16.ii - 2307 Windsor Rd #2 - public comment — original pdf

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From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan Candace Volz Fahnestock, Sam RE: 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:50:30 PM Good afternoon, Thank you so much for reaching out. Sam, please post Ms. Volz’s letter below as backup with the other letters. I did want to mention: the applicant did reach out to our former HLC liaison, who is no longer with the HPO. The staff member unfortunately did not distinguish between 2307 and 2307 #2 and told the applicant that the building was noncontributing (as 2307 is noncontributing). Had I known about this mistake, I would have worked quickly to correct it, but I was not aware of the exchange until I referred the project to the Historic Landmark Commission. Our department director allowed the case to be heard at HLC despite the staff error, and hopefully we will have some good discussion there tomorrow. Thanks again for your continued support of our historic properties, Best, Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Candace Volz < Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:28 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 > External Email - Exercise Caution Kalan- I am opposed to the demolition of 2307 Windsor Rd #2, a wonderful modernist house designed by prominent Austin architect Arthur Fehr and constructed in 1950 for Judge Trueman O'Quinn. This is a contributing property in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. It has had only one owner family and is in near original condition. Yes it needs updating, which would not be not difficult, and it will continue to be an asset to our NRD and to Austin. The last thing any of us needs is another oversized, characterless new house in this historic old neighborhood. The developer who proposes to tear this contributing house down says that he was aware of the OWANRD, but could not find any information online. As one of the creators of this NRD twenty years ago (it is still the largest in Texas), I know very well that the NR nomination is readily available online in multiple locations. The developer could have also contacted the City Preservation Office or the TX Historical Commission if he could not find it online. I believe he views ignorance as bliss in this matter. But his bliss will be Old Enfield, OWANRHD and Austin's loss. And no, preparing drawings before it is torn down is not an adequate replacement for the actual mid-century, architect-designed house itself. A drawing cannot give someone the same experience as actually being in the house and looking out at that incredible view thru the windows Arthur Fehr designed to be used for just that. Please don't let another one get away. Thank you for doing the right thing by Austin's history. Candace Volz Candace Volz, ASID Volz & Associates, Inc. • 1406 Preston Ave.. • Austin, TX 78703 • www.volzassociates.com • Off. 512-476-0433 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."