D.1.0 - 2002 Scenic Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JUNE 1, 2022 PR- 2002-032448 2002 SCENIC DR. D.1 – 1 PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE Total demolition of ca. 1923 residence and accessory structures. The primary building at 2002 Scenic Drive, known historically as River Street or River Avenue, is a two-story Spanish eclectic residence with Modern and eclectic additions constructed during the historic period. It is clad in stucco and masonry and capped with a compound-hipped roof with deep eaves. Fenestration includes multi-light wood casement windows irregularly placed throughout. A cylindrical turret with a crenellated parapet and arched windows flanks an open masonry porch that leads to an expansive designed landscape. The secondary building is an eclectic Gothic Revival cottage. It is two stories in height with an arched palisade, cedar-shake roof, and masonry cladding. A two-story turret with faux chequerwork trim dominates the principal elevation. Each round arch includes a limestone keystone carved by famed local stoneworker Peter Mansbendel. A renovation was designed circa 1946-47 for C.H. and Mildred Slator by prominent Austin architects Fehr & Granger. Officially established in 1946, Fehr & Granger was one of the first and possibly most influential mid-century modern architectural firms in Austin. The firm flourished and includes an extensive body of work consisting of both residential and commercial projects. They received multiple awards for their work in the magazine Progressive Architecture. Their Robert Mueller Airport received a Design Award in 1959 and another in 1961. RESEARCH The house at 2002 Scenic Drive, called River Street or River Avenue before 1940, was constructed around 1923 by Raymond Maurice Delisle. Delisle, the son of a Houston architect, built 16 other houses in the River Street area while also working as an optician in Austin. He owned and operated the Austin Optical Company from the early 1920s until his retirement around 1940. He was one of the 1927 incorporators of the Urnite Manufacturing Company. Urnite, a synthetic stone material, appears to have been used in several landscape features around the property. Later occupants include William Foster and then Mr. and Mrs. K.D. Shoudy. After the Shoudys lost a young son while living at the property in 1945, they sold the house to C.H. and Mildred Slator. It stayed in the Slator family until 2021, according to TCAD records. C.H. Slator, son of a prominent Llano rancher, was a local attorney and co-owner of the Tavern (ca. 1953). 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 does meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The primary building is a good example of Spanish eclectic architecture with Modern-style Fehr and Granger influences. The accessory structure is a unique example of eclectic, mid-century, and Gothic Revival architecture; it features unique Mansbendel keystones throughout. It appears to convey architectural significance as a one-of-a-kind structure in Austin. b. Historical association. The property appears to have significant historical associations with builder, entrepreneur, and optician Raymond Delisle; and C.H. Slator, the co-owner of the Tavern and a prominent local attorney in Austin. 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 appear to 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 appears to have a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. Landscape features, including arched bridge and bench, appear to incorporate Delisle’s Urnite material. D.1 – 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION Initiate historic zoning. Should the Commission decide against initiation over owner objection, require completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package prior to permit release. Should the Commission decide against initiation, approve the application upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP D.1 – 3 PHOTOS PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos D.1 – 4 Northwest view of primary residence Northwest view of accessory building North-facing view of accessory building D.1 – 5 West-facing view of accessory building North-facing view of accessory building (middle window) West elevation of accessory building D.1 – 6 West elevation of accessory building North elevation of primary residence Primary residence West elevation turret (primary residence) D.1 – 7 West elevation (primary residence) Landscape (Southside of property) D.1 – 8 Landscape (Southside of property) Landscape (Southside of property) D.1 – 9 Landscape (Southside of property) Pool (Southside of property) D.1 – 10 Bridge (Southside of property) Bench (South of primary residence) Historic Preservation Office, 2022 Occupancy History City Directory Research, March 2022 C. H. and Mildred E. Slator, owners Lawyer 1211 Perry-Brooks building C. H. and Mildred E. Slator, owners Lawyer 1211 Perry-Brooks building C. H. and Mildred E. Slator, owners Lawyer 1211 Perry-Brooks building C. H. and Mildred E. Slator, owners Lawyer 1211 Perry-Brooks building C. H. and Mildred E. Slator, owners Lawyer 709 Littlefield building 1947 Address not listed 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 Aerials D.1 – 11 1940 Aerial 1977 Aerial D.1 – 12 Permits 1977 Aerial Water service permit, 1951 D.1 – 13 Building permit, 1949 Fehr & Granger Stamp D.1 – 14 Fehr & Granger remodel plans, date. D.1 – 15 Fehr & Granger remodel plans. D.1 – 16 Fehr & Granger remodel plans. D.1 – 17 D.1 – 18 D.1 – 19 D.1 – 20 Timeline of Raymond Delisle family D.1 – 21 D.1 – 22 D.1 – 23 D.1 – 24  D.1 – 25