18.0 - 1903 Westridge Dr — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits August 5, 2026 PR-2026-063392 1903 Westridge Dr. 18 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1966 duplex. Architecture One-story Mid-century Modern house with stucco cladding and asymmetrical “wounded dove” roofline with deep eaves and recessed carport. The roof and front porch are supported by wood columns, some of which appear to be replacements. A stucco-covered masonry site wall shields the yard from view, and a large swath of limestone riprap at the front lawn separates the property from the street below. The rear of the building is clad in vertical wood siding. Fenestration includes aluminum sliders, casements, and fixed clerestory windows; the front door has been replaced. Research The house at 1903 Westridge Drive, originally addressed as 1901 Westridge Drive, was built by A. D. Stenger in 1966. Originally brick, it appears to have been stuccoed either during or after the period of significance, though the provenance of the existing decorative columns is unclear; both were likely applied at the same time. Little archival information remains on the building’s occupants: as a duplex constructed for Louise Weidner, it appears to have hosted numerous tenant households with relatively high turnover. Department Comments 1903 Westridge Drive first appeared on the July 1, 2026 Historic Landmark Commission agenda. The Commission’s 75-day timeline expires Property Evaluation The 2016 Bouldin survey lists the property as contributing to a potential historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building’s integrity appears compromised. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff have evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. Though its integrity as a Mid-century Modern building has been compromised by the addition of stucco and styled Classical columns, the building still displays the unique horizontality of form, interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the classic “wounded dove” asymmetrical roof silhouette that characterize this era of modern residential architecture and appear in several of A. D. Stenger’s designs.1 b. Historical association. The property was built by A. D. Stenger. However, it does not appear to retain sufficient integrity to convey those associations. As a purpose-built rental property, it does not appear to have been associated with significant people for a long enough period to establish the longstanding association required by Code to fulfill this criterion. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. 1 Contemporary examples https://creedefitch.com/austin-modern-homes/2301-rundell-ad-stenger. include https://www.atomic-ranch.com/real-estate/mid-century-modern-austin-stenger/; 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. 18 – 2 Staff Recommendation Strongly 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. Location Map 18 – 3 Property Information Photos 18 – 4 Google Street View, 2022 18 – 5 18 – 6 Demolition permit application, 2026 Occupancy History City Directory Research, June 2026 Occupancy history was not available for this address. Historical Information 18 – 7 1977 aerial view The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 20 May 1971: B30 The Austin American - Statesman (1973-1980), Evening ed.; Austin, Tex.. 18 Apr 1976: F11. The Austin American - Statesman (1973-1980), Evening ed.; Austin, Tex.. 09 Apr 1977: C25. Permits 18 – 8