06.0 - 1403 Hardouin Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness May 6, 2026 PR-2026-030431; HR-2026-044138; C14H-2009-0034 Catterall-Thornberry House 1403 Hardouin Avenue 6 – 1 Proposal Demolish a rear garage structure at a landmarked property and construct a detached structure in a similar location. Project Specifications 1) Demolish a rear, detached garage and ancillary structure, constructed in 1979 but listed in the Old West Austin National Register nomination as a contributing property. 2) Construct a two-story structure, which includes a two-car garage and living areas. Architecture The main, landmarked house is a two-story, symmetrical example of the Colonial Revival style in the Old West Austin National Register district. The main elevation is three bays, with the front entry slightly elevated and accessed by a small brick porch which is covered a decorative flat porch roof. This roof is supported by decorative columns at the corners. The roof is a side gable assembly and there is an addition to the rear of one side, built in the same style. Behind the house, a 1979, single-story garage is present and clad in similar siding, which makes it appear as though it were contemporary to the main house. 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 at historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location The proposed accessory building is to be in the same general location as the existing garage. It is held in from the side of the lot at a similar distance as well. The proposed design will be minimally visible from the street and matches the location of similar structures at other contributing properties in the district. 2. Orientation The main entry to the new structure will be towards the driveway, similar to the existing. This is in keeping with other garage structures in the district, and the orientation will not supersede the main structure in visibility. 3. Scale, massing, and height As a two story structure behind a two story main house, there is potentially some concern about its scale. However, a low roof pitch and minimal floor height allow the proposed design to be lower than the main house. The massing is compact and subordinate, and it meets the Design Standards. 4. Proportions While there is not a language of two-story garage structures in Old West Austin as compared to other historic districts in the city, there are many examples of rear two-story attached additions that are more visually apparent from the street. By being located entirely behind the main house, the proportions in this design are appropriate for its setting. 5. Design and style When compared to the main house, the design of the new structure is modern and will not be read as from the same period of construction. Such a design meets the Design Standards when proportions, materials, and scale are compatible with the historic, which is true in this design. No elements create a false sense of history or call into question the period of construction. 6 – 2 6. Roofs The roof is a simple form, and the standing seam metal proposed is found in the district, though mostly on infill and as replacement material. In keeping with the modern design comments above, this is also appropriate in this context. 7. Exterior walls Wood siding is common throughout the district, and this design orients it vertically to differentiate between the historic and the infill. It is perhaps a better fit for a non-original cladding than the existing, which tried to match the main house and possibly creates a false sense of development. 8. Windows and doors Windows are of varying size and pattern, particularly on the second floor. The larger windows will face the interior of the backyard, overlooking the pool, and will not be as visible from neighboring lots. The façade facing the near side lot will feature smaller, more regular shaped fenestration. 11. Attached garages and carports A two-car garage will be incorporated into the larger form of the ancillary structure. It will be in a similar location as the existing garage, which is appropriate for the district. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. Department Comments This application will time out on July 20, 2026. Staff Recommendation Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness. Location Map 6 – 3 Property Information Photos 6 – 4 Front of landmarked property (not is scope of work), permit application, 2026 Subject structure at left, permit application, 2026