19.d - 607 E 38th Street - public comment — original pdf

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Barbara Epstein 701 Texas Ave Austin TX 78705 1 July 2025 Austin Landmark Commission (by email) Dear Sirs: As a nearby neighor, I oppose the demolition application at 607 E. 38th St. because it meets at least two of the requirements for historic designation: it is more than 50 years old, it retains distinct architectural characteristics of an architectural style since it was built originally as a Craftsman style duplex, unlike other structures converted into duplexes. Most notably, 607 E. 38th St. has community value because its location on a highly visible street, along with other intact original structures along 38th St., significantly contribute to the character and image of the neighborhood because 38th St. is a gateway to the neighborhood and its historic events and residents. The applicant did not appear at the previous hearing and has not indicted an intent to build anything architecturally compatible with the neighborhood. If this application is granted, and as previously proposed, a 4,000 sq. ft. structure takes its place, the properties along 38th St. will likely domino one by one, and our historic neighborhood will disappear forever. So we depend on you, the members of the Landmark Commission to value the significance of our historic architecture and our neighborhood, even if the structure in question is not a mansion or the prior residence of a famous person. Sincerely, Barbara Epstein