15.2 - 507 Park Blvd - Architect’s Assessment Letter — original pdf

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April 27, 2026 Kalan Contreras, MSHP Historic Preservation Officer Austin Planning Department RE: 507 Park Blvd- Condition and Historic Assessment Dear Ms. Contreras: I have been asked by the owners of the above property to assess its physical condition and architectural significance with regard to whether it qualifies as a historic landmark. I am a licensed architect with over 30 years of professional experience, including in the remodel and preservation of historic landmark homes. The house on the property was built in 1922 and is approximately 1966 square feet in size. There is evidence of multiple additions. Further, the house is a one-story craftsman style, and non-sympathetic additions are visible from the front which detract from the front gable and overall facade. In my assessment of this structure my findings are that the architectural significance of the structure is low and its physical condition is poor, making it unworthy of preservation. My specific findings are in the attached. I appreciate your consideration of this report, and I am available at any time to answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Bart Whatley, Architect Delineate Studio | architecture . urban design 916 Springdale #4-104 Austin TX 78702 512-522-3511 Page 1 of 3 507 Park Blvd- Condition and Historic Assessment After studying the house, I have found the architectural significance of the home to be low and its physical condition poor. While it may be possible to correct the structural issues affecting the home, the cost of doing so would be very high and unjustifiable in consideration of its low architectural significance. The architectural significance is low. 1. The original chimney has been removed. 2. A portion of an addition visible from the front has a cantilevered space fitting under an original eave, with a projecting garden window. This addition detracts from the original integrity. 3. Addition windows are metal/composite material and not consistent in proportion or material to the original wood windows. 4. The craftsman style of the house is generic & lacks features that many other bungalows have, such as flared porch columns or decorative rafter tails. 5. The underside of roof eaves at portions of the additions are exposed OSB. As to the physical condition of the house, some portions of the interior of the house are in fair condition, but the house is mostly in poor condition. The more significant problems are as follows: 1. The front façade of the house is being disrupted by a heritage pecan tree less than 3 feet from the main structure. Its roots have pushed up the grade, including the walkway and the bottom porch step, such that water is draining towards the house, into the crawl space and the exterior skirting. The roots also may be responsible for shifts in the supporting piers beneath the front porch, causing cracks in the exterior skirting. The branches over the roof pose a risk to the structure. A new house could be constructed away from the tree, avoiding increased disruption. 2. There appear to be at least 2 additions, which left the house with an odd space arrangement and safety issues, and have contributed to the structural issues. a. One of the additions to the pier & beam house is a concrete slab about 3” higher than the other floors, creating a trip hazard and impeding aging in place. b. The different foundation systems have led to differential movement- There is cracking in the flooring and walls. c. A stair to a small, partially finished attic room lacks a safety rail and has stair risers that are too steep & unsafe. d. The house has two bathrooms that are side-by-side and separated by a sliding pocket door. Their configuration and the size of the doors challenge access with assistance such as a walker. 3. The majority of support piers at the pier & beam portion of the foundation are CMU blocks stacked out of plumb (suggesting movement), and not appearing to be grouted/reinforced. 4. There is foundation movement around the fireplace and daylight can be seen through the wall, and windows do not close enough for an adequate seal due to being out of square. 5. Siding and trim are within 2” of grade towards the right rear of the house. As a result, the siding and trim at that location have substantial rot, and this is the apparent cause of termite damage in both the ground floor and attic at the southwest corner of the house. 6. The front porch deck has rot. 7. The crawl space lacks adequate ventilation. 8. Rafter tails and fascia boards are rotten in numerous places. 9. Exterior trim is loose or rotting in a number of locations. Delineate Studio | architecture . urban design 916 Springdale #4-104 Austin TX 78702 512-522-3511 Page 2 of 3 10. Movement in the house has affected some windows, and has cracked the glass in one window. 11. The owners report an inspection determined that the sewer line beneath the house would have to be replaced due to root intrusion and a sag in the line preventing proper waste flow. 12. Numerous other deficiencies were noted, including among others, outdated electrical panel and wiring; improper roof bracing; and improper flashing. These kinds of deficiencies are to be expected in an older home, however, when combined with the many other problems identified, the cumulative expense seems to make new construction more economical. Following is my opinion of a Historical Designation Criteria Scorecard (per Austin regulations) (Y= Yes, N= No) Y – At least 50 years old N – Retains a high degree of integrity of materials & design (Additions leave the structure with mediocre integrity.) N – Meets at least 2 of the following 5 criteria for preservation: N– Architecture (This is a fairly generic example of a Craftsman style with unsympathetic additions visible from the street.) N – Historical associations (There are no known associations persons or groups significant enough to warrant designation of the house.) N – Archeology N – Community value N – Landscape feature Report by: Bart Whatley, Architect Delineate Studio | architecture . urban design 916 Springdale #4-104 Austin TX 78702 512-522-3511 Page 3 of 3