9.0 - 1409 Alta Vista Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS MAY 1, 2024 HR-2023-043027 TRAVIS HEIGHTS-FAIRVIEW PARK NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 1409 ALTA VISTA AVENUE 10 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1926 house. ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH One-story Craftsman with horizontal wood siding, screened wood windows, decorative shutters, a hooded entryway with decorative brackets, and a clipped-gable roof. The house at 1409 Alta Vista Avenue was built around 1926. Until 1947, its occupants were mostly short-term owners and renters, including an engineer, a state highway inspector, an office manager, and a mechanic. The home was then purchased by Frank and Lura Connolly. Frank Connolly was the editor, owner, and publisher of the Texas Tax Journal, while Lura worked both at the journal and as a Red Cross nurse. The Connollys sold the home in the late 1950s to Anna and William Duncum. William Duncum worked as a public school teacher. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district. 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 not meet two criteria: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of modest Craftsman architecture in Travis Heights. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations. 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 does not appear to be a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Strongly encourage adaptive reuse and rehabilitation, then relocation over demolition, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. The Historic Landmark Commission must review plans for new construction in National Register Historic Districts before the permit is released. LOCATION MAP 10 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 10 – 3 10 – 4 Application, 2023 1952 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co., Littlefield Bldg. Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2023 1959 William C. & Anna F. Duncum, owner – Public School Teacher 1957 William C. & Anna F. Duncum, owner – Public School Teacher 1955 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co. 1954 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co. 1953 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co. 1949 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co. 1947 Frank R. & Lura J. Connolly – Texas Tax Journal Publication Co. 1944 Stephen C. & Virginia Sloan 1942 Benjamin & Blanche Teter – Auto Mechanic 1941 Marvin W. & Madelaine R. Sykes – Office Manager at Gaston’s 1940 Marvin W. & Madelaine R. Sykes – Office Manager at Gaston’s 1939 Marvin W. & Madelaine R. Sykes – Office Manager at Gaston’s 1937 Hal A. & Evelyn Lindsay 1935 Aldine M. & Mattie Vaughan 1932 Robert D. & Reba White 1930 John W. & Lady Clare Summerville – Civil Engineer 1929 G. A. Good 1924 Address not listed. Historical information 1927 Welmer B. & Helen Smith, owner – Inspector for State Highway Department 10 – 5 View of Main Office. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973);. 19 Apr 1938: A5. Display Ad 30 -- No Title. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 11 Nov 1942: A2. THEY WERE NEEDED. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 05 Mar 1953: A15. 10 – 6 Tax Bite Increases 50% in Ten Years The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); 04 Mar 1967: 6. DEATHS and FUNERALS. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex. [Austin, Tex]. 12 Nov 1967: A4. Deaths and Services. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex. [Austin, Tex]. 12 July 1971: 26. Permits Siding permit – 1979 Water service permit - 1925