D.2.0 - 301 W 6th St — original pdf
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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS FEBRUARY 28, 2022 DA-2022-007262; GF-2022-017035 301 WEST 6TH STREET D.2 – 1 PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE Demolish a ca. 1919 commercial building. RESEARCH The building at 301 W. 6th Street is a single-story brick warehouse with rhythmic fenestration, a corner entrance, and Art Deco cornice detailing. The The building at 301 West 6th Street was constructed around 1919, though the lot appears to have been in use as commercial and dwelling space since at least the 1890s, per Sanborn fire insurance maps and occupancy histories. Onorato Del Curto sold the corner lot at 6th and Lavaca to the San Antonio-based Riegler Ice Cream Company in 1919. It became a manufacturing and sales center, with plate-glass windows to display the state-of-the-art facility and enameled interior1 to pedestrian traffic. By the 1920s, the Austin Ice Cream Company had purchased the building as their Austin headquarters, manufacturing Violet Crown Ice Cream products. In 1926, a group of Temple investors with the Bell Ice Cream Company had purchased the company, though the building kept the Violet Crown name. By 1931, the expanding Bell Company planned to construct a new factory at 10th Street and Guadalupe,2 and the Roy Rather Refrigeration Company purchased 301 W. 6th Street. During the 1930s, after a brief stint at 201 W. 6th Street, Morris and Curtis Mosteller moved their seed business into the former factory.3 During the late 1930s and early 1940s, their advertising focused on the wartime Victory Garden effort, and Morris Mosteller dispensed regular planting advice as part of his role as garden committee chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.4 Throughout the historic period, the secondary building sharing a party wall with 301 W. 6th Street—known through the years as 502, 504, and 506 Lavaca Street—served a variety of business and industrial occupants, most notably the Lindsey Auto Electric Company. Lindsey Auto Electric remained at the Lavaca Street address for at least twenty years. PROPERTY EVALUATION Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate to high integrity. Non-historic awnings have been removed. Brick painting may have occurred in the historic period. Though the windows have been replaced, they do not appear to have altered original openings. 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: "Bell Ice Cream "ICE CREAM FIRM WILL ERECT NEW BUILDING HERE." The Statesman 1 https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/ice-cream-firm-will-erect-new-building- here/docview/1643613231/se-2?accountid=7451. 2 (1914-1973), Feb https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/bell-ice-cream-lets-contract- building/docview/1611317519/se-2?accountid=7451. 3 Austin AND https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/owned-managed/docview/1610325223/se- 2?accountid=7451. for Building." The Austin American Ice Lets Contract MANAGED." The (1921-1973), Dec "OWNED Statesman (1916-1921), Mar 09, 1919. 1931. 1938. 06, 08, 4 "Workers in Over 5,000 Victory Gardens in Austin Toil in Hot Sun these Days." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Apr 20, 1944. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/workers-over-5-000-victory-gardens-austin- toil/docview/1609891712/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 2 a. Architecture. The building is a good example of early twentieth century industrial architecture, with Art Deco detailing. It is associated with the earliest period of modern refrigeration in Austin, and it appears to be the only intact, purpose-built structure remaining of this type and era within the downtown warehouse district. b. Historical association. The property is associated with the Riegler Ice Cream Company, Austin Ice Cream Company, Violet Crown Ice Cream, and Capital Seed Company. These businesses represent an era of technological advancement in building construction and food production, as well as a vital resource for Victory Gardeners during the second World War. 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 Initiate historic zoning. Should the Commission decide against initiation, encourage adaptive reuse, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP D.2 – 3 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos D.2 – 4 Google Street View, 2021 Source: Applicant, 2022 Occupancy History City Directory Research, January 2022 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 506 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric parts and repairs D.2 – 5 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 506 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 506 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 506 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 506 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Clinic 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 504 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: Vacant 504 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 504 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: Capitol Seed House 504 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1937 1935 1932 1929 1927 1924 1920 1916 1914 1910 1906 301 W 6th St: Paul Williams, accountant, Austin Federation of Musicians; Tax Assessors & Collectors Association 504 Lavaca St.: Lindsay Auto Electric 301 W 6th St.: US Department of Labor National Reemployment Office 301 W 6th St.: Rather Co. refrigeration 502-504 Lavaca St.: Robert E. Whiting battery and electrical supply 301 W 6th St.: Bell Ice Cream Co. of Austin 502-504 Lavaca St.: Robert E. Whiting battery and electrical supply 301 W 6th St.: Frank Bros (men’s furnishings) 502 Lavaca St.: Johnson Rubber Co. 301 W 6th St.: Austin Ice Cream Co. 502 Lavaca St: Johnson Rubber Co. and Firestone Service Station 301 W 6th St.: Riegler Ice Cream Co. 301 ½ W. 6th St.: Onnorato Del Curto, owner 502 Lavaca St.: J.O. Buass & Sons (sheet metal works) 301 W 6th St.: Vacant 301 ½ - Onorato Del Curto, owner 502 Lavaca St.: J. O. Buass & Sons (roofers) 301 W 6thSt.: Frank Raggio Grocery 301 ½ W 6th St.: Onorato Del Curto, owner 502 Lavaca St.: Samuel L. McCulloch, President-treasurer McCulloch Livestock Co., also notary; Minot B. McCulloch, McCulloch Livestock Co. 301 W 6th St: Andrew Raggio (grocer); Onorato Del Curto, owner 502 Lavaca St.: Anders G. and Eric G. Malmberg, Shoemakers 301 W 6thSt.: Andrew Roggio, general merchandise 502 Lavaca St.: Alice Prince, Ellen Miley Permits D.2 – 6 Water service permit, 1927 Building permit, 1968 Building permit, 1980 Historical information Sanborn map, 1935 and 1900 D.2 – 7 "ICE CREAM FIRM WILL ERECT NEW BUILDING HERE." The Statesman (1916-1921), Mar 09, 1919. