Historic Landmark CommissionJune 5, 2024

18.0 - 501 Texas Ave — original pdf

Backup
Thumbnail of the first page of the PDF
Page 1 of 6 pages

22 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JUNE 5, 2024 PR-2024-037714; GF-2024-043948 501 TEXAS AVENUE PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Partially demolish, remodel, and construct an addition to a ca. 1922 duplex. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Remodel and construct a two-story addition and front-facing garage to the existing duplex. The proposed project also includes window and siding replacement. Duplex with Craftsman details at first and second floors, including exposed rafter tails, triangular brackets at gable ends, and decorative gable vents. It has 1:1 wood windows and horizontal wood siding. The house at 501 Texas Avenue, addressed originally as 501 E. 37th Street, was constructed around 1922. L. P. Rankin and his family were its first occupants. Rankin worked as a traveling representative of the Southwest Drug Corporation. After his death in 1938. Mrs. Leslie Rankin took ownership of the house and attended night school. Leslie Rankin and her two daughters all attended the University of Texas; Rankin later joined the Federated Business and Professional Women’s Club with her daughter Mary Helen. She rented out half of the duplex throughout her tenure in the home, until at least 1952. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2020 North Central Austin survey lists the property as a medium priority. 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 for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of a Craftsman-style duplex. 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 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 permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 22 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 22 – 3 Remodel application, 2024 22 – 4 1959 1955 1952 1949 1944 1941 1939 1935 1929 1924 Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2024 Edgar C. McDonald, owner Edgar C. McDonald, owner Vacant Mrs. Leslie Rankin, owner Mrs. Lee Nowlin, renter Rear: Mrs. Leslie Rankin, owner Mrs. Loovis P. Rankin, owner (widow of Loovis) Mrs. Leslie Rankin, owner (widow of Lovis) Mary Rankin, renter – teacher, public school Mrs. Leslie Rankin, owner Helen Rankin, renter Jean F. Rankin, renter—stenographer L. P. Rankin, owner Loovis P. Mary Rankin, owners – salesman Address listed as 501 E. 37th Street Louis P. and Leslie Rankin, owners 1922 Not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 Apr 1938: 8 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 14 Jan 1938: 11. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 28 Aug 1940: 13. 22 – 5 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 Dec 1945: 9. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 26 Mar 1946: 7. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 31 Aug 1947: A8. Permits 22 – 6