09.0 - 706 E Monroe St — original pdf

Backup

HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits August 5, 2026 PR-2026-079349; GF-2026-090393 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 706 East Monroe Street 9 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1927 house. Architecture This property is a single-story Craftsman bungalow featuring an ample, projecting front porch that is supported by two square wood posts. These posts, along with the porch railing and brackets above, decorate the front of the house, which retains strong integrity. The front gabled roof features prominent overhangs and rafter tails still present under a later gutter addition. Windows all appear to be original and are in good condition. The walls are clad in narrow horizontal siding, and the elevated foundation is covered by a concrete or stucco skirting. Behind the house is a porch structure that has been confirmed by a previous owner to have been designed by former University of Texas architecture professor Bob Mather. The design of this structure, made from portions of the original garage, matches the roof pitch to create a sheltered space at the rear, and was likely designed while Mather lived, along with his wife Jean Mather, nearby at 1611 Alameda Drive. Research After its construction, this property was shortly owned by Walter & Larah Bergfield, the former of whom was employed as a barber. After a series of short term owners and residents, including a taxi driver and a telephone repairman, the property was bought by Edmund & Dorothy Morris around 1944. Edmund Morris worked at the Mutual Benefit Health Association as a manager, before starting his own insurance agency by 1949. Doris is listed as assisting in this operation, and the couple raised several children at the property. By 1957, the property was purchased by Clyde & Georgia Priddy, a chef at the Commodore Perry Hotel. Department Comments Per city code § 25-11-213 (G)(4), the Historic Landmark Commission has 180 days to review demolition permits in National Register historic districts starting from the date the application was submitted. This period is set to time out on December 19, 2026. Property Evaluation The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it may meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of Craftsman bungalow architecture. b. Historical association. The property may have historical associations with former University of Texas architecture professor Bob Mather. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. The property does not possess a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, the neighborhood, or a particular demographic group. e. Landscape feature. The property is not a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. 9 – 2 Staff Recommendation Postpone the public hearing to September 2, 2026 and invite the applicant to the August 12, 2026 meeting of the Architectural Review Committee to discuss alternatives to demolition. Alternatively, encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, relocation, or deconstruction and salvage over demolition, but approve the demolition permit application upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. The Historic Landmark Commission must review new construction drawings prior to permit release in National Register Historic Districts. Location Map 9 – 3 Property Information Photos 9 – 4 Site visit, July 2026 9 – 5 Occupancy History City Directory Research, July 2026 Google Streetview, January 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1937 1935 1932 1927 1924 William K. Gray Clyde & Georgia Priddy; Chef at Commodore Perry Hotel Vacant Edmund & Dorothy Morris, owners, with Edmund Morris Jr.; E. T. Morris Insurance Agency, USA Army Edmund & Dorothy Morris, owners; E. T. Morris Insurance Agency Same as above Same as above Duard & Beatrice Chapman, owners; repairman at Southwest Bell Telephone Company Same as above Chester “Patt” & Orpha Ross; attendant at G. L. Cunningham Howard & Viola Work; taxi driver Vacant Walter & Larah Bergfield, owners; barber at Office Barber Shop Address not listed Historical Information 9 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 09 July 1928: 8. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 07 Oct 1948: 9. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 05 Aug 1953: 7. 9 – 7 El Paso Times (1921-); El Paso, Texas. 10 Jan 1954: 29. Permits The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 02 Sep 1953: 8. Sewer Tap Permit, March 1931