09.0 - 1511 Rainbow Bend — original pdf
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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts May 6, 2026 PR-2026-030473; GF-2026-033076 Old West Austin 1511 Rainbow Bend 10 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1935 contributing building. Architecture Three-story limestone Texas Vernacular house with eclectic elements such as Monterrey-style second-floor balconies, board-and-batten secondary elevations, and front-facing bay window. A designed landscape, including a pond and sweeping stone entry staircase, appears to be original to the property. Research The house at 1511 Rainbow Bend was constructed in 1935 for Dr. Thomas J. and Hilda McElhenny. Dr. McElhenny was the second pediatric physician in Austin and began Austin’s first Well Baby Clinic in 1934. He served as president of both the Travis County Medical Association and the Travis County Pediatric Society, as well as a delegate to the White House Conference on Children and Youth in 1960. McElhenny’s practice, The Children’s Clinic, operated from a building on Nueces Street until his death in 1968; Dr. McElhenny’s son, Dr. Thomas R. McElhenny, also worked with his father as a pediatric allergist. Dr. Thomas J. McElhenny was honored by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1946 for pioneering a new rapid treatment for scabies in children, without the dangerous side effects of earlier formulations for adults, as part of his work with the American Legion’s Child Welfare Committee. The property is historically significant as the home of Austin’s first summer camp for girls, founded and directed by Hilda Rudd McElhenny. Dubbed “Camp Wenonah,” the camp offered horseback riding, nature studies, arts and crafts, and swimming; most of the activities took place on the property. The house’s surrounding landscape provided a haven for the day campers, and appears to retain original stone features. Department Comments This item first appears on the May 6, 2026 Historic Landmark Commission agenda. 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 retains historic integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it meets two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of vernacular Texas residential design. b. Historical association. The property appears to have significant historical associations with Dr. Thomas J. McElhenny, prominent pediatrician, and with Mrs. Hilda McElhenny, who ran Austin’s first summer camp for girls at the property during the 1930s. 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 was not evaluated for its ability to 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 may be a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city due to its use as a summer camp during the 1930s. Staff Recommendation Consider initiating historic zoning. The Historic Landmark Commission must review new construction drawings prior to permit release in National Register Historic Districts. 10 – 2 Location Map 10 – 3 Property Information Photos 10 – 4 10 – 5 10 – 6 Demolition permit application, 2026 10 – 7 https://moreland.com/properties/1511-rainbow-bend Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2026 1959 Thomas J. McElhenny, owner 1955 Thomas J. McElhenny, owner – physician, 1402 Nueces St. 1952 Thomas J. and Hilda R. McElhenny, owners - physician, 1402 Nueces St. 1947 Thomas J. and Hilda R. McElhenny, owners - physician, 1402 Nueces St. Thomas R. McElhenny – student, UT Hilda McElhenny – student, UT 1944 Thomas J. and Hilda McElhenny, owners - physician, 1402 Nueces St. 1941 Thomas J. and Hilda McElhenny, owners - physician, 1402 Nueces St. 1939 Thomas J. and Hilda R. McElhenny, owners - physician, 1302 Norwood Bldg. 1935 Not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 Apr 1935: 6. 10 – 8 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 10 May 1935: 12. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 June 1937: A4. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 June 1937: A4 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 July 1936: 16. 10 – 9 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 July 1936: 16. 10 – 10 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 11 July 1937: A6. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 25 July 1937: A4. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 25 July 1938: 3. 10 – 11 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 21 Mar 1938: 8. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 21 May 1939: A14. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 01 June 1939: 7. 10 – 12 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 04 Jan 1942: A1. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 30 Oct 1946: 7. 10 – 13 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 03 June 1952: 5. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 20 May 1957: 9 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 July 1959: C8. 10 – 14 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 May 1960: 15. Bradley, Betty. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 10 May 1959: D6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 18 Feb 1968: B6. 10 – 15 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 22 Mar 1968: 6. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 23 Mar 1968: 7. Permits