17.0 - 2512 Wooldridge Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS NOVEMBER 2, 2022 HR-2022-152876 OLD WEST AUSTIN 2512 WOOLDRIDGE DRIVE 17 – 1 PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Demolish a ca. 1937 contributing house and detached garage and construct a new residence. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Construct a two-story masonry house with attached carport. The proposed house’s fenestration includes divided-light windows and arched doorways. A one-story mass, connected via carport, extends diagonally from the house’s main two- story form. Two-story asymmetrical Tudor Revival house clad in stucco with faux half-timbering at gable ends and covered entryway. The house at 2512 Wooldridge Drive was constructed for Annie Beasley in 1937. Early residents included a rancher and his family and a University of Texas professor. The house’s longest-term occupants in the early and mid-twentieth century were Janice and Vernon McGee. Janice McGee, a violinist, was a charter member of the Austin Symphony and served on a screening committee for symphony hopefuls. Vernon McGee began his career as a Capitol reporter but later became the first executive director of the Texas State Employment Commission. McGee was later appointed staff director of the Texas State Legislative Budget Board, where he served until the late 1960s. He then worked as an administrative chief of staff under Governor Preston Smith. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects in National Register districts.mThe following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location The proposed building appears to be appropriately sited and set back. 2. Orientation The proposed building’s orientation is consistent with the design standards. 3. Scale, massing, and height The proposed building’s scale and height appears appropriate. While the diagonal massing of the one-story portion of the house is not in keeping with the surrounding district, it does not appear highly visible from the street. 4. Proportions The proposed building’s proportions, design, and style appear to somewhat reflect those of the surrounding district. 6. Roofs The proposed cross-gabled roof at the house’s main mass is compatible; while the flat-roofed porch and shed dormers are less so, they appear to help break up the monolithic massing at the two-story portion of the house. 7. Exterior walls The proposed masonry is mostly compatible with the surrounding district, though brick or stucco would be a more appropriate cladding choice. 8. Windows and doors Proposed fenestration appears compatible, with arched doorways reflecting the previous building’s Tudor Revival influences. 17 – 2 11. Attached garages and carports The proposed carport is set back from the front wall of the house in compliance with the standards. Its one-story massing helps to reduce the verticality of the adjacent main house. 9. Porches See 6. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Old West Austin National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate to low integrity. Windows have been replaced and a second floor was added in 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and 1983 per city permits. determined that it does not meet two criteria: conveys its significance. a. Architecture. The building may once have been a good example of Tudor Revival architecture, but no longer b. Historical association. The property is associated with Vernon and Janice McGee, 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 Release the demolition permit and comment on plans. LOCATION MAP 17 – 3 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 17 – 4 17 – 5 Demolition permit application, 2022 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2022 1959 Vernon A. and Janice J. McGee, owners Director, Legislative Budget Board 17 – 6 1955 1952 1947 1944 1941 Vernon A. and Janice J. McGee, owners Director, Legislative Budget Board Vernon A. and Janice J. McGee, owners Director, Legislative Budget Board John J. and Mozelle Thomas, owners Rancher Leo C. and Margaret Haynes, owners Professor, University of Texas Leo C. and Margaret Haynes, renters Associate professor at the University of Texas 1937 Address not listed Historical information “Vernon A. McGee Heads UP Bureau.” The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 20 Apr 1935: 6. “Austin Hears Sound of Hammer and Saw As Construction Moves Steadily Ahead.” Hill, M. The Austin American (1914- 1973); Austin, Tex. [Austin, Tex]. 11 July 1937: 9. 17 – 7 ”Special Summer Dishes Are Mrs. McGee's Forte.” PAT FOLMAR ROBINSON. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 10 Aug 1956: 6. 17 – 8 “Vernon McGee Named To United Fund Post.” The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 03 Mar 1959: 5. “Research Job Won By McGee.” Capitol Staff.  The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 12 Sep 1966: 29. 17 – 9 “Earners and Learners: Members of Symphony Come From All Walks of Life.” KAY POWERS Special Writer. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 11 Mar 1967: A24. 17 – 10 McGee Gets Post With Smith's Staff. GLEN CASTLEBURY Capitol Staff.  The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 08 Dec 1968: A1 17 – 11 Symphony charter member dies. The Austin American Statesman (1973-1980), Evening ed.; 20 Apr 1976: B2. The Austin American Statesman (1973-1980), Evening ed.; 20 Apr 1976: B2. Permits Water service permit, 1937 17 – 12 Sanborn maps Building permit, 1937 Building permit, 1961 Sanborn map, 1962