17.0 - 1005 E 13th St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits August 5, 2026 PR-2026-086869; GF-2026-090464 1005 E. 13th Street 17 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1910 house. Architecture This wide, single-story house was built with National Folk elements and features an inset porch at the northeast corner. The porch is supported by a single metal support structure in the front corner which is attached to a short metal rail. The front door is set at the rear of the porch, next to a single-hung window. A tripartite window assembly is present at the other half of the front façade, surrounded by ample wood trim painted blue. Narrow wood siding clads the entire house and, while sagging in some areas, is overall in repairable condition. Due to the width of the house, the moderately pitched hipped roof form visually dominates over the property. It is clad in composition shingle and features a rectangular dormer at the front, which itself is topped with a hipped roof assembly. The foundation is pier and beam. Research The longtime owner of this property upon construction was Henry Williams, who worked various roles as a fireman, porter, farmer, and oil mill worker. By 1918, he lived with his wife Eliza Williams, and the two raised a family at the house. In 1926, Henry Williams was shot in rural Travis County and recovered, and in 1930, he was again injured as a result of a wind storm while working at an oil mill. After his death around 1944, Eliza Williams remained at the address until at least 1949, after which the property was purchased by Abe & Bobbie Smith, who had at least one child while living at the property. Department Comments This application will time out on October 19, 2026. Property Evaluation The 2016 East Austin historic resource survey lists the property as eligible as a local landmark as well as contributing to a potential local or National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate-to-high integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of surviving National Folk architecture in this area of the city, and is notable for its large size and overall integrity. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations. 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. Staff Recommendation 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. 17 – 2 Location Map 17 – 3 Property Information Photos 17 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, July 2026 Site visit, 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 John Harris Same as above, with Abe and Bobbie Smith, owners; driver at Austin Motor Company Abe and Bobbie Smith, owners; Austin Motor Company driver Lartese Sneed, renter; maid Eliza Williams (widow of Henry), owner Same as above 1944-45 Same as above 1941 1939 1937 1935 Henry & Eliza Williams, owners; farmer & laborer Same as above Same as above Same as above, now listed as a laborer at Farmers & Ginners Cotton Oil Company 1932-33 Same as above 1927 1924 Same as above Same as above 17 – 5 1922 1918 1916 1914 1912 1910 1906 Same as above Same as above, now listed as a fireman Henry Williams, owner Same as above Same as above, now listed as a porter at Austin Mercantile Company Same as above, now listed as a fireman at Lone Star Ice Company Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 20 Apr 1926: 1. 17 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 May 1930: 1. 17 – 7 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 29 Apr 1931: 10. Permits The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 16 Dec 1952: A10. Water service permit, 1970