5.0 - 1205 Cotton St - ZCRS — original pdf

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ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: PR-2024-021145; GF-2024-043942 HLC DATE: May 1, 2024 (Commission postponement); June 5, 2024 (applicant postponement); July 3, 2024 (applicant postponement); August 7, 2024 (applicant postponement); September 4, 2024 (Commission initiation) PC DATE: TBD CC Date: TBD APPLICANT: Holly Arthur HISTORIC NAME: Effie Esler Yerwood House WATERSHED: Waller Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1205 Cotton Street ZONING CHANGE: SF-3-NP to SF-3-H-NP (Central East Austin NP: Subdistrict 1) COUNCIL DISTRICT: 1 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommend the proposed zoning change from family residence-neighborhood plan (SF- 3-NP) to family residence-historic landmark-neighborhood plan (SF-3-H-NP) combining district zoning. Should the Commission decide against recommendation of historic zoning to Planning Commission and Council, strongly encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then relocation over demolition, and release the demolition permit only upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: architecture, community value, and historical associations HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: May 1, 2024 – postpone the public hearing to June 5, 2024. September 4, 2024 – initiate historic zoning. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: CASE MANAGER: Kalan Contreras, 512-974-2727 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Lost and Found Pets, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Del Valle Community Coalition, East Austin Conservancy, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Homeless Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Empowerment Foundation, Neighbors United for Progress, Organization of Central East Austin Neighborhoods, Preservation Austin, Robertson Hill Neighborhood Association, SELTexas, Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The East Austin Historic Resource Survey (2016) lists the property as not eligible for individual local or national designation; however, no occupancy research was completed for the property at that time and the association with Mrs. Yerwood was not evaluated. The East Austin Historic Resource Survey notes that the building does not appear to convey architectural significance; however, it is an intact example of a modest Craftsman bungalow. BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: § 25-2-352(3)(c)(i) Architecture. The property embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. The East Austin Historic Resource Survey notes that the building does not appear to convey architectural significance; however, it is an intact example of a modest bungalow that retains the distinguishing characteristics of the Craftsman style. The one-story bungalow is clad in horizontal siding. It has 1:1 wood windows and a partial-width porch supported by tapered posts atop stucco piers, a façade typology common to Craftsman styling. It features exposed rafter tails beneath the gabled roof’s deep eaves. § 25-2-352(3)(c)(ii) Historical Associations. The property has long-standing significant associations with persons, groups, institutions, businesses, or events of historical importance that contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation or represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. The property is associated with Mrs. E.E. Yerwood, educator and founding member of the Austin Retired Teachers’ Association, treasurer of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and 51-year veteran secretary and charter member of the Lettie Madison Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. The house at 1205 Cotton Street, originally addressed as 1203 Cotton Street, was likely constructed between 1923 and 1932 according to Sanborn maps and deed records, though the property’s longest-term occupants purchased the lot several years before. Henry Peter sold the property to Edward “Eddie” T. and Effie Esler White Yerwood in December of 1912. The Yerwoods, newlyweds, were both educators: Professor E. T. Yerwood was the principal of the West Austin School and district superintendent of the Sunday School convention of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Effie E. Yerwood was a history teacher at L. C. Anderson High School. Professor Yerwood died on March 1, 1917. Between 1923 and 1935, Effie Yerwood constructed a new house in place of the original dwelling on the lot; a 1923 mechanic’s lien discharged in 1932 suggests that work was completed in the interim.1 Mrs. Effie Esler White