16.0 - 211 Academy Dr — original pdf

Backup

HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts October 7, 2026 HR-2026-118672 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 211 Academy Drive 16 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1933 residence. Architecture This house is a largely symmetrical U-plan former duplex with Colonial Revival details. A single-story structure, the recessed center front porch formerly featured two front doors facing each other. At some point in the past, the house was converted to a single unit and one front door was infilled and clad with matching siding. The porch remains in its original appearance otherwise, with two sets of paired windows at its rear, which complement the arched windows at other areas of the front of the building. Three simple wood posts support the roof structure above, which is largely side gabled and features two dormer attic vents. To each end of the house is a street facing gable roof projecting out which each feature several windows covered with wood screen assemblies. This house is slightly elevated, which allows it to sit more evenly on the changing grade of the property. The overall condition of the house is good, and it retains integrity. Research Since this property was purpose built to be a side-by-side duplex, there is a long history of multiple renter tenants who lived in this building. Many of these tenants lived at the property for a long time, including several families employed locally in the area. Early occupants included a tax assessor and collector, as well as an employee for the nearby School for the Deaf. During the Second World War, it was occupied by a supervisor at US Civil Aeronautics Administration. The longest owners and tenants belonged to the Turner family. Marshall & Lucille Turner owned the property from the end of World War II onward, and for a time Jason & Grace Turner occupied the other side. During this period, Marshall and Jason both were employed by the Austin Chemical Company. 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 March 9, 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 duplex architecture that can, though uncommon, be found in 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. 16 – 2 Staff Recommendation Consider postponing the public hearing to November 4, 2026 and invite the applicant to the October 14, 2026 meeting of the Architectural Review Committee to discuss alternatives to demolition. Alternatively, 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. The Historic Landmark Commission must review new construction drawings prior to permit release in National Register Historic Districts. Location Map 16 – 3 Property Information Photos 16 – 4 Site visit, 2026 16 – 5 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 Unit A: Marshall & Lucille Turner, owners; Austin Chemical Company Unit B: Vacant Unit A: Same as above Unit B: William & Zilpa Townsend, renters; watchman at State Board of Control Unit A: Same as above Unit B: Same as above Unit A: Same as above Unit B: Jason & Grace Turner, renters; Austin Chemical Company Unit A: Same as above Unit B: Same as above Unit A: Same as above Unit B: Same as above Arthur & Billie Joe Rhea, owners; supervisor at US Civil Aeronautics Administration Earl & Annie Craven, owners; utility operator at the State School for the Deaf Birdie Smith, owner; nurse George & Mary McCullough, owners; cashier & collector at city tax assessor’s office Thomas Odiorne, owner; Brown & Odiorne 1932 Address not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 15 Mar 1935: 8. 16 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 July 1938: 1. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 05 Mar 1946: 7. 16 – 7 Permits The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 26 Oct 1966: A9. Water tap permit, 1933