10.0 - Thompson House - Historic Zoning Initiation Letter — original pdf

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Austin Lukes Historic Preservation Office City of Austin January 24, 2026 RE: Request to consider initiation of historic zoning, Hill-Thomson House (1906 Maple Ave.) Dear Mr. Lukes, I would like to express my strong support to include the Hill-Thomson House, located at 1906 Maple Avenue, on the Historic Landmark Commission’s February agenda for consideration of initiation of historic zoning. The owner, Marilynn Poole Bailey, fully supports this request. This property demonstrates significance in accordance with the criteria of historical association and community value. It is a great cultural asset to the history of the City of Austin and contributes to the Rogers- Washington-Holy Cross Historic District (RWHC), which honors Austin’s Black heritage. Historic Association: The Hill-Thompson House, completed in 1963, is the first residential commission by John S. Chase, the first Black graduate of the University of Texas School of Architecture, and first licensed Black architect in the state of Texas. The home serves as an intact example of Chase’s first commission, influenced by the Usonian constructions of Frank Lloyd Wright and the personal touches of Mrs. Irene Hill Thompson. The home is characterized by strong horizontal massing, a connection between the indoor and outdoor environment, and understated materiality. Mr. Chase maintained a relationship with the RWHC and made further contributions including the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas headquarters (1191 Navasota St); the Della Phillips House (2310 E MLK, Jr Blvd); David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (2211 E MLK, Jr Blvd); and Olivet Baptist Church (1179 San Bernard St). Mr. Chase then went on to grow his practice through offices in Houston, Dallas, and Washington DC, eventually becoming a founding member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). The Hill Thompson House represents an early part of his enduring architectural legacy. Community Value: The Hill Thompson House also served as a beacon of Black civic engagement led by Irene Hill Thompson. The house served as a meeting place for political organizing and community gatherings that reflected her deep commitment to public service and civic participation. Ms. Thompson hosted numerous political events at her home for President Lyndon B. Johnson, U.S. Congressmen Lloyd Doggett, East Texas Black Republican operative Ernest Sterling, J.J. “Jake” Pickle, and Texas State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos. Throughout these activities, the house functioned not only as a private residence but also as an important site of grassroots political participation, further reinforcing its historical and cultural significance. The property retains a high degree of architectural integrity and remains in the possession of the original family. Designating this property as a Historic Landmark would not only protect the significant work of a renowned architect but also honor the enduring spirit of the Black community in East Austin and an addition to the RWHC Historic District. I urge the Commission to take the first steps towards preserving this irreplaceable piece of Austin’s heritage by initiating the historic zoning process. We are grateful to our partners at Preservation Austin, who collaborated with Ms. Poole Webb in preparing the nomination to designate this important piece of Austin’s Black heritage. Sincerely, Jaime Alvarez Tonya Pleasant-Wright Historic Landmark Commissioner, District 7 Historic Landmark Commissioner, District 1 Motioned by: Commissioner Alvarez Seconded by: Commissioner Pleasant-Wright