04.0 - 617 Congress Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts March 4, 2026 HR-2026-014183 Congress Avenue Historic District 617 Congress Avenue 4 – 1 Proposal Rehabilitate a primary elevation on an altered compatible building. Project Specifications 1) Remove existing stucco slipcover at streetfacing façade. Retain general layout of ground floor entry. 2) Install new windows in historic locations at second floor, with the center bay becoming a french door. 3) Construct a balcony over the sidewalk, to be accessed from the proposed second floor doorway. Architecture The existing building at 617 Congress is a three bay, two-story commercial structure that has been heavily altered from its original design. Historic photos show this address as being the middle of three matching properties along this block of Congress Avenue. Its neighbor to the north has been demolished and the property to the south has been altered, but not as much as 617 Congress. The ground floor currently has two windowed bays facing the sidewalk, with the southern bay recessed with a doorway for entry. The second floor is covered by stucco, possibly a structured slipcover, which removed the three windows originally there. There are two signs that are installed directly into the stucco cover. The condition or presence of any historic material underneath the stucco is currently unknown. Research Upon its first listing in city directories in the 1910s, the property was occupied by J.A. Jackson Jewelers through the 1930s, with occasional other tenants. After a brief period of being used by a shoe shop and cleaners, Leutwyler Jewelers took over the building and remained for almost 20 years, before becoming a menswear shop. The current use as a theatre and coffee shop began around 1999. 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: Repair and alterations 1. General standards Removal of material from the front façade is proposed to be non-original only, specifically the stucco coating. If, during the process of removing this material, evidence of original materials, openings, or fenestration details are discovered, it is highly recommended that these guide and refine the proposed design of the project. There are general concerns about the proposal incorporating elements that were either never present historically or more decorative than what would be typical from the period of significance. 4. Exterior walls and trim When attempting removal of stucco coating to reveal original exterior material, there is always a concern about the ease of removal and limiting the damage to the underlying masonry. Care should be taken with the most gentle demolition methods to reduce this risk, and test patching is recommended in a less visible section of the wall to understand the way in which stucco was installed on the wall. Overall, the proposed result meets the design standards in their intent, and it is recommended that the removal process be documented for educational purposes. 4 – 2 5. Windows, doors, and screens Three new openings are proposed at the second floor, with two windows based on historic photos. The 8-over-8 assemblies are recommended to appear historic by having top and bottom sashes and exterior muntins and mullions, rather than simulated divided lites. The french door system has the potential of appearing out of place in the district, but its visibility from the street will be minimal due to the size of the balcony. 6. Porches The proposed balcony rail design may read as too ornamental and it is recommended to simplify the design. 9. Light fixtures Light fixtures proposed at either side of the french door assembly may appear too historicising and are recommended to be simplified. 11. Commercial storefronts The ground floor layout and design is to be kept mostly the same. Recommendations for the second floor are largely described above. The proposed cornice detail appears to be appropriate to the historic and there are no concerns. If, upon removal of the stucco, there is significant damage to the masonry, it is recommended that the applicant keep in conversation with the Historic Preservation Office to discuss best practices for such conditions. Sites and streetscapes 6. Streetscape elements The size of the proposed balcony, which extends past the ground level metal supports and bisects the existing street lamppost, raises concerns about the finished appearance when viewed from the street. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. Department Comments Previous Historic Landmark Commission action: A Historic Review application was submitted and approved in 1999, which proposed a change of use from retail to theatre/restaurant. This application also proposed exterior alterations, and historic photos from the 1960s (included in backup materials) indicate that the brick had been covered by this time. The current application will time out on May 18, 2026. Property Evaluation The property is listed as compatible to the Congress Avenue National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain low integrity, pending further investigation of material that may have been covered as a result of the 2000-era change in use. 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 does not appear to currently convey architectural significance. 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 Comment on plans for alterations and release the application. Location Map 4 – 3 Property Information Photos 4 – 4 Site visit, February 2026 4 – 5 Site visit, February 2026 4 – 6 Congress Avenue National Register nomination (property indicated by red arrow) Occupancy History City Directory Research, February 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 1929 1927 1924 1922 1920 1918 1916 1914 1912 Blomquist-Clark – men’s clothing Shaw’s Jewelers Same as above Same as above Leutwyler Jewelers & Watch Shop Leutwyler Jewelers & Watch Shop, Rapp Bros cleaners Same as above Same as above Rapp Bros cleaners, Health Spot Shoe Store J.A. Jackson Jewelers Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above J.A. Jackson Jewelers, Richard Birnstiel locksmith J.A. Jackson Jewelers Same as above Same as above Address not listed Historical Information 4 – 7 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 17 Mar 1957: B3. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 10 Feb 1940: 8. 4 – 8 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 28 Sep 1931: 1. Austin Daily Statesman (1891-1902); Austin, Tex.. 22 Mar 1894: 4. Permits 4 – 9 Water service permit, 1945