09.0 - 4309 Avenue D — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness October 7, 2026 HR-2026-104982 Hyde Park Historic District 4309 Avenue D 9 – 1 Proposal Rehabilitate a contributing property and construct a rear addition. Construct a second housing unit at the existing garage. Project Specifications 1) Interior selective demolition of the existing main house, as well as alterations to the front of the building and replacement of non-original windows. 2) Construction of a rear addition consisting of several rooms and a rear porch, to be minimally visible from the street. 3) Construction of a second-floor addition to the existing detached garage for conversion to a secondary housing unit. Architecture This property is a single-story residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood with Craftsman elements, which fits well with surrounding properties. It features a large hipped roof with a front facing gable projecting at a front corner. While other contributing properties on the street feature elevated porches facing the street, this house has no such porch, with its two front doors accessed via simple concrete stairs. City directory research indicates that the house was built as a single unit but was split into two in the early 20th century. A roof overhang in front of the two doors is supported by two simple wood posts. At the rear of the lot is a garage facing a rear alley. Design Standards The Hyde Park Design Standards are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: 1. General Standards 1.1. Prevention of Demolition The proposal calls for reuse of the main house structure as well as two of the walls at the rear garage. The overall form of the historic residence will be retained, with the rear addition tying into the existing very appropriately. 1.2. Retention of Historic Style There are few remaining stylistic flourishes at this property that are more common elsewhere in the district. However, the Craftsman form and appearance will be retained. There is a concern that loss of some more utilitarian elements, such as the simple posts, concrete pad in place of a porch, and double front entry doorways previously serving the additional unit, may change the overall character of the property. This concern is relatively minor but it is recommended that options including retention of the second doorway, fixed in place, be explored to retain some of the change over time that occurred at the building. 1.3. Avoidance of False Historicism Apart from the concerns in the section above describing the loss of utilitarian features, the proposed interventions are generally muted and provide for a cohesive, well thought out design that fits well with surrounding properties. 2. Exclusions These design standards do not address work being proposed on the interior of the house, except in areas that may also be considered as part of the exterior, such as location/character of windows. 9 – 2 3. Residential Standards: Single Family and Contributing Multifamily – Preservation and Restoration 3.1. Front of Houses The proposal calls for the removal of one of the front entry doors (based on location, the door was likely not part of the original design). An existing single window at the section of the front façade projecting towards the street is proposed to be replaced with a paired window, as well as the addition of a window to the front, far right bay. The removal of vent grating at the front facing gable is proposed and is to be replaced with an attic window along with horizontal siding. Finally, an elevated porch is proposed with the removal of the simple concrete stairs. Overall, the final appearance of the front façade is appropriate, and would be very consistent with the design standards in a proposed new construction. However, there are concerns with some of the alterations based on loss of potentially original material. The single window at both the left and right bays of the front appear to be in salvageable condition and likely provide good interior lighting. While the proposed design meets the design standards in intent, it is highly recommended to explore options to retain one or both of these existing windows and/or the second front door fixed in place. 3.2. Doors and Doorways See above for concerns about removal of the second front entry door. The other door opening is proposed to remain in place but expanded with a transom window above. 3.3. Windows See above for concerns about alteration of the window openings on the front façade. At the rear of the left side of the house, one non-historic opening is proposed to be replaced with a smaller window. The applicant proposes new windows throughout the house, and more information is needed as to the current condition and need to replace these fixtures. The Hyde Park design standards recommend repair and rehabilitation of historic windows first, though there is some allowance for replacement, especially at locations less visible from the street. If replacements are deemed necessary, more details about the fixtures, including measured drawings indicating how they will fit into their respective openings, as well as glazing details indicating they will be clear and colorless, will be required. 3.4. Porches The construction of a low front porch in a location where there was not one historically is appropriate in this circumstance. An existing roof overhand lays out where such a porch would be ideal, and the application follows that visual language. 3.5. Roofs The existing roof is to be retained and will fit the construction of a rear addition well. 4. Residential Standards: Additions to Contributing Single Family and Multi-Family Structures 4.1. Preservation of Historic Character Proposed addition is located to the rear of the building and will be minimally visible from the street. Removal of historic material in service of the rear addition is entirely at the rear façade. At the garage addition, two of the existing walls will be retained. While more of the historic material is to be lost, it is recommended that any patching of deteriorated material at the main house may make use of salvaged material from the garage. 4.2. Location The addition to the main house is located entirely behind it and will not be easily visible from the street. 4.3. Roof, Fenestration, and Siding Roof pitch is proposed to match the existing and, thanks to the high overall height of the hipped roof assembly, will be hidden from view. Fenestration and siding at the addition is appropriate to the main house as well. 4.4. Size and Scale of Additions The rear addition is appropriate in size and scale to the main house. The second story addition at the garage structure will greatly increase its size and visual appearance, but Hyde Park has a consistent language of garage apartments, which this proposal follows in a modern iteration. Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. Department Comments This application will time out on December 21, 2026. Staff Recommendation Postpone the public hearing to November 4, 2026 and invite the applicant to the October 14, 2026 meeting of the Architectural Review Committee. 9 – 3 Location Map 9 – 4 Property Information Photos 9 – 5 Permit application, 2026 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2026 9 – 6 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 1929 1927 1924 1922 1920 1918 1916 1914 1912 1909 Apt. 1: Robert Hall, renter Apt. 2: Vernon & Katherine McComb, renters; Troy Harrell Food Store Herman & Zora Merchant, owners Same as above Apt. 1: Same as above Apt. 2: Charles & Ardie Wyden, renters Apt. 1: Same as above Apt. 2: Norman Wilford, renter Apt. 1: Ronald & Mary Jennings, owners; storekeeper at Texas Public Service Company Apt. 2: Norman Wilford Apt: 1: Luther & Louise Norman, owners; inspector Apt. 2: George & Nina Smith, renters; mechanic Apt. 1: Same as above Apt. 2: Vacant Apt. 1: Same as above Apt. 2: Winfield & Terrie Trimble, renters; Walgreen Drug Company Apt. 1: Luther & Alma Norman, owners; agent at Kansas City Life Insurance Company Apt. 2: Alfred & Louise Norman, renters; teller at American National Bank Apt. 1: Same as above Apt. 2: Clara Stubbs, owner; principal at Metz School Apt. 1: Same as above Apt. 2: Same as above Clara Stubbs, owner; principal at Metz School Same as above Temperance Stubbs (widow of Lemuel), owner, with Clara Stubbs; principal at Metz School Same as above Same as above Same as above, with Clara Stubbs now working as a teacher at Metz School Lemuel & Temperance Stubbs, owners, with Luther Norman, reverend and Clara Stubbs, teacher Same as above Address not listed Historical Information 9 – 7 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 13 Nov 1932: 2. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 21 Nov 1941: 23. 9 – 8 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 27 Oct 1937: 6. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 18 July 1931: 8. Permits 9 – 9 Sewer tap permit, 1913