06.0 - 916 Congress Ave - Larmour Block F — original pdf

Backup

HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness October 7, 2026 C14H-1982-0001-f; PR-2026-018321, HR-2026-112231 Larmour Block F 916 Congress Avenue 6 – 1 Proposal Install a new storefront and security grille. Install egress doors in wall between 916 and 918 Congress Avenue. Retroactively permit raised wooden deck and pavers, installed behind the façade. Project Specifications 1) The proposed new fenestration includes fully glazed aluminum fire doors between 916 and 918 Congress. 2) The proposed new storefront comprises three bays. It features molded wood trim, transom windows above each bay, and a wood trifold door at the central bay. The flanking openings are infilled with metal security grilles and gates. 3) The project includes retroactive approval of pavers and an event stage constructed previously without historic review at the rear of the now-exterior courtyard. Architecture Two-part 1876 commercial block with Italianate stylistic influences, limestone masonry, and arched second-floor windows with decorative stonework. The original storefront was lost, likely during the 1930s or 1940s. See Department Comments for discussion of previous modifications. Design Standards The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects at historic landmarks. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Repair and alterations 1. General Standards 1.1 Do not remove intact historic material from the exterior of a building. Removal of historic material occurred prior to the current proposal. See Department Comments above. 1.2 Always attempt repair first. Replacement should only be undertaken when absolutely necessary, and for the smallest area possible. The proposed project seeks to replace some of the missing storefront elements. 1.3 When historic material must be replaced due to damage or deterioration, replacement materials should look the same, perform reliably within the existing construction, and, in most cases, be made of the same material. The proposed new storefront is constructed of wood trim with a wooden door and security grilles. While the trim is appropriate, the security grilles in place of glazed or partially glazed fenestration are not, and the transom windows are not appropriately glazed. 1.4 Do not attempt to re-create an architectural detail or element without proof that it existed on the building historically. Documentation can be physical (traces on the building), written (such as building plans), or photographic. The proposed new front storefront is similar in proportions to the previous storefront, with two exceptions: it is flat, rather than displaying an inset central bay as the previous storefront, and it has lost the central step that once differentiated the central bay from the flanking doorways. However, the previous storefront was extensively modified in the 1980s during the restoration of the Larmour Block, and no photos of the original clearly showing the storefront have been provided. The proposed fire door appears to be appropriately set back from the entrance. 1.5 When demolishing additions or features that were built after the building’s period of significance, minimize 6 – 2 damage to the building. a. Stabilize and repair building walls that are exposed when non-historic additions or features are removed. b. Avoid demolition that removes historic structural systems or compromises the structural integrity of a historic building. The proposed project removes the incompatible security grille per Architectural Review Committee feedback and replaces it with a semi-functional storefront frame. No demolition of additional historic fabric is proposed. 3. Roofs No roof replacement or additional structural shoring has been proposed, per Architectural Review Committee feedback, at this time. 5. Windows, doors, and screens The proposed trifold door is not compatible with the building’s historic design. Proposed security grilles at flanking bays are also incompatible. Staff suggest single fully or partially glazed doors at secondary openings and double partially glazed entry doors at central bay. Proposed transom windows are unglazed. 11. Commercial Storefronts 11.1 Repair, rather than replace, historic storefront elements. 11.2 Retain historic window and door openings. The proposed project replaces the missing storefront with new storefront trim without glazing. 11.3 When working on a storefront that has been substantially altered or removed, use a design and materials that are compatible with the scale and style of the building. The proposed storefront proportions and design appear compatible. 11.4 Use clear glass in storefront windows to maintain transparency. The proposed storefront is transparent in that it contains no glass. This is incompatible with the building’s historic character. 11.5 If reconstructing a historic canopy or awning, replace it based on documentation of the historic feature. 11.6 Design new canopies and awnings to be compatible with the scale, style, materials, and proportions of the building. a. Ensure that new canopies and awnings do not obscure or damage architectural features of historic buildings. b. Differentiate the new canopy or awning from any historic canopies or awnings through style, materials, and/or other design elements. 11.7 Additional standard for historic landmarks: Do not add canopies or awnings to the front of a historic landmark unless physical, photographic, or plan evidence exists that they were historically present. No canopies or awnings are proposed. Demolition by Neglect Demolition by neglect is inaction that results in the destruction or irredeemable deterioration of a building. The owner of a historic property is required by the Land Development Code to preserve the property against decay and deterioration. If the stability of the historic resource is compromised due to the owner’s neglect, the owner may be subject to fines and other penalties. Though the property is in the early stages of reuse, several maintenance issues persist after the building’s initial abandonment: first, vines appear to have been planted at the demising walls between 916 Congress and its neighbors, and have taken root at the top-floor windows. It is imperative that these be removed and the masonry inspected for damage resulting from the increased porosity introduced by the vines. Furthermore, the building’s long-term survival is hindered by the lack of protection from the elements; the walls which now form an open courtyard were likely never meant to provide protection from exterior elements and are thus vulnerable to water infiltration as the years progress. Periodic structural assessment should take place until an appropriate roof structure is constructed. Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. Department Comments The applicant briefed the Historic Landmark Commission on the project on May 6, 2026. They were invited to the 6 – 3 Architectural Review Committee on April 8, 2026 and have partially modified their original proposal to include some ARC feedback. The existing building was modified after HLC approval of a redevelopment plan proposed by a previous owner in 2013, with modifications to the design approved in 2015. After demolition of all but the building’s façade occurred, the project was abandoned. Mitigation of structural issues caused by demolition was approved by the HLC in 2017, at which time structural shoring was installed. The existing storefront was modified extensively in 1982 per research conducted by former Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky. A deck and canopy, similar to those at 918 Congress, were approved by the HLC in 2007 but were never constructed. Committee Feedback Rebuild the entire façade, including roof and windows. Retain iron entryway columns. Replace security grille with elements approximating historic storefront. Do not block main entrance. Install operable fenestration rather than existing security grilles. Staff Recommendation Approve the fire doors and retroactively approve construction of the stage, as it is set back from the street. Approve the general configuration and design of the proposed new storefront, but consider postponement of the public hearing to November 4, 2026 and invite the applicant to the October meeting of the Architectural Review Committee to discuss fenestration options for the storefront and second floor and roofing or other protective and/or stabilization measures for the long-term preservation of the structure. Require the property owner to remove incompatible plantings and biogrowth from near foundation and upstairs windows to preserve existing masonry and trim and to be compatible with the historic streetscape. Location Map 6 – 4 Property Information 6 – 5 Storefront ca. 2016, Google Street View. 6 – 6 Current condition showing security gates installed without previous historic review, https://swiftfitevents.com/venues 6 – 7 Bown, Kevin. https://www.instagram.com/p/DV1o6IGFbgv/?img_index=1 6 – 8 Elevation and section ca. 2007 6 – 9 1978 photo showing missing original storefront. Hardy, Daniel. [Congress Avenue Historic District, (Northeast oblique)], photograph, February 1978; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth673347/ Douglass, Neal. Downtown Street Scenes, Congress Avenue, photograph, January 1, 1946; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth62590 [Congress Avenue], photograph, Date Unknown; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth125360/ 6 – 10 Historic photos of Larmour Block, n.d.