08.3 - 1109 Travis Heights Blvd - SRCC neighborhood letter — original pdf

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SOUTH RIVER CITY CITIZENS Mary Fealkoff, President Robin Sanders, Vice President Kenneth Burnett, Co-Vice President Will Andrews, Treasurer Mary Friedman, Membership June 24, 2026 Mr. Ben Heimsath Chair, Historic Landmark Commission City of Austin RE: Preservation of 1109 Travis Heights Blvd. Dear Chair Heimsath, The Historic Preservation Committee of the South River City Citizens neighborhood association opposes the granting of a demolition permit for the historic home at 1109 Travis Heights Boulevard. We believe this home merits consideration as a historic landmark. This house is a contributing circa 1920s American Foursquare within the Travis Heights- Fairview Park Historic District and remains an important example of the neighborhood's early residential development. Its balanced proportions, prominent front porch, and traditional massing embody a residential form that helped define Austin's historic streetcar suburbs. Located on a highly visible corner lot, the house contributes significantly to the character of the surrounding streetscape and serves as an architectural anchor within the district. Unlike many historic homes that have lost their integrity through extensive alterations, this property retains much of its original character and historic fabric. The interior finishes remain in remarkably good condition, preserving craftsmanship, materials, and details that would be difficult and costly to replicate today. Photos of the interior make it clear that it was a high style bungalow for the neighborhood (see attached photos). The beamed ceiling, oak paneling, fireplace, and built-in dining sideboard are fine examples of the Craftsman ideal so important to the bungalow style. The inviting front porch encourages the visitor to walk up the steps, sit down, and be entertained. The entire building retains all of its original massing and there are no unfortunate additions. The rear of the structure has retained the sleeping porch in its South River City Citizens • PO Box 40632 • Austin • Texas • 78704 original configuration. The windows, front door, and roof line are all original to the fabric of the building. These surviving features provide an authentic connection to the home's history and enhance its architectural significance within the district. Importantly, the house is not functionally obsolete or structurally compromised. Available information indicates that the building remains fundamentally sound and highly salvageable. While rehabilitation may require investment, the structure presents a strong opportunity for restoration and thoughtful modernization by a buyer who values historic architecture. The existing building offers a solid foundation for adaptive reuse, renovation, or sensitive expansion without sacrificing its defining historic character. Demolishing the house would permanently eliminate a contributing historic resource that remains both architecturally significant and capable of continued use. A more appropriate outcome would be to encourage preservation and rehabilitation by a buyer willing to invest in the property's long-term future. Given its architectural quality, surviving historic features, structural viability, and prominent location, the house represents the type of historic resource that should be preserved rather than replaced. Thank you for considering our comments and request. We would be happy to answer any questions, provide additional information, or discuss with you further. Sincerely, Clifton Ladd Historic Preservation Committee Co-Chair Barbara Cilley Historic Preservation Committee Co-Chair Attachment: Photos of interior (2 pages) Copy: Members of the Historic Landmark Commission Austin Lukes, Austin Planning, Historic Preservation Office Mary Fealkoff, SRCC president 1109 Travis Heights Blvd. Photos of interior Page 1 of 2 1109 Travis Heights Blvd. Photos of interior Page 2 of 2