Yerwood completed teaching coursework at Guadalupe College and Texas College in Seguin and Tyler. She attended Tillotson College and received her B.A. from Samuel Huston College shortly thereafter. Because Black teachers could not earn teaching certificates in Texas at the time2, she also studied at the University of Colorado and the University of California.3 After beginning her teaching career in 1910, Effie E. Yerwood taught at L. C. Anderson from 1917 until 1954. In a 1971 retrospective on her years of service with Anderson High with home economics dean Mattie Durden (who eventually became President of the Community Welfare Association and trustee of Huston Tillotson College4), Yerwood recounts the disparity between Black and white schools during the era of segregation: “[Anderson was] lacking a whole lot…the only equipment [Yerwood] remembers having was an old Bunsen burner, some rocks, and a tuning fork.”5 Yerwood and Durden also recalled the significant discrepancy between white teachers’ pay and their own, and how school administration explained away this injustice by stating that Black teachers had a lower cost of living than white ones. “I would tell them that just because you are a Negro doesn’t mean that you get discounts at stores,”6 Yerwood told the Austin American-Statesman. During the 1950s, as she neared retirement, Yerwood purchased the house next door and moved it onto the rear of the lot for use it as a rental unit, taking on three renters at a time during the ‘50s to supplement her income. (The rear house does not appear in aerial photographs after her death; by 1984 it was replaced with a small garage and rear addition.) In 1952, she became one of the charter members of the Austin Retired Teachers’ Association, which predated the statewide Texas Retired Teachers Association by a year.7 Throughout her life, Yerwood served with many charitable and civic organizations, including service for 51 years as secretary and founding member of the Lettie Madison Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and service as secretary of the Community Welfare Association alongside Board of Trustees president Mattie Durden. The Community Welfare Association was formed in 1927 to provide meeting space and health resources to African American organizations and opened the Howson Community Center in 1929.8 Yerwood was also an early officer of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. E. E. Yerwood remained at 1205 Cotton Street until her death in 1977. § 25-2-352(3)(c)(iv) Community Value. The property has a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, a neighborhood, or a particular group. Yerwood’s contributions to Anderson High, the AKAs, the Community Welfare Association, and the ARTA had significant impacts to the teachers of Austin, Black professional women, and public health in East Austin. PARCEL NO.: 0207080208 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 0.1720 AC OF LOT 4 BLK 6 OLT 56 DIV B ROBERTSON GEO L SUBD ESTIMATED ANNUAL TAX EXEMPTION (non-homestead, not capped): AISD $821.90 COA $852.59 TC Health $192.57 Total $2,449.72 TC $582.65 1 Travis County Deed Records: Deed Record 299 - Mechanics Liens, book, 1922-12/1923-12, pp. 468-470. 2 “Establishment of HBCUs in Texas.” Texas Historical Commission, https://thc.texas.gov/learn/historic-resources-survey/african- american-travel-guide-survey-project/establishment-hbcus; The Austin Statesman, 28 Aug 1971: 18. 3 The Austin American-Statesman, March 13, 1977: 118. 4 Brown, Olive. “Durden, Mattie Ella Holman.” Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/durden-mattie-ella-holman. 1994. 5 The Austin Statesman, 28 Aug 1971: 18. 6 Ibid. 7 https://austinretiredteachersassociation.org/about-us-2/ 8 Brown, 1994. APPRAISED VALUE: Land, $375,000; Improvement, $195,000 ; Total appraised, $570,000 PRESENT USE: Vacant residential DATE BUILT/PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1932-1974 INTEGRITY/ALTERATIONS: Porch piers have been replaced and covered with concrete, though their original shape is likely unchanged. The non-historic rear additions do not compromise the building’s ability to convey its original form, and their removal would not endanger the integrity of the main house. The house from 1203 Cotton Street moved onto the back of the lot in 1950 by Mrs. Yerwood is no longer extant. PRESENT OWNERS: GS COVENTRY LLC, 38700 Van Dyke Ave. Ste 200, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 ORIGINAL OWNER(S): Effie Esler White Yerwood OTHER HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS: None LOCATION MAP PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos Demolition permit application, 