11.0 - 522 Sunny Ln — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Permits in National Register Historic Districts January 7, 2026 PR-2025-147371 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 522 Sunny Lane 13 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1930 contributing structure. Architecture This house is a single-story residence with Tudor Revival details. The entire house is clad in buff brick and features a steeply pitched gable roof. The windows appear to be original, though some have been removed, and rafter tails are present at the sides of the building. Though it has some damage and loss of material, the exterior walls appear to be in decent condition. Research Upon construction, the house was first owned by Robert & Birdie Lundell, an auto mechanic in the city. It’s unclear exactly when, but during World War II it changed ownership to Jack & Ellen Ferrell, the former of whom served in the US Army. By 1949, the property was purchased by Forest & Dolores Cruse. Forest Cruse had a business selling imported cutlery and was an amateur chef who competed across the country. Together they raised a family and at least one son went into the family cutlery business. 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 residential architecture with Tudor Revival elements. 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 13 – 2 Property Information Photos 13 – 3 Occupancy History City Directory Research, December 2025 Demolition application, 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 1929 Forest & Dolores Cruse, owners; Cruse Forest & Son (address listed as 611 E. Riverside Dr.) Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Jack & Ellen Ferrell, owners; US Army Robert & Birdie Lundell, owners & Jack Ferrell, renter; US Army Robert & Birdie Lundell, owners; mechanic Same as above Same as above Same as above (address listed as 523 E. Riverside Dr.) Address not listed Historical Information 13 – 4 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Apr 23, 1963, 15. 13 – 5 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Oct 2, 1953, 15. 13 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Mar 7, 1951, 17. The Austin American (1914-1973); May 4, 1947, A8.