29.5 - Preservation Austin - Fannie Davis Gazebo — original pdf

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July 2, 2024 RE: Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo Dear Chair Heimsath, Vice Chair Featherston, and Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write today in support of designating the Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo as a City of Austin Historic Landmark for its historic associations with women in construction, its Mid-Century Modern architectural style, and its community value as a significant site in the beautification of Lady Bird Lake. Built in 1969-70, the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) spearheaded the efforts to raise funds for what was originally known as the Town Lake Gazebo. The organization commissioned architect J. Sterry Nill to design the gazebo in a striking Mid-Century Modern style, featuring a dramatic geometric roofline with folded plate ridges and valleys. The gazebo was one of the first structures built to beautify the south shore of Town Lake (now Lady Bird Lake), and its design reflects the spirit of its age and its role as a community space. The gazebo was later named in honor of Fannie Davis, a charter member of the Austin Chapter of NAWIC. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. In alignment with our Underrepresented Heritage Advocacy Priority, we commend the Historic Landmark Commission for taking the initiative to honor this significant site of women’s heritage. We wholeheartedly support the designation of the Fannie Davis Town Lake Gazebo as a City of Austin Landmark. Thank you for your consideration and your service to our city. Sincerely, Melissa Barry, President