12.0 - 1210 W 12th St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts May 6, 2026 HR-2026-037916 West Line Historic District 1210 West 12th Street 12 – 1 Proposal Construct a two-story residence in a historic district. Project Specifications Construct a new 3,858 square foot residence on a property with a demolition permit previously approved by HLC. The proposed house is two stories and features a side driveway. Research The first owners of the property after construction of the existing house were Lydia and Queenie Littman. Lydia Littman moved to Austin when she was a child, and, after graduating from the University of Texas, worked at a real estate company upon completion of further education and training newly available in the city. She became very successful in this field and became involved in various community groups. By the time she purchased the house on West 12th Street in her 70s, had her own business in real estate, loans, and investments. Upon semi-retirement around the same time, she continued to work out of her home office until her passing at the age of 92. 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 new construction 1. Location The location is generally in the same location as the previous structure, as well as contributing resources on the block. The setback matches neighboring properties as well. 2. Orientation Proposed structure faces 12th Street, which is typical for the district. 3. Scale, massing, and height Immediate surrounding properties listed as contributing are typically single-story in height. However, there are several examples of two-story residences in the district. The overall massing of the building features several narrow hallway and wings. One extends across the front of the house, which creates a solid, uniform massing when viewed from the street. The other projects to the rear towards the primary bedroom, which was likely selected to avoid critical root zones. While it can be problematic to have long hallways connecting disparate portions of a house, this design appears from the street as one mass and is appropriate. 4. Proportions There is some variation in the proportions of contributing resources on the block and within the district, as discussed in the section above. The proportions of this design are in keeping with larger houses in the area. 5. Design and style The design of the proposed house is in keeping with surrounding properties without appearing to create a false sense of history. Brick as an exterior material is found throughout the district, and the front facing, steeply pitched gable roofs have a similarity to a Tudor Revival structure, but lack further ornament to avoid trying to copy other similar structures in the area. There is not an incongruous use of different styles in the proposed design. 12 – 2 6. Roofs The steep pitched roof will be clad in tile roofing material. There are some examples of similar materials used in the district, and it is appropriate to the rest of the proposed design. 7. Exterior walls At the front façade, brick exterior walls are proposed. To the sides and rear, horizontal Hardie board siding will be used. The proportions of both materials are appropriate to contributing resources in the district, and there is a language of brick or stone front elevations with wood siding to the rear. 8. Windows and doors Proposed windows are aluminum-clad wood fixtures. The proportions are appropriate to similar windows found in the district. It is recommended that glazing be clear and colorless. 9. Porches A brick front step, slightly above grade, will be placed in front of the main entry. It will be uncovered and will not read as a porch. 10. Chimneys One chimney is proposed at the rear wall of the front section of the house. It will be minimally visible, and the design is appropriate in size and appearance. 11. Attached garages and carports A detached carport is proposed at the rear of the property, with a side driveway running along the side. This is typical of off-street parking in the area. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. Department Comments A demolition application for this address was approved by HLC at its August 6, 2025 meeting. For demolition in National Register districts, the permit is not released until an application for new construction in approved by the Commission. This application will time out on July 20, 2026. Architectural Review Committee Feedback July 9, 2025: Strongly consider a rear addition rather than demolition. If new construction is proposed, look to other contributing resources in the district for design elements, but be careful not to copy exactly or create a false sense of history. Pay close attention to neighboring massing and height as guides to the design for new construction. Staff Recommendation Comment on plans in concurrence with Architectural Review Committee feedback and release the application. Location Map 12 – 3 Property Information Photos 12 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, June 2025 Demolition application, 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 Lydia Littman, owner; Real estate agent Same as above Same as above Lydia & Queenie Littman, owners; Lydia – real estate agent; Queenie – claim adjuster Same as above Address not listed Historical Information 12 – 5 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 02 Dec 1945: A13. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 23 Apr 1946: 7 12 – 6 LOIS HALE GALVIN.  The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 27 Jan 1963: C10. 12 – 7 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 Mar 1965: 10. Permits 12 – 8 Sewer tap permit, 1948