08.0 - Congress Ave Streetscape Improvements — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts December 3rd, 2025 HR-2025-135323 Congress Avenue National Register Historic District Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez and 7th Street 8 – 1 Proposal Construct streetscape improvements within the Congress Avenue National Register District. Project Specifications The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, led by Austin Transportation and Public Works, was identified as a major capital project in the 2020 mobility bond. The project includes: 1) Maintenance of existing trees and canopy and addition of select new trees where there are large gaps in tree canopy 2) Expansion of the sidewalk with granite pavers, with some concrete pavers above landscaping. Additional sidewalk widths are possible due to repurposing of angled parking. 3) Installation of Great Streets furnishings 4) Replacement of delineator posts with concrete barriers 5) Installation of terracotta bike lanes for multimodal streets 6) Removal of planters 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 districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Sites and streetscapes 1. Vegetation, topography, and landscaping 1.1 Do not grade, fill, or excavate unless it is to solve a drainage or flooding problem. The proposed project does not include grading, filling, or excavation. 1.2 Retain permanent landscape features that define the character of the property and the district. Protect them when constructing new buildings or additions. The proposed project does not remove permanent landscape features that define the character of the property. The portions of the right of way to be modified are not original to Congress Avenue and most existing street furniture is not of historic age. 1.3 Additional standard for historic landmarks: If the property had a grassy, open front lawn when constructed, maintain that context. Do not replace the lawn with paving or gravel. Not applicable. 2. Walls and fences Section not applicable 3. Mechanical equipment and site appurtenances Section not applicable 4. Accessibility Section not applicable 5. Sidewalks, driveways, and parking 5.1 Repair historic sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas with a matching design and materials. 8 – 2 The proposed project reworks existing sidewalks and streets; however, the existing materials do not appear to be of historic age following changes to the street during the 1980s and early 1990s. 5.2 Construct new sidewalks and driveways that are compatible with the character of the district in location, size, width, pattern, and material. The proposed driveways and sidewalks appear mostly compatible with the character of the district in location, size, width, pattern, and material. The proposed pavers are appropriate in size, color, and scale and appear subordinate in visual weight to the overall pedestrian streetscape. 5.3 Do not locate a parking area in front of a primary building unless one was present historically. Locating a parking area to the side of the primary building is acceptable if a rear location is not feasible. The proposed project removes street parking from this section of Congress Avenue. 5.4 Parking requirements may be reduced or waived if new curb cuts and driveways are not compatible with the historic development patterns of the property or district. Not applicable. 6. Streetscape elements 6.1 Retain character-defining public infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bridges, planting strips, curbs, gutters, and alleys. The proposed project removes and reworks some existing infrastructure; however, it does not appear to significantly alter the spatial relationships of the street and right of way elements to the historic buildings on each side of the street. 6.2 Retain character-defining streetscape elements such as historic gateway entrances, mosaic curb signs, lights, and street furniture. Proposed removal of elements is limited to non-historic planters, replacement lighting, and curbs. 6.3 Construct new streets, sidewalks, planting strips, curbs, ADA ramps, and alleys to be compatible with the style, scale, materials, and configuration of the historic district. Proposed new sidewalks, plantings, and right of way features appear mostly compatible with the style, scale, materials, and configuration of the historic district. 6.4 Install street lighting that is compatible with the design, materials, and scale of the historic district. If historic light fixtures exist, design new lighting to match their design, materials, and scale. Though detail of streetlamps is not provided, care should be taken to avoid the appearance of false historicism where original or historic age light fixtures cannot be replicated exactly. Modern, simple light fixtures that do not draw the eye and are appropriately shielded are acceptable in historic districts. 6.5 Do not introduce new materials or features to create a false sense of history. See 6 .4. Though pavers appear present in archival sources on 6th Street and Congress Avenue, their extent and arrangement are not well-documented in photographic sources. However, the proposed pavers do not appear to mimic historic patterns or materials and are thus mostly appropriate, though care should continue to be taken to avoid the appearance of false historicism when selecting materials. Plain concrete would also be acceptable. 6.6 Do not block pedestrian-level views of historic buildings with streetscape elements. New trees are proposed only where existing trees have died. 6.7 Constructing new sidewalks is encouraged, even if they were not historically present. The proposed project renovates and widens existing sidewalks. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. Committee Feedback Do not install lighting or streetscape features that mimic the appearance of historic-age elements without photographic documentation to avoid the appearance of false historicism. Retain both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Ensure building frontages remain visible behind trees. Ensure all trees are maintained and of appropriate species. Do not endanger historic buildings by installing inappropriate trees. Awning installation over right of way is compatible. Use modern and minimal street furniture. Do not install decorative pavement where it did not exist historically. Limit trees of taller species to intersections and avoid formal tree arrangement. Do not reinstall planters. Staff Recommendation Comment on and release plans in concurrence with Architectural Review Committee feedback. 8 – 3 Location Map 8 – 4