8.2 - 404 Atlanta St - THC LTR - 12 SEPT 2022 — original pdf

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September 11, 2022 Mr. Peter Dick Architect 2804 Oak Crest Avenue Austin, Texas 78704 Via email to peterdickarchitect@gmail.com Dear Mr. Peter Dick, Re: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark project review, The Johnson Home (American Legion Travis Post 76), 404 Atlanta Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas (RTHL 6448) Thank you for sending the proposed project application for The Johnson Home (American Legion Travis Post 76), which has been designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) since 1966. This letter presents the comments of the Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The Texas Historical Commission Division of Architecture staff, led by Alex Toprac, completed their review of the project proposal along with the preliminary design plans produced by Peter Dick, Architect, dated August 31, 2022, and received on September 1, 2022. Our staff acknowledges the proposed exterior scope of work is largely limited to the construction of a compatible limestone clad masonry elevator addition at the northwest crook of the rear, north building elevation, along with all necessary appurtenances and new utilities, which will require removal of two historic 6-over-6 double hung wood sash windows and selective removal of historic masonry to extend the window openings to be adapted for the associated elevator doors. Although it appears to be the case based on the current preliminary design plans, our review staff expects the elevator addition to be structurally independent and not tied into the historic structure. Furthermore, for any application of mortar directly in contact with the historic building limestone masonry our staff expects the use of a type N mortar mix (composed of 1 part hydrated/hydraulic lime, 1 part Portland concrete, and 5-6 parts matching aggregate). Our staff recommends the installation of expansion/control joint material be used to separate the new elevation addition from the historic building to allow the greatest level of reversibility possible. Additionally, our staff encourages the owner, in coordination with their selected contractor, to salvage and appropriately store the two historic 6-over-6 double hung wood sash windows planned for removal, to allow for potential future reuse. After thorough review of the submitted project proposal, design plans, historic documentation, and photographs, the Texas Historical Commission review staff determined the proposed exterior scope of work appropriately meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Therefore, we hereby waive the remainder of the RTHL review period, and work may proceed at this time. If any substantial revisions to the submitted scope of work or design plans are made in the future, please contact our office to determine whether further review will be required before proceeding with construction. Thank you for your interest in the cultural heritage of Texas, and for the opportunity to comment on the proposed project. If you have any questions concerning our review, or if we can be of further assistance, please contact Alex Toprac at alex.toprac@thc.texas.gov or 512/463-6183. Sincerely, MW/at Alex Toprac, North Texas Regional Reviewer, Federal and State Review For: Mark Wolfe, Executive Director, Texas Historical Commission Cc: Bob Ward, Travis County Historical Commission Chair, via email