15.0 - 507 Park Blvd — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits May 6, 2026 PR-2026-033910 507 Park Boulevard 15 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1924 house. Architecture This single-story residence is an intact example of craftsman bungalow architecture in the Hancock neighborhood. The house features a wide front porch with a large gable roof above. The front door is roughly in the center of the front elevation, with a single 1-over-1 window on each side. The original brackets appear to be in good condition, and a rectangular attic vent is present at the center of the gable. Narrow teardrop siding, likely original, is present on all sides. While there have been several minor additions added to the property since construction, they are all compatible to the property and can be identified as not original to the building. As buildings change over time, none of the alterations are significant enough to call the building’s integrity into question. The existing condition easily meets the architecture criteria for landmark designation. Research The first several decades of the house’s existence saw two long term owners live at the address. First, Ray and Mattie Traweek owned the property until around 1939, and raised at least one son there. Ray worked as a salesman for the entirety of their ownership, and Ray Jr. worked for a time as a clerk. After they moved, the property was bought by Albert and Sidney Becker, who lived at the address until at least the 1960s. Department Comments This application will time out on July 20, 2026. Property Evaluation The 2021 North Loop-Hancock-Boggy Creek lists the property as a medium priority and a contributing resource to a potential Hancock West historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high 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 good example of Craftsman bungalow 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 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. Location Map 15 – 2 Property Information Photos 15 – 3 Site visit, April 2026 Occupancy History City Directory Research, April 2026 15 – 4 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Albert J. and Sidney M. Becker, owners; shipping clerk at Nelson Davis & Son Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above 1944-45 Same as above 1941 1939 1937 1935 Same as above Ray C. and Mattie J. Traweek, owners; salesman, with Ray C. Traweek, Jr.; clerk Same as above Ray C. and Mattie J. Traweek, owners; now salesman at W.H. Richardson & Co 1932-33 Same as above 1927 1924 1922 Same as above (Address listed as 507 E 42 1/2 St) Same as above (Address listed as 507 E 42 1/2 St) Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 12 Nov 1923: 8 15 – 5 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 25 Sep 1944: 9. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 27 Feb 1945: 9. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 May 1945: 11. 15 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 05 Apr 1951: 17. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 16 Feb 1955: 14. 15 – 7 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 29 May 1960: E8. 15 – 8 Sanborn maps, 1935 Permits 15 – 9 Sewer tap permit, 1935