06.0 - 3805 Red River St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Application for Certificates of Appropriateness January 7, 2026 SB-2025-158077 Red River International House 3805 Red River Street 6 – 1 Proposal Construct a sign at a City of Austin landmark. Design Standards The City of Austin Signage Guidelines are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: 1. Number of signs One sign is proposed at the corner of the lot. Historic sign guidelines allow for one sign per street frontage for properties located on a corner lot. 2. Sign types Freestanding signs are allowable for office/retail use in historic residential buildings, which is applicable for this property. 3. Sign size Current historic signage guidelines do not address size of freestanding signs. However, the size and scale of this proposal does not overwhelm the historic structure, nor does it limit views of neighboring properties. 4. Sign design, coloring and materials Simple shapes and materials are proposed for this sign. Coloring is limited to three colors, and is heavily influenced by the color and design of the landmarked building. 5. Lettering Proposed lettering is limited to two typefaces, and neither is too contemporary in design. 7. Neon signs Proposal calls for neon illumination which, while never present at this propserty when used as a residence, was frequently used in similarly designed buildings. The applicant presentation speaks to the influence of southern Florida Moderne architecture that was favored by the original owners and used by the architect of the Red River International House. In this limited context, the use of neon at the site, held as far from the house as possible, is approvable given the architecture of the landmark and the period in which it was built. 8. Sign placement Sign is to be located close to the street corner, which is as far from the main house as possible. The design elements described above allow for passersby to identify the sign with the landmark, but the sign does not visually interfere with sightlines or obscure the building in any way. The projecting front yard makes this an ideal place for s sign for maximum visibility from automobile and foot traffic while not detracting from the landmarked building. 9. Sign mounting The sign is standalone in design and will not need to be anchored to any historic material in any way. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. Committee Feedback The placement on the property allows the building to read as separate. The current use of the property as an office makes the installation more appropriate, and the context of neon signage being influential in the design of the house is helpful to the argument. Staff Recommendation Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness.