06.0 - 108 W 33rd St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness November 5, 2025 HR-2025-118292; C14H-2004-0002 Ocie Speer House 108 West 33rd Street 6 – 1 Proposal Remodel an existing guesthouse with construction of an addition, along with an attached carport, at a landmarked property. Project Specifications 1) Reconfigure the existing floorplan at the guesthouse located at the rear of the property. 2) Construct a second-story addition above the guesthouse with an enclosed stair at one side for circulation. 3) Construct a 2-car garage at one side of the guestuouse, facing the rear of the property, with a setback similar to the existing guesthouse. Architecture The main house at the Ocie Speer property was constructed around 1926, with the rear gueshouse being constructed sometime before or around 1970 to serve as additional lodging space as well as storage. In 1971, an addition was permitted and constructed to add an additional ~200 square feet for off-street parking. The walls of the guesthouse are clad in stucco and vertical wood board siding. The windows and door have all been replaced with vinyl units, and the flat roof appears to be in decent, though weathered condition. There is a side gate at the east side of the property, and a driveway at the west. Overall, the rear detached guesthouse is largely utilitarian in appearance and is not listed as a separate resource in the Aldridge Place local historic district from the main house. 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 at historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General standards Though there are proposed to be significant alterations and additions to the guesthouse, the structure is largely to be retained, and cladding materials will be based off of existing, such as stucco. Residential additions 1. Location By adding a second floor, the narrow footprint of the existing guesthouse is retained and does not encroach on the backyard of the main house. 2. Scale, massing, and height The overall height of the second floor addition will not overtake the front house visually. Due to its location at the far rear of the property, there are no concerns about it being able to be seen from 33rd Street. There are several properties on the block that have garages or secondary units facing 34th Street to the rear. 3. Design and style Design of the addition is in a style similar to the main house, but simplified to ensure it is read as distinct and from outside the period of significance. 4. Roofs A low pitched roof is compatible with the district and creates a better solution for drainage than the exisitng flat roof. 6 – 2 5. Exterior walls All new walls are proposed to be clad in stucco, which is compatible with the rest of the property and district, and already exists at portions of the guesthouse. 6. Windows, screens, and doors Numerous new window openings are proposed, including at the existing walls of the guesthouse. Most of these face towards the backyard of the property. These are typically floor-to-ceiling windows, or sliding doors, that will not read as historic. The windows proposed facing 34th Street are modest, hung windows. They have a regular arrangement and read as compatible. 7. Porches and decks Deck rails are proposed at the second floor facing the backyard. These are simple in design and do not distract from the main house. 9. Attached garages and carports A single-story two-car garage is proposed to the side of the guesthouse, where a driveway is currently located. The design is very simple and features a small parapet, but the height is kept fairly low and allows for automobile entry at a location that is typical for other properties on the block, and will not greatly affect view to the front house. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. Committee Feedback October 8, 2025: The rear building was constructed outside the period of significance, so there are no concerns with altering the layout, appearance, or materials. The design as proposed may be seen as too similar to the main house, creaing a false sense of history that the guesthouse was built at or around the same time as the front. Consider simplifying some design elements to reduce this potential. Staff Recommendation Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness in concurrence with Architectural Review Committee feedback. Location Map 6 – 3 Property Information Photos 6 – 4 Application, 2025. View from the rear of the main house (above) and from 34th street (below).