15.0 - 514 E Monroe St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS OCTOBER 1, 2025 HR-2025-112176; PR-2025-112882; GF-2025-113890 TRAVIS HEIGHTS-FAIRVIEW PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT 514 EAST MONROE STREET 15.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1925 contributing building. ARCHITECTURE The property is an intact single story Craftsman bungalow that has been well maintained. The front corner features an inset porch, which has two front doors leading inside. A large wood frame picture window faces the street, and, along with other windows on the front and sides of the house, appear to be original or of compatible material. Due to the slightly sloped terrain, the house is elevated on piers and a concrete stair leads from the front walk to the porch. The main roof is front gabled and features brackets and attic vents at its peak. RESEARCH Upon construction sometime between 1925 and 1930, the house was first owned by Patrick and Lottie Parker. Patrick worked at a projectionist in Austin, and they moved away shortly after 1930. The house was then bought and occupied for the next 20 years by Roy and Lula Short. Mr. Short worked in managerial roles and was involved with the American Legion at this time. Together, they raised their family at the address before moving out of town in the early 1950s. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park 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 an intact Craftsman bungalow in the district. 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 Consider utilizing the preservation bonus of the HOME initiative. Strongly encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then material deconstruction and 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. LOCATION MAP 15.0 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 15.0 – 3 Application, 2025 15.0 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2025 1952 1949 1947 Roy & Lula Short, owners; manager at Paradise Package Store Same as above Same as above, now at service manager at Harry Golden 1944-45 Same as above 1942 1939 1937 1935 1932 1930 1929 1927 1924 Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Patrick & Lottie Parker, owners; projectionist Same as above Same as above Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Jun 7, 1951; 15.0 – 5 The Austin American (1914-1973); Jul 1, 1934 Permits 15.0 – 6 Sewer tap permit, 1930