the Federal Reserve Bank, Trust Department. He was married, had brown eyes and dark hair, and was of medium height and build. The 1930 U.S. Census shows George D. and Olive Crow as the owners of a house in Dallas. George D. Crow was 52, had been born in North Carolina, and was a clerk in a bank. Olive Crow was 46, had been born in Arizona, and had no occupation listed. They had 3 children: G. Davis, Jr., 20; Emily, 16; and Lois P., 11. All had been born in Texas. The 1940 U.S. Census shows George D. and Olive Crow as the owners of a house in Dallas, Texas. George D. Crow was 66, had been born in North Carolina, and had no occupation listed. Olive Crow was 59, had been born in Arizona, and had no occupation listed. They had no children listed with them. George Davis Crow’s 1946 death certificate shows that he was living at this address at the time of his death. He was born in 1873 in Wilmington, N.C., and was a retired banker. Obituaries for George and Olive Crow, The Austin American, August 14, 1946, and The Austin Statesman, January 4, 1967 Gifford E. and Sarah White (residents in ca. 1955) A.1 – 37 Mrs. G. E. White was involved with the League of Women Voters, The Austin American, May 15, 1955 Robert B. and Edna M. Lindsey (residents from ca. 1955–ca. 1975) The house was a rental property in the mid-1950s, then purchased by Robert B. and Edna Mae Lindsey, who lived here from around 1955 to around 1970. Robert B. Lindsey worked for many years for the Texas Employment Commission, starting in Wichita Falls and moving to San Antonio before moving to Austin and this house. After Robert B. Lindsey died in 1962, Edna Mae continued to live here until around 1975, with a new husband, Richard Hernaund. The 1940 U.S. Census shows Robert B. and Mary E. Lindsey living in a rented house in San Antonio, Texas. Robert B. Lindsey was 27, had been born in Texas, and worked in the personnel department for the Texas Employment Service. Mary E. Lindsey was 26, had been born in Texas, and was a secretary. They had lived in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1935. His 1962 death certificate shows that Robert B. Lindsey was born in 1912 in Texarkana, Texas. He was living in this house at the time of his death from advanced tuberculosis. He was a state employee. His widow’s name is listed as Mae Lindsey. The Austin Statesman, April 21, 1968 A.1 – 38 Articles on the Lindsey family, The Austin Statesman, October 30, 1958 and Aug 14, 1962 Permits A.1 – 39 Sewer connection permit, 1937 Sanborn Fire Insurance map Building permit, 1953 May 1962, Vol. 3, Sheet 333