09.3 - 1511 Rainbow Bend - Owner Letter to Historic Landmark Commission — original pdf

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March 16, 2026 To the Board of the Austin Historic Landmark Commission: We are sharing supplemental information for your consideration regarding the proposed demolition of the home at 1511 Rainbow Bend. What drew us to this property was not only the historic character of Old Enfield, but also its beauty, charm, and timeless quality. We have long admired the neighborhood for its traditional homes, mature landscape, and the rare combination of serenity and proximity to the heart of Austin, including downtown and The University of Texas. In a city that has changed so dramatically since our time at UT, Old Enfield remains one of the few neighborhoods that still feels like “old Austin”. We obtained a structural assessment of the residence, as part of our due diligence. The assessment found that the building is in distressed condition, with significant movement and settlement, substantial floor deflections, and related structural damage. Based on the totality of those findings, the engineer concluded that the structure is not safe in its current condition. In addition, environmental testing identified asbestos-containing materials in multiple areas of the home, including wall materials, linoleum, sink soundproofing, drain-line wrap, window glazing, and roof flashing, and confirmed the presence of lead-based paint in numerous interior and exterior painted components, with certain areas already in a deteriorated state. The sum of these findings confirmed for us that demolition is the most appropriate course. If permitted to move forward with new construction, we would approach the site with respect for both the property and the surrounding neighborhood. We intend to repurpose the existing exterior limestone in the new residence. The new home and driveway locations would remain generally consistent with the existing layout, and the existing water well would be preserved as a meaningful element of the property’s history. Our goal would be to build a traditional home that mirrors the architectural character of the neighborhood. Charlotte has lived in Austin her entire life, and Patrick has lived in Austin for nearly 40 years. Together, we have built our lives here and raised our children here. Charlotte’s family has deep roots in Austin, and the Bremond family is part of her family history. The preservation of places such as the Bremond Block is personally meaningful to us, and we are deeply supportive of protecting the city’s historic character. It is our sincere hope that, if approved, the new home will honor the legacy of Old Enfield and make a lasting, positive contribution to the neighborhood. Sincerely, Patrick and Charlotte Beathard