2024 Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2024 1959 Mrs. Effie E. Yerwood, owner (widow of Edward T.) 1955 Mrs. Effie E. Yerwood, owner (widow of Edward T.) a. Kincey Leondero, renter b. Thomas Roberts, renter c. S. E. Warren, renter a. Isaac Chapman, renter b. Walter West, renter c. Mack Nealy, renter Mrs. Effie E. Yerwood, owner (widow of Edward T.) - teacher Mrs. Effie E. Yerwood, owner (widow of Edward T.) – teacher, public school Mrs. Effie E. Yerwood, owner (widow of Edward T.) – teacher, public school Mary Yerwood, renter – teacher, public school Mrs. Effie E. Yerwood, owner (widow of Edward T.) – teacher, public school Mary Yerwood, renter – teacher, public school Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, public school Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, public school Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, Anderson High School Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, Anderson High School Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, Anderson High School Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, Anderson High School Effie E. Yerwood, owner – teacher, Anderson High School Edward T. Yerwood, renter – principal, West Austin High School Effie E. Yerwood, renter – teacher Willie M. Davis, renter Edward T. Yerwood, renter – principal, West Austin High School Effie E. Yerwood, renter – teacher vacant Henry Peter, owner Mrs. Eliza Peter, renter 1952 1949 1944 1941 1939 1935 1929 1927 1924 1922 1918 1916 1914 1912 1910 1909 1903 Address not listed. Mrs. S. Peter listed at 1203 Cotton St. Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1902-1915); Austin, Tex.. 20 May 1907: 4. The Austin Statesman (1902-1915); Austin, Tex.. 13 Sep 1908: 2. The Austin Statesman (1902-1915); Austin, Tex.. 19 Sep 1909: 16.  The Austin Statesman (1902-1915); Austin, Tex.. 17 June 1910: 2. The Austin Statesman (1902-1915); Austin, Tex.. 13 Jan 1913: 7 The Austin Statesman (1902-1915); Austin, Tex.. 09 Aug 1914: 12. The Austin Statesman and Tribune (1915-1916); Austin, Tex.. 01 Aug 1915: 10. The Austin Statesman (1916-1916); Austin, Tex.. 19 July 1916: 3. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 Sep 1928: 4.   1923 mechanic’s lien specifying improvements on a property owned by Mrs. E. T. Yerwood. Travis County (Tex.). Clerk's Office. Travis County Deed Records: Deed Record 299 - Mechanics Liens, book, 1922-12/1923-12, 468-470.  Travis County (Tex.). Clerk's Office. Travis County Deed Records: Deed Record 352, book, 1923-06/1923-10; 503-504 Mechanic’s lien discharge, 1932. Travis County (Tex.). Clerk's Office. Travis County Deed Records: Deed Record 482, book, 1932-07/1932-09 The Geyser: First Annual of the Anderson High School of Austin, Texas, 1926. Via Black Classicists in Texas: https://bcatx.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/04/geyser_full_carver.pdf White, Leslie J. The Texas Standard, Volume 28, Number 4, September-October 1954, periodical, September 1954; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth193776/m1/19/?rotate=0), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Prairie View A&M University. J MASON BREWER.  The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 12 Aug 1956: A9. DIXIE SHIPP Staff Writer.  The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 28 Aug 1971: 18. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 29 Aug 1971: A6. The Austin American - Statesman (1973-1980), Evening ed.; Austin, Tex.. 09 Sep 1975: 8. The Austin American - Statesman (1973-1980), Evening ed.; Austin, Tex.. 04 Mar 1977: B2. Austin American-Statesman, March 13, 1977, Page 118. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american- statesman-obituary-for-e/67134037/ : accessed April 10, 2024), clip page for Obituary for Effie Esler White Yerwood by user jeannegoldman Maps and Aerial Photographs 1940 aerial image showing original location of pyramidal-roofed building, moved behind 1205 Cotton Street in 1958 aerial image. By 1984, it had been replaced by a small garage and rear addition. 1935 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showing existing house. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Austin, Travis County, Texas. Sanborn Map Company, 1935. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn08415_006/. 1922 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showing previous structure on the lot. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Austin, Travis County, Texas. Sanborn Map Company, 1922. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn08415_005/. Permits Building permit for rear unit, 1950 Sewer tap permit, 1953 Water tap permit, 1962