12.0 - 2502 Wooldridge Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts April 1, 2026 HR-2026-017990 Old West Austin Historic District 2502 Wooldridge Drive 12 – 1 Proposal Construct a new carport and storage space, construct a new front porch structure, revise the roofline, and install new windows. Project Specifications 1) Construct a carport at the existing curb cut, and pour a new driveway in the location of an existing driveway. 2) Construct a storage room behind the proposed carport, along with a gym and pantry to be connected to the side of the main house. 3) Construct a new front porch and roof structure extending across the full front of the original house. Architecture House is a two-story, L-shaped plan that features some early ranch-style elements. These are noticeable at the original ground floor, where the horizontality is emphasized when viewed from the street. The walls at this floor are clad in white cast stone, and the second floor with vinyl siding. The roof is set at a shallow-to-moderate pitch, which is gabled on the ground floor and hipped above. Though it has been heavily added on to, the original contributing structure remains legible. Research After construction in the early 1940s, the house was first owned by Walter & Leona Moore, who were both retired. By 1947, Walter Moore passed away, and Leona lived at the property until her passing in 1958. The property was then purchased by France & Eugene Tips. 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: Residential additions 1. Location Additions are mostly to the side of the house, with the porch alterations occurring directly at the front of the property. However, this work does not add interior square footage, but rather alters the roof at this location into a flat assembly. This is not in keeping with the intention of the design standards, but does not run counter to them either. 2. Scale, massing, and height Additions are a single story, and to the side of the property, creating a massing behind the front line of the house and largely out of the way. 3. Design and style Proposed additions largely match the existing in style and design, but the scale and form of these are not expected to be confused with historic in any way. The carport, for example, is separate from the main house, yet has a compatible cladding material. 4. Roofs The flat roof system will create a uniform appearance between the main house and the carport and additions. Though it will appear very modern, the overall design is cohesive and does not create a false sense of history. 12 – 2 5. Exterior walls Wall claddings are proposed to match existing. If the form and other design elements such as the flat roof were not proposed, there may be concerns about creating a false sense of history. Taken with these other factors, these concerns are no longer present. 7. Porches and decks The existing front porch is proposed to be extended further to one side, greatly increasing its footprint. There is no record of such a large porch existing, and this proposed design does not meet the design standards. 9. Attached garages and carports The placement of the proposed carport is compatible with the neighborhood and the existing driveway at the side. It is compatible with the massing and size of other examples in the district. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. Department Comments This application will time out on June 15, 2026. Property Evaluation The property contributes to the Old West Austin 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 early ranch residential architecture. 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 new additions and release the application. Location Map 12 – 3 Property Information Photos 12 – 4 Permit application, 2026 12 – 5 Occupancy History City Directory Research, March 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 France & Eugene Tips, owners; Walter Tips Hardware Co. Leona Moore (widow of Walter), owner Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Walter & Leona Moore, owners Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 07 May 1942: 9. 12 – 6 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 28 Oct 1945: A8. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 24 Nov 1958: 27. Permits 12 – 7 Water tap permit, 1940 Sewer tap permit, 1941 Remodel permit, 1967