18.0 - 1606 Wethersfield Rd — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-063285; HR-2025-062422 OLD WEST AUSTIN HISTORIC DISTRICT 1606 WETHERSFIELD ROAD 18.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a contributing garage structure and construct a new residence on the lot. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Demolish a garage listed as contributing to the district. 2) Demolish a house listed as non-contributing to the district (not in this review, already approved). 3) Construct a two-story single-family residence is generally the same location as the non-contributing house. ARCHITECTURE The main house on this property is listed in the Old West Austin National Register nomination as being non-contributing to the district, and therefore not under this review for demolition. The garage at the rear, which is contributing, is a simple side gabled shed enclosure. The walls are clad in thin teardrop siding, which matches the main house. There is a single garage door at the front with a door to its side. Above, the roof is covered with corrugated metal showing signs of age and weathering. RESEARCH The property was initially occupied by Milda Lamar, later Milda Payne, during the 1930s. After this, it went through a series of renters during the 1940s before being bought by John & Wilma Jones until the mid-1950s. It does not appear that, for the first 30 years of its existence, the property housed any occupant for longer than eight years, with most living there for under five. 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. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location The proposed location of the new construction is in nearly the same footprint as the existing non-contributing house, and the setback will be generally equal to the neighboring houses on the block. 2. Orientation House is to be oriented towards the street, like others in the district. The proposed garage is attached to the house, which is not typical in the neighborhood, where garage structures are often detached and behind the house. 3. Scale, massing, and height While the existing house was originally a single story with a two-story rear addition (which likely removed its integrity when the district was inventoried and nominated), the proposed is two stories from the outset, which creates a more cohesive design. However, this does make the appearance more vertical with a taller massing. Neighboring houses on the block are all single-story, which would make this new construction stand out in scale. 4. Proportions The proposed house is taller and designed as two-stories from the outset, unlike others on the block. 5. Design and style Design elements of the proposed construction are generally muted and not drawings strongly from one particular style. 6. Roofs Proposed roofs are generally hipped in their overall structure, with several inset gables projecting toward the street. Roof shapes are generally simple, and their pitches are uniform throughout. 7. Exterior walls Horizontal wood or wood-appearing siding is proposed throughout. The profile of this siding is likely to be wider or larger than the original. 8. Windows and doors Windows on the front elevation are generally paired 6- or 8-pane assemblies. Their size and proportions do not appear out of place and while, like the house, they will not be read as original, they do read as appropriate to the overall house design. 11. Attached garages and carports An attached garage is proposed at the right (north) side of the ground floor, with a second floor above. Garages on this street and district are typically at the side or rear of the property, so a garage at the front, facing the street, is not appropriate. 18.0 – 2 Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. PROPERTY EVALUATION Please note that this section only evaluates the rear garage, as it is the one contributing resource on the property. The property contributes to the Old West Austin National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate 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 retains its original footprint and cladding, but it’s limited in its use as being utilitarian and deferential to the main house. 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 Consider moving the proposed garage to the side or, preferably, the rear of the property, like the existing garage and many others in the district. If a curb cut is needed for the driveway, consider reusing the existing on the south of the property. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Comment on plans. LOCATION MAP 18.0 – 3 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 18.0 – 4 Demolition application, 2025 18.0 – 5 Occupancy History City Directory Research, June 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Jack and Nina Ransom, owners; students Reverend William J. Hall, renter; minister at Christian Church University John G. and Wilma Jones, owners; manager at Whitley Printing Company Same as above Same as above; now manager at Curry Office Supply Company Same as above 1944-45 Clarence A. and Lucille McFarland, renters; employee at Longhorn Barber Shop 1941 1939 1937 1935 Same as above Lloyd W. and Milda M. Payne, owners; owners at Payne & Wiley Company Mrs. Milda M. Lamar, renter; secretary at P. O. Simms Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 05 Oct 1960: 33 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 27 Sep 1961: 20. Permits 18.0 – 6 Sewer Tap Permit, 1936