18.0 - 1208 W 4th St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits May 6, 2026 DA-2026-038813 1208 West 4th Street 18 – 1 Proposal Demolish a Quonset hut currently used as a brewery and a ca. 1910 back house. Architecture The main structure of this complex of buildings and additions is a Quonset hut, which was moved to its current location from Camp Mabry in the 1970s, though no permit records could be found confirming this. Its distinctive curved enclosure currently houses a brewery and associated back of house spaces. The original material of the roof structure is intact, but new walls at the east and west side were constructed around 2020 when the current business opened. The historic material that remains is in relatively good condition, considering the design intent of Quonset huts as being temporary or quick-to-construct shelter. To the side, a wooden tongue-and-groove clad back house is currently used for additional brewery space, and it appears that, when the Quonset hut was moved to its current location, it was placed very near this structure. Research As stated above, there are few records that exist of the hut’s origin beyond that it was constructed for Camp Mabry and was moved on site in the 1970s. Aerial imagery of the property from before this shows a largely empty lot, with the exception of the back house. There appears to be vehicles and various materials stored on the site. It is unknown whether there were previous structures that are illegible in historic aerials, as permit records for this property are scarce. Department Comments This application will time out on July 20, 2026. Property Evaluation The 2025 Downtown Austin historic resource survey lists the both the Quonset hut structure and the back house as medium priorities, though there is no specific recommendation for preservation. 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 may meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is an intact and well maintained Quonset hut, which retains its legibility behind recent additions and porch/shade structures. However, the structure was not original to the property and was moved to its current location in the 1970s. b. Historical association. The property may have significant historical associations, as a surviving example of early 20th-century modular construction found on military bases generally, and at Camp Mabry specifically. 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 Consider initiation of historic zoning. Should the Commission find that the building meets the criteria for Architecture and Historical Association, initiate historic zoning. Otherwise, encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, relocation, or deconstruction and salvage over demolition, but approve the demolition permit application upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 18 – 2 Location Map 18 – 3 Property Information Photos 18 – 4 Site visit, 2026 18 – 5 Site visit, 2026 18 – 6 Aerial view, with property at bottom center of block (above, 1977, prior to Quonset hut moved on site; below, 1984, after structure was moved on site) 18 – 7 Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 1929 1927 1924 1922 1920 1918 1916 1914 Pilar & Vera Torres, owners; cabinet worker at Woodward Manufacturing John & Lupe Delgado, owners; Rosedale Shoe Service Same as above Vacant Roy & Oma Riggs, owners; driver Elbert & Martha Howell, owners; Good Luck Grocery Same as above Same as above Warren & Audie Carter, owners; sausage maker at Austin Meat Co. Jason & Emma Waterston, owners; bricklayer John & Ethel Thielepape, oweners; carpenter Same as above Vacant Jason & Fannie Cluck, owners; grocery store Vacant Annie Fagan (widow of Lawrence), owner; grocery store (lived at 1208 W. 3rd St) Same as above Same as above Address not listed