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/ice-cream-firm-will-erect-new-building- here/docview/1643613231/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 8 Ainsworth, J. S. "PROPOSED HOTEL, OTHER ENTERPISES, BOOST AUSTIN." The Statesman (1916-1921), Apr 20, 1919. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/proposed-hotel-other-enterpises-boost- austin/docview/1643806415/se-2?accountid=7451. "Reception Tomorrow." The Statesman (1916-1921), Aug 13, 1919. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/reception- tomorrow/docview/1617137498/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 9 "Display Ad 9 -- no Title." The Statesman (1916-1921), Aug 13, 1919. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-9-no- title/docview/1617137810/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 10 "MRS. O. DEL CURTO." The Statesman (1916-1921), Sep 16, 1920. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/mrs-o-del-curto/docview/1617014370/se- 2?accountid=7451. "The Dead." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Dec 01, 1925. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/dead/docview/1616721925/se- 2?accountid=7451. "Display Ad 9 -- no Title." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Jul 15, 1922. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-9-no- title/docview/1616864497/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 11 "Austin Ice Cream Company Sold to Temple Business Men." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Nov 01, 1926. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/austin-ice-cream-company-sold-temple- business-men/docview/1616675405/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 12 "Display Ad 68 -- no Title." The Austin American (1914-1973), Nov 14, 1926. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-68-no- title/docview/1616979271/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 13 "New Company Takes Over Violet Crown Ice Cream Co." The Austin American (1914-1973), Nov 14, 1926. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/new-company-takes-over-violet-crown- ice-cream-co/docview/1616978930/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 14 "BELL EXPANDS AUSTIN PLANT: VIOLET CROWN ICE CREAM IS LOCAL PRODUCT." The Austin American (1914-1973), Aug 14, 1927. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/bell-expands-austin- plant/docview/1643720466/se-2?accountid=7451. "Bell Ice Cream Ice Lets Contract for Building." The Austin American (1914-1973), Feb 08, 1931. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/bell-ice-cream-lets-contract- building/docview/1611317519/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 15 "Display Ad 2 -- no Title." The Austin American (1914-1973), Jun 19, 1932. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-2-no- title/docview/1611718642/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 16 "Mosteller Brothers Open Capitol Seed House." The Austin American (1914-1973), Oct 08, 1933. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/mosteller-brothers-open-capitol-seed- house/docview/1638169143/se-2?accountid=7451. "Display Ad 21 -- no Title." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Sep 22, 1932. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-21-no- title/docview/1610432743/se-2?accountid=7451 and "Display Ad 53 -- no Title." The Austin American (1914-1973), Jun 27, 1937. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-53-no- title/docview/1611465792/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 17 "OWNED AND MANAGED." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Dec 06, 1938. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/owned- managed/docview/1610325223/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 18 "Officials of Capital Seed House." The Austin American (1914-1973), Mar 26, 1939. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/officials-capital-seed- house/docview/1635575005/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 19 "Tuneup of Car Motor Advised by Lindsay." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Nov 23, 1940. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/tuneup-car-motor-advised- lindsay/docview/1610215248/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 20 "Display Ad 27 -- no Title." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Oct 13, 1943. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-27-no- title/docview/1609993983/se-2?accountid=7451. "Display Ad 23 -- no Title." The Austin American (1914-1973), Nov 22, 1953. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-23-no- title/docview/1609913721/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 21 "Workers in Over 5,000 Victory Gardens in Austin Toil in Hot Sun these Days." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Apr 20, 1944. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/workers-over-5- 000-victory-gardens-austin-toil/docview/1609891712/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 22 "Greater Need for Gardens Emphasized." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Mar 20, 1945. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/greater-need-gardens- emphasized/docview/1609831763/se-2?accountid=7451. D.2 – 23 "Display Ad 63 -- no Title." The Austin Statesman (1921-1973), Aug 30, 1968. https://atxlibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/display-ad-63-no- title/docview/1515751995/se-2?accountid=7451.