18.0 - 515 Leland St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts October 7, 2026 PR-2026-113721 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 515 Leland Street 18 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1929 garage. Architecture This structure is a two-bay garage listed as a contributing resource to the district. It features two separate garage doors, which have been replaced, separated by a center post for support. The walls are clad in painted board and batten siding which is in good condition but retains its utilitarian appearance. The structure is front gabled and features vents at the front and rear. A non-original metal roof is present above. Research The property was owned for many years by Alton & Julia Walker, and at times also housed renters for a short time. Alton Walker worked for a time as a driver for the Driskill Hotel, but later in the 1940s-50s started a business repairing washing machines and other appliances. The repair shop was listed as having this address on Leland Street, and it is possible that the garage structure was used in service of this work. Department Comments Per city code § 25-11-213 (G)(4), the Historic Landmark Commission has 180 days to review demolition permits in National Register historic districts starting from the date the application was submitted. This period is set to time out on February 27, 2027. Property Evaluation The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain 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 a simple detached garage without stylistic influences found throughout the district. 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 Package. Location Map 18 – 2 Property Information Photos 18 – 3 Demolition application, 2026 18 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 Alton Walker, owner; Walker Washing Machine Service Same as above Same as above Same as above, with Jason Skidmore, renter; student at University of Texas Same owner as above John & Elsie Hodnett, owners; firefighter Same as above Same as above Alton & Julia Walker, owners; driver at Driskill Hotel Same as above Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 04 Sep 1948: 7. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 05 Jan 1965: 22. Permits 18 – 5 Water service permit, 1933