17.0 - 1210 W 12th St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-061450; GF-2025-064676 WEST LINE HISTORIC DISTRICT 1210 WEST 12TH STREET 17.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1949 contributing house. ARCHITECTURE Built in the early postwar period like many of its neighbors, the house at 1210 West 12th Street is simple in its single-story form but does feature Classical Revival elements, including a projecting pediment covering a front porch and original multi- lite windows. The foundation is elevated slightly above grade, which adds visual importance to the front porch and entry. At this porch, there is a single front door to one side and a small circular window to the other. Aside from the pedimented front gable, the roof is a side gable set at a moderate pitch. The wall is clad in horizontal wood siding that appears original. Together, these elements create an image of a house that has not been modified since original construction and retains excellent integrity. RESEARCH The first owners of the property after construction of the existing house were Lydia and Queenie Littman. Lydia Littman moved to Austin when she was a child, and, after graduating from the University of Texas, worked at a real estate company upon completion of further education and training newly available in the city. She became very successful in this field and became involved in various community groups. By the time she purchased the house on West 12th Street in her 70s, had her own business in real estate, loans, and investments. Upon semi-retirement around the same time, she continued to work out of her home office until her passing at the age of 92. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the West Line 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 postwar residential architecture with intact Classical 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 Strongly encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then relocation over demolition, but release the permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. Demolition permits in National Register Historic Districts may not be pulled until the Historic Landmark Commission has reviewed plans for new construction on the site. LOCATION MAP 17.0 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 17.0 – 3 Occupancy History City Directory Research, June 2025 Demolition application, 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Lydia Littman, owner; Real estate agent Same as above Same as above Lydia & Queenie Littman, owners; Lydia – real estate agent; Queenie – claim adjuster Same as above Address not listed Historical Information 17.0 – 4 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 02 Dec 1945: A13. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 23 Apr 1946: 7 17.0 – 5 LOIS HALE GALVIN.  The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 27 Jan 1963: C10. 17.0 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 Mar 1965: 10. Permits 17.0 – 7 Sewer tap permit, 1948