09.0 - 706 Oakland Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness June 3, 2026 HR-2026-058442 Webster House 706 Oakland Avenue 9 – 1 Proposal Make several alterations to a landmarked building. Project Specifications 1) Perform several work items at a landmarked building, which has been altered in various stages since original construction. These alterations include: a. Constructing a driveway b. Changing out a basement door c. Cladding non-historic metal columns d. Removal of an inappropriate stairwell enclosure e. Construction of two gable dormers f. Removal of a small exterior storage room Architecture While City of Austin landmarks have typically been designated with their original architectural design largely intact, the Webster House saw numerous small alterations after its 1916 construction and before its 2009 landmark designation. These include an enclosed porch at the northeast (the most prominent corner) and several small additions, some of which are very visually prominent on the house (for example, a narrow stairwell enclosure can be found above the enclosed porch, near the front of the house. These cumulative changes have made it somewhat difficult to understand what was the original building. 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 at historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General standards Material proposed to be demolished is understood to be from after original construction. Generally, historic wall and roof systems that touch these sections to be removed will be retained and patched with matching materials. 2. Foundations A basement door entryway is proposed at the front of the existing concrete skirt, which is full height due to grade changes on site. It is highly recommended that the applicant consider where, if possible, this doorway may be installed in a more discreet location. 3. Roofs Several alterations will be made to the roofline, largely in service of removing non-historic material. However, two dormers are proposed above the enclosed porch to provide light to the second floor playroom. The material for the roofs of these dormers are not disclosed, but they must be compatible with the existing roof around it. 4. Exterior walls and trim Drawings indicate that any areas where non-original walls will be removed will be patched with materials similar to the original. If those exact products have not been identified, the applicant must provide those to the Historic Preservation Office for approval. This may occur when permits are being submitted, but it risks approval delay if incompatible materials are selected. 9 – 2 5. Windows, doors, and screens No work is proposed at windows apart from alterations at the enclosed porch. The proposal in this location is to remove 12 existing 1-over-1 windows and replace them with a system of five wide and two narrow wood windows. While these are numerous and in a highly visible area, they aren’t original to the building. Proposed window design appears to be generally compatible but more detailed drawings are highly recommended for approval. 6. Porches See section on windows above for information on the enclosed porch. 7. Chimneys Application states that the chimney flue, located at the front right corner of the house, may need to be elevated in order to meet required clearance for code. If this is required, revised drawings will be needed to review. 8. Attached garages and carports A driveway for off-street parking is proposed at the southeast corner of the property. No carport, garage, or other covering is proposed at this time, and any shelter for this parking will require additional review. Summary The project mostly meets the applicable standards. Department Comments This application will time out on August 17, 2026. Staff Recommendation Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness. Location Map 9 – 3 Property Information Photos 9 – 4 Permit application, 2026