09.0 - 1806 Drake Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Permits in National Register Historic Districts December 3, 2025 PR-2025-142120; GF-2025-144821 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 1806 Drake Avenue 9 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1945 contributing building. Architecture This residence sits on the rear half of a subdivided lot originally extending from Brackenridge Street to Drake Avenue. It is a simple rectangle in form, with a moderately pitched, side gabled roof that has been re-clad with metal. There is a small brick chimney at the front elevation set to one side of the centered entryway door. This doorway is covered by a modest gable that is supported by two brackets. While the building is described in the National Register nomination as in the ranch style, the form is so simple it lacks many of the ypical horizontal details frequently found in similar houses. However, the walls are brick, which is uncommon in the district, though they are more common for housing found in the city built around the same time as 1806 Drake. Research In the first decade after its construction, the property cycled through owners every few years. The first owners appear to be Martin & Margaret Birdsong, who was employed by the Austin Police Department as a lieutenant. Subsequent owners were a plumber and a family associated with the United States Air Force, but none of these residents lived at the address for long. By the 1960s, multiple news articles report that a man names James Edward Wilson lived at the address. 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 moderate 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 for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a decent example of ranch-influenced infill development 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 Encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, relocation, or deconstruction and salvage over demolition, but approve the demolition permit application upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. The Historic Landmark Commission must review plans for new construction in National Register districts before demolition permits may be issued. Location Map 9 – 2 Property Information Photos 9 – 3 Zillow listing, 2025 Google Streetview, 2025 9 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, November 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Vacant Marvin & Clara Johnson, owners; USAF R.B. & Lois Saul, owners; plumber Vacant Martin & Margaret Birdsong, owners; Lieutenant at Austin Police Department Address not listed Historical Information Permits The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Jan 28, 1964. Permit for relocation of garage at rear of Brackenridge St. property, 1944 9 – 5 Water service permit, 1944 Bedroom addition permit, 1966