19.0 - 1904 Sharon Ln — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JUNE 4, 2025 PR-2025-047121; GF-2025-050559 1904 SHARON LANE 19.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1938 house. ARCHITECTURE The two-story, symmetrical house is unique in its appearance on its block and, while lacking in ornament, has the rhythm and form of the Colonial Revival style. The central front door is set within a decorative entryway, with one 6-over-6 window on each side, which feature some decorative metal work underneath. This window pattern is matched on the second floor. The roof is hipped and set at a moderate pitch and does not overhang the walls at all. The house is elevated by several feet and the front door is accessed by a series of stairs that terminate directly in front of the entry. RESEARCH From its construction around 1938, the residence at 1904 Sharon Lane was occupied by numerous owners and renters over the first two decades. Some of the more notable of these are W. Arthur Smith and John F. Thomas, both of whom were physicians in private practice in Austin. Hugh McGaw, who lived with his wife Florence and children at the address, was a professor at the University of Texas, though they were never the owners of the property. PROPERTY EVALUATION 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 decent example of 1930s symmetrical residential architecture with Colonial Revival elements. 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 Encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then relocation over demolition, but release the permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 19.0 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 19.0 – 3 Demolition application, 2025 19.0 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Jas H. and Polly R. Miller, owners; employee at Miller-McLean Tire Service Vacant Hugh D. and Florence R. McGaw, renters; professor at University of Texas Lloyd Elliott, renter; student at University of Texas John F. and Martha F. Thomas, owners; physician Burton E. and Peggy Miles, owners 1944-45 R. Rockwell and Jane Cloud, owners; branch manager at Fire Companies Adjustment Bureau 1941 1939 1937 W. Arthur and Mattie Smith, owners; physician Same as above, now division field director at State Health Department Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 30 Nov 1942: 2. 19.0 – 5 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 Apr 1962: B1. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 24 May 1962: B13. Permits 19.0 – 6 Water Tap Permit, 1937