17.2 - 403 Orchard St - OWANA Letter — original pdf

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Steering Committee Members: Stephen L. Amos, Chair Mark Ashby, Jeff Callahan, Scott Campbell, Marc Carlson, Hunter Coleman, Evelyn Fujimoto, Adrienne Goldsberry, Nick Mehl, William Osborn, Charlie Rice, Paul Shattuck, Shawn Shillington April 30, 2026 Historic Landmark Commission 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Re: DA-2026-038798 - 403 Orchard Street DA-2026-038813 -1208 West 4th Street Dear Chair Heimsath and HLC Commissioners, The Old West Austin Neighborhood Association (OWANA) Zoning Committee recently met with the applicant regarding the proposed demolition of the structures at 403 Orchard Street and 1208 West 4th Street. OWANA was first notified of this request on Tuesday, April 28, and met with the applicant thereafter on Thursday, April 30. At the time of the meeting, the applicant was able to provide only limited details regarding both the historical significance of either structure and any future plans for the site. During our discussion, we emphasized the importance of preserving contributing structures within the district, as the cumulative loss of such buildings could jeopardize the district’s historic designation. Based on our understanding, the structures appear to be in good condition. We strongly encourage allowing additional time for staff to conduct further archival research, which may reveal information supporting potential landmark designations. The 2025 Downtown Austin historic resource survey lists 403 Orchard Street as a high priority and eligible for the National Register as an individual resource. If the findings do not yield criteria to meet the metrics of nomination, OWANA recommends that the applicant make a genuine effort to relocate and financially fund expenses related to the relocation of these structures. Supporting and maintaining the integrity of our National Historic District is of great importance to OWANA. Given the limited information and limited amount of time currently available before the May 6th Landmark Commission meeting, OWANA supports a Landmark Commission initiated postponement of both demolition cases, 403 Orchard Street and 1208 West 4th Street, to allow for a more thorough understanding of the structures and site. We hope the applicant will agree that this is a prudent and necessary step in the process. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Stephen L. Amos Chair Old West Austin Neighborhood Association, Inc. OWANA