11.0 - 1707 Alameda Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS MARCH 5, 2025 HR-2025-015133 TRAVIS HEIGHTS-FAIRVIEW PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT 1707 ALAMEDA DRIVE 11.0 – 1 PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Demolish a non-historic rear addition and construct a two-story addition in its place. 1) Demolish existing non-historic rear addition 2) Demolish half of the original detached garage, which has been altered over time. 3) Construct a two-story addition at the rear of house, utilizing the footprint of the previous addition. Retain original window locations and most exterior walls. ARCHITECTURE Built in a front and side gabled arrangement, the house at 1707 Alameda Drive is a single story and, much like its neighbors, is set at a height several feet above the street. It features an elevated foundation with a concrete skirt, further raising the height. Two front windows, which appear to be replacements, face the street. The front door is centered on the house and features a five-step walkup with a small concrete pad at the entry. Exterior walls are clad in asbestos tile, and the roof is set at a steep pitch. Some small decorative elements remain, which are described in the National Register survey as being “gingerbread” in appearance. A non-historic addition was made at the rear and is minimally visible from the street. RESEARCH The house at 1707 Alameda Drive was constructed in the late 1930s or early 1940s and was simple in plan and design. It’s owners for over 20 years were Lamar and Lerah Richardson, who had at least one child, Bobby. Lamar was employed by Calcasieu Lumber for several decades, in both sales and managerial roles. During World War II, a corporal named Tom Rosenbaum’s name was attached to the address in dispatches from the European theatre, though it is unknown if and what connection he had to the Richardsons. In the 1950s, Bobby Richardson was enrolled Texas Lutheran College as an agriculture major. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects in National Register districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General standards Demolition of the non-historic rear addition is proposed to be minimally invasive to the original house. The proposed new construction does not remove any additional rear wall than what was already removed by the prior intervention. Residential additions 1. Location Proposed addition is located at the rear of the building, in the location of the previous addition. 2. Scale, massing, and height The rear addition is proposed to be two stories in height, which is taller than the main house. Given the siting of the main house above the street, as well as the location being almost entirely obscured by the front house, it is as minimally visible as possible. Additionally, rear or two-story additions are the most common type of expansion for houses on the block and in the neighborhood. 3. Design and style Materials, as well as style, are generally similar but different from the original house. No particular architectural style is evoked by the addition, and floor heights and fenestration patterns are similar. 11.0 – 2 4. Roofs The roof of the two-story addition matches the original in slope and is also side gabled. The overall height of the addition successfully differentiates the design, and no inappropriate details have been added to confuse the appearance. 5. Exterior walls A vertical lap siding is proposed, which has a slight risk of appearing as board and batten. However, given the product specifications submitted by the application, as well as conversations with ARC, this is not considered to be an expected appearance when viewed from the street. 6. Windows, screens, and doors Window sizes and spacing are similar to the main house, though frames will be of a different material. A large picture window is proposed to projects slightly from one side of the second floor, but the design is simple and does not detract from the original design. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district. 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: a. Architecture. The building [is a good example of … / does not appear to convey architectural significance]. 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. COMMITTEE FEEDBACK No comments on proposal to demolish non-historic addition. At the proposed picture window at the side of the second floor, one of the simpler options presented is preferred. The vertical lap siding is appropriately similar yet distinct from historic resources in the district but try to ensure that it does not read as board-and-batten in appearance when installed. If it is confirmed that horizontal wood siding exists on the original house is present, this may be patched, repaired, or replicated as an exterior cladding. However, replication of the asbestos siding appearance is also an option. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Comment on plans. LOCATION MAP 11.0 – 3 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 11.0 – 4 Google Streetview, January 2025 Lamar F. and Lerah E. (child) Richardson, owner; department manager at Calcasieu Lumber Occupancy History City Directory Research, February 2025 Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1945 1941 1939 Sam as above; salesman at Calcasieu Lumber Address not listed Historical Information 11.0 – 5 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 20 Sep 1942: C10. 11.0 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 16 Sep 1943: 8. 11.0 – 7 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 Mar 1956: 15. Permits Sewer permit, 1939