15.1 - 1708 Willow St - Owner Statement and Photos — original pdf

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Owner Statement in Support of Demolition Permit Release 1708 Willow Street Submitted by David Rudick Authorized Representative / Manager Emergence TR 1708Willow LLC I respectfully request that the Historic Landmark Commission release the demolition permit for 1708 Willow Street and allow the proposed residential redevelopment to proceed. I understand and respect Austin’s historic preservation process. I have personally invested in the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures in Austin, including Maison Rêve at 1807 East Cesar Chavez, where the project received a Historic Preservation grant, and the Avenue C redevelopment at 4004, 4006, and 4008 Avenue C, which received Preservation Austin’s 2019 Preservation Award for Infill and Addition. That background is important because I do not approach demolition lightly. I have demonstrated both an appetite and an ability to restore historic structures when the building has the integrity, significance, and condition to justify preservation. In this case, however, 1708 Willow Street does not rise to that level. 1. Existing Structure Condition The existing structure at 1708 Willow is an older building, but age alone should not be the basis for preventing redevelopment or initiating landmark designation. The structure has significant condition issues that make preservation impractical and not appropriate in this case. Known issues include: ● visible floor-level differentials and uneven interior floor conditions; ● suspected foundation movement / settlement conditions; ● areas where the existing floor plane appears materially out of level; and ● general deterioration consistent with a structure that would require substantial intervention to be retained. These are not merely cosmetic issues. The visible floor-level conditions suggest that retaining the structure would require major corrective work to the building’s underlying foundation and floor system. Any attempt to preserve the existing structure would likely involve substantial reconstruction rather than a true historic restoration. In my view, the building does not retain the level of architectural integrity, rarity, or historical significance that would justify that outcome. 2. Historic Review Context My understanding is that 1708 Willow Street is not currently designated as a historic landmark and does not have individual historic zoning. The property appears to have been referred for Historic Landmark Commission review because of the age of the existing structure, rather than because it already carries a historic designation. I respect the purpose of that review. However, I do not believe this structure meets the threshold for landmark designation. It does not appear to have the architectural integrity, distinctive character, or specific association with an important person, event, or pattern of development that would warrant preservation through landmark intervention. To the extent staff or the Commission believes documentation is appropriate before demolition, I am willing to work with staff on reasonable photographic documentation of the existing structure. 3. Willow Street Context and Precedent The immediate Willow Street block between Chicon and Chalmers has already seen several full teardown and new-build projects, including 1707 Willow Street, 1709 Willow Street, and 1809 Willow Street. This context is important. The proposed redevelopment at 1708 Willow is not an isolated change to an otherwise intact historic streetscape. Rather, it is consistent with the existing evolution of this block, where older structures have already been replaced with new residential construction. The proposed project should be evaluated in that context: not as a disruption to a fully preserved historic block, but as residential infill on a block that has already accommodated similar redevelopment. 4. Proposed Redevelopment and Housing Benefit 1708 Willow is a double lot. Releasing the demolition permit would allow the property to be redeveloped with two primary houses and accessory dwelling units, creating additional housing in an area where thoughtful residential infill is appropriate and needed. The proposed redevelopment would also improve the site’s relationship to the alley by creating active residential frontage and entries along the rear of the property. Rather than maintaining an underutilized service condition, the project would help create a safer and more intentional rear-lot environment consistent with the ongoing evolution of this block. The project would therefore replace a deteriorated, non-designated structure with additional housing and a more thoughtful site plan. 5. Conclusion I support historic preservation where preservation is warranted. My own track record in Austin reflects that commitment. But not every older structure is a landmark, and 1708 Willow does not appear to have the condition, integrity, or significance required to justify landmark designation or prevent redevelopment. The proposed project would replace a deteriorated, non-designated structure with needed housing and a more thoughtful alley-facing residential condition. I respectfully request that the Commission release the demolition permit and allow the project to proceed. 6. Supplemental Existing Condition Photos Exterior Condition / Altered Building Conditions Rear / service-area condition showing altered additions, utility conditions, and deteriorated site conditions. Front elevation showing older board-and-batten structure, limited architectural distinction, and visible deferred maintenance. Exterior condition photo showing deferred maintenance and altered building fabric. Side / rear elevation showing altered exterior conditions and general deterioration. Exterior wall and lower-grade condition showing visible deterioration at the base of the structure. Exterior rear / service-area condition showing altered building conditions, utility conditions, and general deterioration. Interior floor-level differential measured with level and tape, indicating material unevenness / settlement condition. Long level placed across interior floor area showing uneven floor plane. Additional interior floor-level condition showing unevenness across finished floor area. Screened porch / rear floor area showing additional leveling irregularity.