16.c - 702 Winflo Dr - OWANA Letter — original pdf

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Steering Committee Members: Stephen L. Amos, Chair Renae Alsobrook, Mark Ashby, Evelyn Fujimoto, Adrienne Goldsberry, Paula Hern, Nick Mehl, William Osborn, Charlie Rice, Paul Shattuck, Shawn Shillington, Erika Tatum, Meghan Yancy September 25, 2025 RE: PR-2025-105857 – 702 Winflo Drive – West Line National Register Historic District – Council District 9 Dear Chair Heimsath and Commissioners, The structure at 702 Winflo Drive is a contributing property within the West Line National Historic District. Renovations including an interior bathroom remodel, new hall closet, and updated plumbing and electrical were completed in recent years, reflecting continued investment in its preservation. Given the short notification period, the absence of clear documentation on the current condition of the home, and the lack of a proposed replacement or concept design, the OWANA Zoning Committee respectfully requests postponement of this hearing to allow time for the owner to meet with the OWANA and the Architectural Review Committee. The owner has agreed to meet with OWANA on October 30th to further discuss the property. This home, like several others in our small mid-century enclave, tells a quiet but meaningful story about the evolution of Old West Austin. These structures may not be grand, but together they form a cohesive thread in the architectural and cultural fabric of the district. 702 Winflo was built by Tommie Hamby, part owner of the Hoffbrau Restaurant a beloved Austin institution that has operated on West 6th Street for over 80 years. He built this home to live near his family business, a powerful reflection of the values of the time: local ownership, walkable communities, and the blending of work and home life. Structures like this one are not just examples of mid-century architecture they are tangible representations of Austin’s lived history. Their preservation helps tell a fuller, more inclusive story of our city, spanning generations and grounded in the people who helped shape it. We ask for your guidance and support in helping preserve this unique and increasingly rare part of the neighborhood. Could this property potentially meet the criteria for landmark designation? We believe the collective significance of these homes is worth careful evaluation and protection. Thank you for your thoughtful stewardship of Austin’s irreplaceable heritage. Sincerely, Stephen L. Amos Steering Committee Chair Old West Austin Neighborhood Association