10.d - 4901 Ridge Oak Dr - public comment — original pdf

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From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office In support of 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Historic Zoning Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:51:45 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern, As a registered architect and a resident of the Highland Park Balconies West neighborhood, I would like to voice my support for designating the house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive as "historic." The home anchors the prominent corner at Crestway Drive and Ridge Oak Drive, welcoming residents as they find their way home each evening. Even before moving to this neighborhood eight years ago, I recognized this house as among the most important in the neighborhood. In part, it was 4901 Ridge Oak that made me want to live in this neighborhood. It embodies the mid-century optimism upon which the neighborhood was founded. The long, low roof forms nestle comfortably beneath the prominent heritage oaks, while the home itself steps back respectfully from the street - acknowledging that this is an acute intersection demanding big, sweeping turns and long sight-lines for safety. The material palette is simple and native to central Texas: undressed limestone, wood siding and glass. It's unobtrusive scale is friendly, welcoming and utterly without pretention. Healthy cities and neighborhoods evolve, and our neighborhood is no different. New development in the neighborhood less attuned to the long-low structures of the mid-century modern movement. Not every older home in the neighborhood warrants historic designation. However, it would negatively impact the neighborhood to lose this gem at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. The house is significant in what it represents to the history of the development of Austin as it slowly migrated out from the city center. To allow un-restricted development of the site could endanger the heritage trees on site and, more significantly, make the sightlines around this corner more difficult - jeopardizing pedestrian and vehicular safety. Thank you for your consideration, Talmadge Smith, AIA 3607 Lucas Dr. Austin, TX 78731 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".