28.0 - DRAFT HLC Letter - Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo — original pdf

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Sam Fahnestock Historic Preservation Office City of Austin May 23, 2024 DRAFT Subject: Request to consider initiation of historic zoning, Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo/Women in Construction Gazebo (9037 Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail) Dear Mr. Fahnestock, We would like to include the Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo/Women in Construction Gazebo, located at 9037 Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, on the Historic Landmark Commission’s June agenda for consideration of initiation of historic zoning. The owner, the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), has been notified of this request. The gazebo was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Originally known as the Town Lake Gazebo, the Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo was the first public structure built in the effort to beautify the south shore of Town Lake (now Lady Bird Lake). The Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), established in the 1950s for women working in the construction industry, spearheaded and raised funds for the project’s completion. The structure was built from 1969-1970 and features a striking hyperbolic paraboloid roof with folded plate ridges and valleys. Architect J. Sterry Nill designed a community structure that reflected the architectural trends of the 1960s and brought an iconic piece of architecture to the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The gazebo was later named after Fannie Davis, a charter member of the Austin chapter of NAWIC. The gazebo’s Mid-Century Modern design and contributions to the beautification of Town Lake meet the City’s Architecture and Community Value criteria for local landmark designation. It is also eligible for its Historical Associations with the development of the hike and bike trail, and women in construction. Thank you for your consideration and feel free to reach out regarding any questions or concerns. Thank you, JuanRaymon Rubio, Associate AIA Historic Landmark Commissioner, District 2 708.743.8148 BC-JuanRaymon.Rubio@AustinTexas.gov Motioned By: Commissioner Rubio BC-Kevin.Koch@AustinTexas.gov Seconded By: Commissioner Koch Kevin Koch, AIA Historic Landmark Commissioner, District 3