15.0 - 604 Copeland St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JUNE 4, 2025 PR-2025-045700; GF-2025-049018 604 COPELAND STREET 15.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1935 house. ARCHITECTURE The footprint of the non-descript bungalow is roughly square in shape, with all sides clad in narrow teardrop wood siding. There is a steeply pitched hipped roof, which is covered in non-historic metal material. Though the windows are currently boarded over, they appear to be the original openings, though the condition of the frames are unknown. It is set on an elevated foundation with a concrete skirt. A small dormer on the front of the house marks the front doorway, but there is no porch present, which may be seen at other contemporary construction in the neighborhood. RESEARCH After initial construction around 1935, the house was occupied for renters for about ten years. These renters included various residents mostly occupied in state government and local businesses, and during World War II a meat grinder working for the US War Food Administration. After the war, the house was bought by Mrs. Lucy H. Overall, a widow, and her two sons, who would go on to attend the University of Texas before moving out on their own. Mrs. Overall, who would later go by Mrs. Blanton, was a music teacher of some acclaim around Austin, who worked with students of all ages as well as serving as music director for various shows, including one associated with the Methodist church. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2015 Bouldin Creek Historic Resource Survey lists the property as a medium priority and as contributing to the potential Copeland historic 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 vernacular bungalow architecture in South Austin. 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 Strongly encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then material salvage and reuse, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 15.0 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 15.0 – 3 Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2025 Site visit, May 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Lucy H. Blanton, owner; music teacher Same as above Same as above Same as above Lucy H. and William Overall, owners Lucy: Music teacher; William: Student at University of Texas Lucy H., Thomas, and William Overall, owners Lucy: Music teacher; Thomas: Student at University of Texas; William: Usher at Austin Theater 1944-45 Harold B. Weems, renter; Meat grinder at US War Food Administration 1941 1939 1937 1935 Jason A. and Bertha Parten, renters; Serviceman at Burnette’s Appliances Joseph W. and Haley B. Dumas, renters; Clerk at MoPac Lines Augdil L. and Ruby Ford, renters; Ranger for State Highway Patrol Address not listed Historical Information 15.0 – 4 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 Nov 1949: 17. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 17 Feb 1957: B5. 15.0 – 5 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 21 Aug 1966: B7. Permits 15.0 – 6 Water Tap Permit, 1936